The local plants and animals have been putting on an absolute masterclass in extreme heat survival. Thankfully, the blistering sun is finally running out of steam now.

The cat known to all the gardens of our road had positioned himself to do some sunbathing on warm paving slabs…

…and this is some of the mass of plant shrivelling everywhere (caterpillars left the web behind).

This good old English lawn has still retained its stripes in the dryness!

…and there remains a little bit of hope that this one will once again turn green.

The poplars in this wetland (now turned dryland with all the heat) are looking a bit on the autumnal side…

…but all this purpley-ness does at least prove that some plants actually prefer a little less water…

…and these are enjoying the sun too! With harvesting not far away.

Bright yellow wildflowers are still putting on a colourful show and keeping the neighbourhood bees very well-fed

This ewe was joining some strategic seeking of shade — the whole flock was putting on a masterclass in how to keep cool during a summer heatwave.

…and finally, the sky (briefly) stepped in with a brilliant reminder of what a little hydration can do!