This is the view at the end of the lane we live on, overlooking the Brampton Valley. With so little rain for the last two months, it’s now very difficult to tell the pasture and arable fields apart.

Today, hopefully is the last day of the fifth heatwave of the year. The image shows just what a toll the heat and lack of train has taken. The sheep in this field have no fresh grass and many farmers will already be using this winter’s food to feed their livestock.

On a brighter note, though, the exceptionally dry weather hasn’t stopped a good crop of blackberries forming alongside the track and I’m coming back later to pick another lot.