As the United Kingdom grapples with its hottest summer on record and widespread drought conditions, several celebrities have found ways to keep their gardens green despite strict hosepipe bans.
Chef Jamie Oliver is reportedly using water from a personal lake on his 70-acre estate in Essex to water his garden. Under current hosepipe ban regulations, using water from a privately owned source like a lake, pond, spring, or well on one's property is often exempt. Oliver, who purchased the property in 2019, has been seen with a long yellow pipe extending from his garden to the water feature, allowing him to maintain lush lawns while surrounding areas are parched.
Other notable figures are also experiencing the effects of the drought. Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones guitarist, owns a property in West Sussex where a small central garden appears well-maintained, but other parts of his estate show signs of dryness. Without a visible private water source, Richards is subject to the hosepipe ban that came into effect in his county on July 25.
Sir Rod Stewart's property in Essex also features remarkably green gardens despite the dry weather and a hosepipe ban imposed by Affinity Water on July 17. His estate includes extensive gardens, a mini golf course, and an artificial football pitch. While there are workarounds for watering grass, such as using a watering can, it is also possible he benefits from an exemption similar to Oliver's.
The UK is currently experiencing its sixth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 38C (100F). The country is on track for its hottest summer ever, with provisional data showing the mean temperature from June 1 to August 10 is 16.48C, 1.88C above the 1991-2020 average. This has led to drought declarations in all of Wales and nearly three-quarters of England.
The record-breaking heat has also revealed the remains of Nether Hambleton, a village submerged in the 1970s to create the Rutland Water reservoir. The low water levels have exposed stonework and building outlines, offering a glimpse into the past.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer noted that high pressure is dominating, leading to building temperatures. While the peak heat might be shorter-lived than previous heatwaves, widespread temperatures in the mid-30s are expected to cause impacts. An amber extreme heat warning has been issued for central and southern England for Thursday, with the UK Health Security Agency also activating amber heat health alerts across much of England, warning of potential adverse health effects and a rise in deaths.
July saw minimal rainfall across England, ranging from 1% of the average in the South East to 26% in the North West. Farmers have reported concerns about crop yields and livestock feed, with potential for food price inflation. Firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the UK.
The current heatwave is expected to subside over the weekend, bringing cooler air and some rain. However, forecasts for the remainder of August and into September suggest a continuation of dry weather mixed with unsettled spells, with below-average rainfall more likely than above-average for the period.