Drought Forces Woman to Fill Garden with Water for 50 Ducks

In Hempton, near Fakenham in Norfolk, Lucyl Harrison has taken extraordinary measures to ensure the survival of a flock of 50 ducks. The local village pond has completely dried up due to the severe summer heatwave, a situation exacerbated by the Environment Agency declaring a drought across more than half of England, including East Anglia. Harrison has transformed her garden into a vital water source, utilizing two paddling pools, a swimming pool, numerous bowls, trays, and buckets.

The ducks have become dependent on her daily assistance, congregating at her patio door at 6:00 AM for sustenance and relief from the heat. Harrison expressed her motivation, stating she couldn't bear to see the birds suffer. She began with household items but quickly realized the need for more substantial solutions, receiving help from the community with additional containers, including a large swimming pool.

Rebecca Machin from the RSPCA acknowledged that prolonged dry conditions pose significant challenges for wildlife, affecting not only water sources but also food availability. She advised providing shallow, clean water containers and changing the water regularly to prevent disease spread. Anglian Water has implemented a temporary water use ban, but exemptions are made for animal welfare needs.