The recent spell of hot weather has been welcomed by many. Long summer evenings, blue skies and golden fields are a familiar and much-loved part of the English countryside.

For those who farm the land, these conditions bring something else too: a constant sense of responsibility.

At this time of year, crops are at their driest. A single spark can destroy hundreds of acres in minutes, wiping out a year’s work and putting livelihoods, wildlife and neighbouring properties at risk.

Across the Great Oakley Estate, our farming team has been keeping an almost constant watch over the countryside. During periods of extreme heat, the day doesn’t end when the machinery is switched off. Fields are checked throughout the day and into the evening, and any sign of smoke is treated as a potential emergency.

Sadly, every summer also brings fires started deliberately or through carelessness, a discarded cigarette, a disposable barbecue, broken glass, an act of vandalism. The consequences can be devastating.

Most people never see what sits behind this: while the rest of us enjoy the warm weather, farmers are watching the horizon, checking vulnerable areas and doing everything they can to protect crops that have taken months to grow.

If you’re walking through the countryside this summer, please help us protect it.

• Never light fires or disposable barbecues.
• Take all litter home, particularly glass bottles.
• Dispose of cigarettes safely.
• Report any sign of smoke or fire immediately.

As custodians of this landscape, we’re proud of what a working farm gives back: food on the table, habitats that support wildlife, and countryside people can walk through and enjoy. A little extra care this summer helps make sure another harvest comes in safely.

If you see a fire, call 999 immediately. If you notice suspicious activity around farmland, please report it to the police on 101 and, if possible, let the Great Oakley Estate Office know so we can respond quickly and help protect our countryside.

Thank you for helping us protect it.