Farms across Greater Manchester closing early to help animals cope with extreme heat

Farm animals are among the many feeling the heat during the extreme weather causing some sites to closing earlier to protect them. Temperatures reached as high as 36 degrees Celsius yesterday in Greater Manchester and it is due to go even hotter today, something that farms have been alert to.

It was all guns blazing at Smithills Open Farm though with plenty of school trips on the go and many animals kept under shelter from the sun. However, donkey rides were not available due to the high heat as well.

This follows the farm’s hit back at online rumours that a donkey ‘collapsed’.

Read more: Alarming images show ferocious heat in children's playground in Manchester as hot weather continues

Co-owner of the Bolton-based farm, Carl Grimshaw, took to the farm's Facebook page to offer the 'truth' of 'what actually happened'. He has also hit out at those 'trying to destroy our family business that we have spent so long building up' and would like customers to 'understand this situation'.

Many of the animals at Smithills Open Farm were doing exactly that with a big tree keeping the sheep and llamas, with their trimmed fleeces, under shade. Many of the animals at the Bolton farm were kept inside though to keep them cool with water readily available as the farm carried on its usual routine.

“Everyone is absolutely fine at the farm and we are trying to keep all the animals in the shade where possible,” a spokeswoman said from the farm. “We are getting them water and double checking them regularly.”

Many bigger animals needed to be hosed down to be cooled and shade - as well as plenty of hydration - was key for all farmers across Greater Manchester. Sandra Warhurst, from Mellowdew Farm and Livery in Simister, believed that the best