WHILE the sun worshippers are hoping this warm spell will continue - farmers, growers and wildlife experts are among those praying for the rain to arrive.

South Cumbria and Millom folk - and even the animals at South Lakes Safari Zoo, Dalton - have been basking in the sunshine, with the temperature reaching 19C.

But after experiencing the driest winter in 20 years, farmers are concerned about the impact on grass and crop production, and there are challenges for fruit and vegetable producers.

Cumbria has also seen rivers running low, such as the River Eden and River Derwent, as less than half the average amount of rain fell in the in April.

But rain is due to arrive tomorrow and stay into the weekend and Monday.

Steven Brettle, NFU South West Lakes group secretary, said: “The livestock sector has been hit with the dry weather leading to a shortage of grass, so there will potentially be an impact on silage crops.

"One of the best ways farmers can manage risk of prolonged, dry spells is installing on-farm reservoirs. Many reservoirs have been built since the dry weather we experienced in the 1990s.

"The NFU hopes the newly formed government will help farmers with a future reservoir-building programme through tax relief and positive planning policies. While there are currently no environmental or water supply issues, the NFU is working closely with the Environment Agency, public water supply companies, Defra and The Met Office to assess the situation as this spell of dry weather continues.”

The award-winning young gardeners of Dane Ghyll Primary School, in Barrow, have been keeping their plants happy by setting up a special watering rota.

The pupils have been out at break times and lunch times to keep their fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants in good order.

The school's gardening volunteer, Louise Postlethwaite, and teachers have also been keeping the garden watered during the weekends.

Mrs Postlethwaite said: "We have planted about 30 different seeds and we are having to water twice a day. The kids have a special watering rota and they are out at break times and lunch times to work round the raised beds and polytunnel because we have planted so much. We are managing to keep on top of it.

"Allotment owners are struggling with this dry weather. As much as we love he sun, we are praying for some rain."

Joe Murphy, senior reserves officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: "Most wildlife will be finding it difficult at present due to drought conditions at the height of the breeding and growing season. Wading birds need soft sediment and water’s edge habitat to feed themselves and their young, while swallows and house martins will be having trouble to find mud with which to build their nests.

"Everyone can help by leaving water out for wildlife in their gardens. A plastic container of water in the garden will allow hedgehogs to drink and provide a much-needed bath for the birds.”