RESIDENTS across the New Forest are being urged not to leave out containers of water for animals despite the prolonged heatwave.

Verderers have warned peoples' best intentions can do more harm than good.

The response comes after reports from a commoner that a neighbour had left out water leading to their small herd of cows and ponies not drinking from the natural source of a nearby stream.

Lord Manners, Official Verderer, said: "We understand that residents are becoming worried about water for the Forest animals in this unusually prolonged period without rain.

"We would like to assure everyone that the animals do know where to find water. It is actually rarely far away even if some of the usual watering holes have dried up.

"Putting out water in buckets and other receptacles for the animals is very counterproductive and dangerous and we ask Forest residents not to do it.

"We have also found in previous years that animals have either tipped buckets over or they have injured one another as they argue over access to them."

The hot dry weather is set to continue over the coming days, however an extended drought is needed before action is necessary.

Lord Manners, who made the announcement in the Verderers Court, said animals can find natural supplies.

He added: "There are a number of large water troughs in the Forest, supplied by mains water as well as the streams and ponds and we would have to have a drought lasting half the year before they would dry out.

"It is far better to allow the animals to find natural supplies of water.

"The Agisters monitor the condition of stock and our Head Agister has reported the animals are looking very good. So, while we completely understand the reasons why people may think it is a good idea to put out buckets of water - please don't."

Mike Eccles, president of the Commoners Defence Association, said: "This has only really been an issue and come to light this year with the dry weather.

"I think we are a little way to go yet before we have to put out water, and that would only be in designated places that are safe and assigned.

"I can appreciate the concerns, but I think there is some way to go before we need to act.

"We don't want animals crossing roads they would not normally cross."