Wildlife will be affected by current drought for years to come, UK government says

Wildlife in England and Wales will be affected by the current drought for years to come, the government has said. This summer saw large parts of England and all of Wales plunged into a serious drought, with both recording their driest Julys since records began in 1836. The lack of rainfall combined with successive heatwaves and new temperature records have placed a significant strain on water supplies, with demand for water increasing by as much as 30% on the hottest days.

Scientists said this extreme weather was only possible due to the climate crisis caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Despite recent rainfall, the National Drought Group said groundwater storage and reservoir levels are continuing to decline, with England’s reservoir storage now 19.7% below average for the time of year and the majority of reservoirs classed as notably or exceptionally low. Tony Grayling, the chair of the drought group and the strategic lead for drought at the Environment Agency, said the environmental impacts of the drought will continue to increase.

These incidents include algal blooms (which can be triggered by hot and dry weather and reduce oxygen levels in water), fish deaths, water quality incidents and low flows. Natural England said breeding waders and specialist wetland invertebrates have struggled significantly, while some species-rich environments have dried out completely. Natural England is developing a research and monitoring programme specifically focused on the effects of drought and wildfire, as many of the most serious consequences may not become fully apparent until future growing seasons.

Oliver Harmar, chief strategy officer at Natural England, said the country must use nature-based solutions to adapt landscapes to cope with the growing threat from drought. The Environment Agency recently said 120% of average rainfall is needed over the coming seven months for the entire country to be out of drought by next spring. Grayling said: “It is vital we all still use water wisely in the coming months to help our environment recover from the impacts of an exceptionally dry spring and summer.”