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

Dried ground near the traditional source of the River Thames, known as Thames Head, a group of seasonal springs near to the village of Coates in the Cotswolds, pictured on 14 August. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA View image in fullscreen Dried ground near the traditional source of the River Thames, known as Thames Head, a group of seasonal springs near to the village of Coates in the Cotswolds, pictured on 14 August. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wildlife will be affected , UK government says The number of potentially damaging environmental incidents triggered ’s hot and dry weather has surpassed that of 2025 Wildlife in England and Wales will be affected , 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 30% on the hottest days. Scientists said this extreme weather was only possible due to the climate crisis caused . Five reservoirs in England and Wales ‘exceptionally low’ as drought persists Despite recent rainfall, the National Drought Group said groundwater storage and reservoir levels were continuing to decline, with England’s reservoir storage now 19.7% below average for the time of year and most 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 would continue to increase. “The short-term impacts of drought have been visible over the summer, but we know the effects on wildlife populations and ecosystems will last for years to come,” he added. “The speed of drought recovery depends both on rainfall and demand for water.” So far this year, 349 environmental incidents have been recorded, exceeding the 321 in 2025. These incidents include algal blooms (which can be triggered ), fish deaths, water quality incidents and low flows. Natural England said breeding waders and specialist wetland invertebrates had struggled significantly, while some species-rich environments had dried out completely. Before-and-after images show effects of rain in drought-hit England and Wales 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. The Environment Agency recently said 120% of average rainfall was needed over the coming seven months for the entire country to be out of drought .