UK drought's wildlife impact to last years

Wildlife in England and Wales will feel the effects of the current drought for years to come, according to the UK government. This summer saw large parts of England and all of Wales in a serious drought, with both recording their driest Julys since records began in 1836.

A lack of rainfall combined with successive heatwaves and new temperature records strained water supplies. Demand for water increased by as much as 30% on the hottest days. Scientists link this extreme weather to the climate crisis caused by burning fossil fuels.

Recent rainfall has not reversed the trend. The National Drought Group reports that groundwater storage and reservoir levels continue to decline.

Reservoir and Groundwater Status

England’s reservoir storage is now 19.7% below average for this time of year. Most reservoirs are classed as notably or exceptionally low.

Tony Grayling chairs the drought group and is the strategic lead for drought at the Environment Agency. He said the environmental impacts of the drought will 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, Grayling added. "The speed of drought recovery depends both on rainfall and demand for water."

Recorded Environmental Incidents

So far this year, 349 environmental incidents have been recorded, exceeding the 321 recorded in 2025. The incidents include algal blooms, fish deaths, water quality problems, and low flows. Algal blooms can be triggered by hot, dry weather and reduce oxygen levels in water.

Natural England reports that breeding waders and specialist wetland invertebrates have struggled significantly. Some species-rich environments have dried out completely. The agency is developing a new research and monitoring programme focused on the effects of drought and wildfire. Many of the most serious consequences may not become fully apparent until future growing seasons.

Calls for Nature-Based Solutions

Oliver Harmar is the chief strategy officer at Natural England. He argues the country must use nature-based solutions to adapt landscapes to the growing drought threat. Restoring the natural hydrology of our landscapes, particularly our wetlands and peatlands, helps them hold on to water for longer, recover more quickly from drought, and reduce the risk of fire taking hold in dried-out ground, Harmar said. He noted this also benefits water supplies and the wildlife dependent on these habitats.

The National Drought Group states it will take months of significant and sustained rainfall for the drought to end. The Environment Agency recently calculated that 120% of average rainfall is needed over the coming seven months for the entire country to be out of drought by next spring. Tony Grayling emphasized the need for continued water conservation. 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.