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Drought Devastates England: Crops Wither, Wildlife Suffers
24 Aug
Summary
- Crops withering, wildlife dehydrated due to record-breaking drought
- Reservoirs at record lows, streams exceptionally dry
- Hedgehogs, owls, and beavers struggling to survive

In August 2025, England is grappling with the aftermath of one of the hottest and driest summers on record. The prolonged drought has taken a severe toll on the country's agriculture and wildlife.
Farmers in the driest parts of England are bracing for a bitter harvest, as the region has experienced four heatwaves over the past few months. The lack of rainfall has left crops withering and reservoirs at record lows, with more than half of the reservoirs recording a decrease of over 10% in total capacity compared to the end of July.
The drought is also taking a heavy toll on wildlife. Rescue centers across the country are caring for dehydrated hedgehogs and owls, while the freshwater habitats that beavers rely on have dried up, leading to the death of one of the first beavers released into the wild under a government license.
Experts warn that the situation is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change, as extreme weather events like prolonged droughts and heatwaves are becoming increasingly common. They caution that England is not adequately prepared to handle such crises, and urgent action is needed to safeguard the nation's water supply and protect its vulnerable ecosystems.