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Summer Heat Dries Up Wildlife Havens
14 Aug
Summary
- Water voles are severely impacted by low chalk stream levels.
- Historic dew ponds have completely dried out this summer.
- Ripened blackberries appeared in June, months ahead of schedule.
Wildlife is facing severe challenges this summer due to persistent heatwaves, according to recent expert warnings. Crucial aquatic habitats are suffering significantly, with chalk streams experiencing extremely low water levels that are directly impacting species such as water voles.
Adding to the crisis, traditional dew ponds across the landscape have entirely dried out. In North Yorkshire, the River Esk catchment has seen unprecedentedly low or completely dry pond conditions, while many woodlands are exhibiting drought-related issues like limb drop and premature leaf shedding.
The unusual timing of fruit ripening has also become a concern. Some reports indicate that blackberries were found ripened as early as June, more than a month before their typical season. This accelerated ripening suggests that less fruit will be available for wildlife consumption during the autumn months.
