The current drought in England is “far from over” despite the recent rain, experts have warned. Birds, Atlantic salmon and hedgehogs are among the species struggling because of the dry weather, the Environment Agency said.
Reservoir levels are at an average of 56.1% full, far below the 82.8% expected this time of year. In an update issued on Monday, the Environment Agency warned the current drought is “far from over”. Alan Lovell, chairman of the Environment Agency, said: “While we have seen some recent rain, it is nowhere near enough to reverse the impact of the last seven months, which have been the driest since 1976.
“The environment bears the brunt of this lack of rainfall, and this summer we have seen widespread impacts from low river levels, fish needing to be rescued, and wildfires.
“We are calling on everyone to continue to take simple steps to reduce their water use, and are grateful to people for following the restrictions imposed by water companies.
“By saving water, we all leave more water in the environment.”
Five areas remain in drought, with more areas likely to declare drought status within the next few weeks, as groundwater and reservoir levels across England continue to recede.
A lack of rainfall has impacted harvests, navigation, and has seen restrictions in the form of several hosepipe bans.
It also has a significant impact on the breeding pattern of some animals, as well as peatlands drying out and at least 3,000 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest destroyed by wildfire.