Yorkshire conservationists have warned that this summer’s heatwaves are severely harming wildlife by drying streams, ponds and soils, leaving animals short of water, food and shelter. They say the effects could continue into winter, as plants fruit early or poorly and wildlife faces disrupted breeding and migration.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reported extremely low water levels in chalk streams and ponds across North Yorkshire, while drought is causing early leaf loss and falling branches in woodlands. The Met Office says the summer could become the UK’s hottest on record; early-ripening blackberries may reduce autumn food supplies, although well-managed wetlands such as Potteric Carr have remained refuges and recorded six juvenile bitterns from three nests.