Neve Dawson

Nearly three-quarters of England is officially experiencing drought, with 71.3 per cent of the country affected and further areas placed under prolonged dry-weather status. Exceptionally low rainfall, depleted reservoirs and rivers, damaged natural habitats, and poor agricultural yields have intensified pressure on water supplies. Farmers are calling for more resilient water-management policies, including easier construction of on-farm reservoirs and flexible abstraction licences. The drought follows England’s driest July on record in southern regions and coincides with amber heat-health alerts and forecast temperatures of up to 38C.