Expert warns droughts put these 5 wildlife species most at risk

By Lauren Wilkin

An expert from The Wildlife Trusts has revealed the true extent of the damage droughts are having on UK wildlife - and the top five species most in danger.

"Wildlife is being impacted by the sustained heatwaves and drought in the UK, but it affects different species in different ways," says Stan Smith, head of species and landscape recovery at The Wildlife Trusts.

At the end of July, the Met Office announced that half of the UK was experiencing a flash drought - the term used for a drought that occurs after weeks or months, rather than building up over years.

July saw just 7% of expected rainfall, falling to 1% across southern England – and there is no substantial rain forecasted for August.

"Species that are already suffering from fragmented populations or declining due to other factors may be less able to cope with these additional pressures," Stan explains.

"For those that depend on wetter habitats like wetlands, peatlands and rivers — such as wading birds, amphibians and fish — these extremes create a real risk."

Now, Stan has shared the five most at-risk species if drought conditions continue:

1. Atlantic salmon

"Drought reduces river flows, increases water temperatures and lowers oxygen levels, making conditions stressful — or even fatal — for fish," Stan explains.

"As a migratory species, Atlantic salmon need sufficient river flows to reach their spawning grounds, while low water levels can prevent them from moving upstream.

"Then when rains do finally come, runoff from hard ground can bring with it a flush of pollutants, placing fish further at risk."

Stan says that Atlantic salmon are already classed as an endangered species in the UK, so additional stress from drought is a significant concern.

"Atlantic salmon are a keystone species that carry nutrients between marine and freshwater habitats, provide food for wildlife including otters and birds, and are an important indicator of river health," he explains.

Lots of other fish species will be struggling with the reduced water levels too.

"The Environment Agency has also already been carrying out fish rescues, including for trout, bullhead, and small salmon. Lake fish such as the Arctic charr are also at risk."

2. Bumblebees

"Bumblebees are susceptible to overheating during very hot weather and can struggle when drought reduces the availability of nectar and pollen-rich flowers," Stan explains.

"Several bumblebee species have experienced long-term declines in the UK, and prolonged periods of heat and drought puts additional pressure on them.

"Bumblebee species have already been moving northwards in recent years in response to a warming climate."

Stan says this is deeply concerning, considering bumblebees are among the UK's most important pollinators, helping wildflowers and crops reproduce. Any decline in their numbers can have wider impacts on biodiversity and food production.

"We can all help by planting more wildflowers in our gardens and providing shady spots between longer grass, shrubs and hedges, as well as a water source with stones in and easy entry and exit points so bumblebees can safely land to rehydrate," Stan advises.

3. Great-crested newt

"Newts are particularly vulnerable to drought because they need to keep their skin moist in order to breathe," Stan says. "They also need wet conditions for breeding."

The great-crested newt is one of the UK's rarest amphibians, and populations have declined dramatically over the last 50 years.

"They play a vital role in our ecosystems, preying on worms, insects, and other small creatures, and becoming a food source themselves for larger predators.

"They also help move nutrients between water and land, which improves soil fertility."

4. Natterjack toad

"Natterjack toads rely on shallow pools for breeding, but lower water levels and a lack of rainfall can significantly reduce breeding success, as pools can dry out before tadpoles have fully developed," says Stan.

The expert says they are already very rare in the UK, with populations restricted to about 60 sites in Britain and a small number in south-west Ireland.

"Natterjack toads prey on spiders, beetles, and other insects, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

"As eggs and tadpoles, they provide food for aquatic insects and other amphibians, and as adults, they become an essential food source for wildlife such as birds, grass snakes, badgers and otters."

5. Snipe and lapwing

"These wading birds rely on damp soils rich in worms and other invertebrates," says Stan.

"As soils dry and harden, it becomes more difficult for them to find food."

He notes how both species have experienced substantial declines in the UK, and prolonged dry conditions can put them under further pressure.

"Snipe and lapwing are characteristic species of wetlands and wet grasslands.

"Their decline can indicate problems within these habitats which are also vital to a range of rare plants, invertebrates and other bird species.

What you can do to help

While these species are 'most at risk', Stan says many others are facing difficulties amid the dry conditions.

"Other species that could be impacted include moles, plants like the rare Tunbridge filmy fern, and the mountain ringlet butterfly," he adds.

And Stan is calling on everyone to help.

"Wildlife relies on water just as much as humans do," he says.

"So The Wildlife Trusts are encouraging everyone to help the nature on their doorsteps by putting out safely accessible and clean water, offering shade where they can, and packing a picnic, not a barbeque, when spending time outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfires.

"Saving water in the home will also leave more water in the environment, helping those species at risk," he adds.

But longer term, he wants to see real change.

"We really need to see increased support for retaining water naturally in our landscapes so that when the rain does fall, it is able to be held in healthy soils and released slowly through periods of drought.

"The best ways to do this include increasing tree cover, reconnecting our rivers to our floodplains and returning beavers to our wetlands."