Eco warning as drought declared in north Wales

FOLLOWING a scorching summer, a drought has been declared in more parts of Wales.

- STEVE BAGNALL AND BRYANA FRANCIS

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has upgraded north Wales to drought status due to reports of streams drying up, “fish in distress” and other environmental impacts. The move comes after southeast Wales was moved into drought status earlier this month.

In a statement, NRW said: “While many parts of Wales have received some welcome rainfall this week, the extended hot and dry weather this spring/summer is continuing to impact Wales’ rivers, groundwaters, land and wildlife.

“Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced today (August 29) that despite the change in weather, trigger levels have been met to move north Wales into drought status, closely following southeast Wales, which declared drought earlier this month.

“Southwest Wales has benefited from this week's rainfall and will remain at prolonged dry weather status while being closely monitored.

“The decision was shared with a meeting of the Welsh Government's Drought Liaison Group this morning, where the latest hydrological data and the wider implications of low river flows and groundwater levels was considered.

“Concerns were shared about the impacts witnessed by our teams on the ground, as well as members of the public via NRW's incident hotline.

“In north Wales, more reports are being received about streams drying up and fish found in distress. A significant wildfire impacted the Newborough National Nature Reserve over the bank holiday weekend, causing a temporary closure to the site.”