'Wildlife and crops under threat' after Wales' driest six months since 1976

CROP YIELDS UNDER PRESSURE AND RIVERS SO WARM AND LOW MANY FISH STRUGGLING, WARNS NRW

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

THE driest six-month period in Wales since 1976 is placing severe stress on the land and wildlife, environment experts have said.

Among those feeling the strain are fish such as salmon and sea trout experiencing "sub lethal" pressures as river temperatures keep rising.

This comes after a warm and dry July which reduced river flows and soil moisture levels. August has continued in a simalr vein, amplifying the effects of a warm and sunny spring with low rainfall.

A large number of rivers in Wales are low for the time of year. All South West rivers are "below normal", while river flows in North Wales range from "normal" to "exceptionally low" such as the Ceiriog, Clywd and Erch.

Flows in the River Wye were the lowest on record for July.

The prolonged dry spell, the worst for 49 years, has left Natural Resources Wales (NRW) "concerned" about the impacts on habitats, farming and wildlife.