Wildlife and farming under strain after driest six months in 49 years

Scientists are worried as the relentless weather is dangerously raising the temperature of Wales' depleted rivers. Andrew Forgrave reports

- Andrew Forgrave

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 similar vein, amplifying the effects of a warm and sunny spring with low rainfall levels.

A large number of rivers in Wales are low for the time of year. All southwest rivers are “below normal”, while river flows in north Wales range from “normal” to “exceptionally low” such as the Ceiriog, Clywd and Erch.

July flows in the River Wye were the lowest on record. The prolonged dry spell, the driest for 49 years, has left Natural Resources Wales (NRW) “concerned” about the impacts on habitats, farming and wildlife.