Drought hits wildlife

The continuing drought across our region could have disastrous effects on wildlife - that's the warning from conservationists. The lack of rain means rivers and streams are starting to run dry. With many animals now entering the breeding season, it's feared they could fail to raise young.

Malcolm Shaw reports from a Sussex nature reserve and speaks to experts Paul Spiers from the RSPB and John Sutton from the Environment Agency.

• UK
• Wildlife
• Drought

With water restrictions about to come into force for consumers, what effect will the continuing drought have on our wildlife? The lack of rain is already causing rivers and streams to dry up across the Meridian region.

Experts say many species will find it increasingly hard as they enter the crucial breeding season this spring. At Pulborough Brooks nature reserve in Sussex, rare wetland birds are under threat.

• UK
• Wildlife
• Drought

West Sussex County Council will host a ‘drought summit’ later this month to explore what role the local authority can play following the hosepipe ban which will be introduced from April 5.

Council leaders and representatives from Southern Water and South East Water will attend the meeting.

• UK
• Wildlife
• Drought