Prolonged periods of hot, dry weather are placing increasing pressure on wildlife across Hertfordshire and Middlesex. While our landscapes have evolved to cope with occasional dry spells, more frequent heatwaves and drought are making it harder for many species to survive and recover.

The impacts are already being seen across our counties. Ponds are shrinking or drying out, chalk streams are running at lower levels and becoming warmer, and many wildflowers are struggling to survive. As flowers disappear, insects such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies lose vital sources of nectar and pollen, creating knock-on effects throughout the food chain.

Responding to the challenge of extreme heat

At Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, we care for nature reserves that include ponds, rivers, lakes and wetlands, providing essential refuges for wildlife. Our conservation management is tailored to each site. During periods of extreme heat, this includes manually providing additional drinking water for conservation grazing livestock and taking practical steps to retain water in important wetland habitats. Long term planning is vital. For instance, at Blagrove Common Nature Reserve, long term monitoring showed that the site was drying out more frequently so in conjunction with Natural England we took measures to try and slow the drying out down. A drainage ditch has been blocked to help protect rare wet grassland plants, including Southern Marsh Orchids. Although at the time of publication, the site and pond created there are dry, it is hoped that as a result of our work, water would have been held on the site for longer than it would have done without this intervention.

Water for wildlife

Many natural ponds on our reserves continue to provide valuable water sources for wildlife, particularly shaded ponds such as those at Gobions Wood Nature Reserve. At Fir & Pond Woods Nature Reserve, there is still water in the scrape made to assist the establishment of a critically endangered plant, Scarce Tufted-sedge, which favours wet, boggy conditions. At Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserve, the large pond there still has water in it, as does the pond at Rye Meads Nature Reserve. The cressbed is still wet at Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve and there is plenty of water at Amwell Nature Reserve too. This is not an exhaustive list of our nature reserves with water on them but it does illustrate that there is still water available for wildlife.

In general, we don't artificially refill natural wetlands, as these habitats depend on rainfall and water stored in our precious chalk aquifers. However, where appropriate, we use rainwater collected in water butts to support smaller managed ponds, such as the pond in the Trust’s Wildlife Garden at Grebe House in Verulamium Park, St Albans.

Everyone can play a part in helping wildlife during hot weather. One of the most important things we can all do is save water to save wildlife. Using less water at home helps leave more water in our rivers and chalk streams. Reusing grey water, for instance, from your bath or washing-up bowl (providing you are using natural or non-harmful cleaning products), in the garden, installing a water butt, planting drought-tolerant species such as Birds-foot Trefoil and Fennel, and providing a shallow dish of fresh water for birds, mammals and insects can all make a real difference. If you put out water, remember to refresh it daily to help prevent the spread of disease.

Reducing the risk of wildfires

Extended periods of heat and drought can also increase the risk of wildfires. The impact on people, wildlife and our precious habitats can be devastating, but there are simple ways everyone can help reduce the risk:

• Leave barbecues at home and take a picnic instead
• Dispose of cigarettes responsibly
• Take all litter home - especially glass bottles and tins
• Avoid parking on dry grass, where hot exhausts can ignite vegetation. 

If you discover a wildfire, no matter how small or large, move to a safe place and call 999 immediately.

Building resilience

As our climate continues to change, restoring nature is one of the best ways to build resilience. Growing evidence shows that healthier, more diverse ecosystems - including wetlands, species-rich grasslands, woodlands and healthy, water-retaining soils - are better able to withstand extreme weather such as droughts and wildfires. These habitats also store carbon, support wildlife and help tackle climate change.

By using water wisely, supporting wildlife in our gardens and helping to prevent wildfires, we can all play a part in protecting the wildlife and wild places that make Hertfordshire and Middlesex so special.

Supporting information can be found at:

Keeping Safe in Hot Weather | Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Help wildlife in the hot weather | Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Heatwaves and wildfires | The Wildlife Trusts

Rewilding and wildfire prevention | Rewilding Britain