Wildlife charities across the South have said this summer’s heatwaves have had an “unprecedented impact” on wild animals.
Earlier this week, the Met Office said 2026 was on course to be the UK’s hottest summer since records began almost 200 years ago.
Wildlife rescue charities have reported an increase in calls, compared with seasonal averages, due to the record-breaking weather, with a wide variety of species requiring support.
Anne Brummer, who manages Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue on the Berkshire Surrey border, said the impact to one species could often affect entire ecosystems.
“There can be serious knock-on effects – all the trees are changing, we’ve got fruits early, and they should be winter food for lots of the birds,” she said.
“The knock-on effect on migratory birds, who won’t have food around, is huge.”