Record-breaking June heat and another early July heatwave are increasing pressure on already stressed UK ecosystems, environmental specialists have warned.
The warning follows a late June heatwave in which the Met Office reported provisional June temperature records across parts of the UK. England recorded a provisional June high of 37.7°C at Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June, while Wales recorded 35.9°C at Cardiff Bute Park on 25 June.
The Met Office has also said the UK is experiencing its third heatwave in seven weeks, with temperatures forecast to reach 33°C to 34°C widely across southern England and Wales, and a small chance of 35°C in the hottest spots.
According to Thomson Environmental Consultants, hotter temperatures are adding to long-term pressures on wildlife from habitat loss, pollution and fragmented landscapes. State of Nature data cited by the consultancy shows UK species abundance has fallen by an average of 19% since 1970, while only around one in seven UK habitats assessed are in good condition.
“Wildlife is struggling to adapt as hotter temperatures and more extreme weather cause changes to where animals and plants live,” said Daniel Reynolds, Director of Business Development at Thomson Environmental Consultants.
Why are heatwaves a wildlife issue?
Extreme heat can affect wildlife directly through dehydration, heat stress and reduced feeding time. It can also change the condition of the habitats animals depend on, particularly where wetlands, rivers, ponds and grasslands are already under pressure.
Birds and mammals may become less active during the hottest parts of the day, reducing time available for foraging. Young animals can be particularly vulnerable when food availability falls or natural water sources dry out.
Freshwater ecosystems face additional risks. Lower river flows, warmer water and algal blooms can reduce dissolved oxygen, creating difficult conditions for fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Species higher up the food chain, including kingfishers and herons, can then be affected by reduced prey availability.
Habitats face heat, drought and fire risk
Heatwaves can dry out vegetation and increase wildfire risk, particularly where prolonged dry weather leaves grassland, scrub or woodland under stress. Recovery can take years where fires damage soil, seed banks and established vegetation.
Coastal habitats are also becoming more vulnerable as sea-level rise and stronger storms increase erosion and damage sensitive ecosystems.
“The latest assessments show that climate change is already altering the abundance, distribution and behaviour of UK bird populations, with UK climate reports indicating that extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and are now a major driver of habitat degradation,” Reynolds said.
Nature recovery and climate resilience are linked
The World Meteorological Organization’s May 2026 El Niño/La Niña update said above-average temperatures were forecast for nearly everywhere during June to August, underlining the need for preparedness as climate risks intensify globally.
For UK nature, experts say resilience depends on restoring and connecting habitats so species can move, shelter and recover. Wetland restoration, woodland creation, better river management and nature-based solutions can help reduce flood risk, improve water quality and provide cooler refuges during extreme heat.
Further Climate Global News coverage has examined how biodiversity monitoring is expanding in the UK and how extreme heat is affecting food and climate resilience.
FAQs
How do heatwaves affect UK wildlife?
Heatwaves can cause dehydration, heat stress, food shortages and behavioural changes. They can also dry out habitats and reduce water quality in rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Which habitats are most vulnerable during extreme heat?
Freshwater habitats, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and coastal areas can all be affected, especially where habitats are already fragmented or degraded.
Why does habitat loss make heatwaves worse for wildlife?
When habitats are smaller or disconnected, wildlife has fewer places to find shade, water, food and safe movement routes during extreme weather.
What can help wildlife cope with hotter summers?
Restoring wetlands and woodlands, improving habitat connectivity, reducing pollution and designing nature-based climate resilience measures can all help species adapt.
