The UK is facing unprecedented heat this week, with a rare red weather warning issued for parts of southern Wales, central and southern England. Temperatures are forecast to reach 39°C in Bristol, threatening to break the June record of 35.6°C. The heatwave is straining infrastructure, with millions of homes overheating, rail operators advising against non-essential travel, and hospital admissions expected to surge. The Climate Change Committee warned last month that the UK is built for a climate that no longer exists.
Nature Under Pressure
Wildlife is also struggling. The UK’s landscapes and species have adapted to millennia of predictable, moderate weather, but now face extremes. Last week, The Major oak in Sherwood Forest, estimated to be 800–1,200 years old, was declared dead. Experts cite extreme heat and drought as contributing factors, alongside well-intentioned conservation efforts. A single mature oak can support over 2,300 species, but its loss symbolizes broader challenges.
Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts, warns: “If we think this is bad now, we ain’t seen nothing yet.” Preliminary research suggests ancient woodlands are failing to regenerate, with climate change believed to be a major driver. “Climate change is causing stress for all kinds of species. Most have not evolved in the conditions we are now experiencing,” Bennett says.
Disrupted Seasonal Patterns
Nature relies on predictable cycles: birds hatch eggs when insects are plentiful, and small mammals depend on autumn fruit to survive winter. Disruption to these patterns is already evident. Met Office scientists predict 45°C by 2056. In July 2022, when temperatures first exceeded 40°C, swifts fell from the sky in London, and dehydrated fox cubs, baby birds, and hedgehogs were rescued. Nature reserves “went silent” as insects and species took shelter. That year, many trees dropped leaves in summer instead of autumn.
Wildfires and Landscape Change
Wildfires have become more frequent. 2025 was a record year, with the largest blaze around Dava in the Scottish Highlands, described as the country’s first megafire. Wildfires devastate flora and fauna, burning habitats, destroying seed banks, and killing species unable to escape. “It’s really hard for wildlife to recover after a blaze, particularly in areas seeing repeated fires,” says Bennett. “If a heatwave like this lasted two months, the countryside would be tinder dry.”
Britain has lost 90% of its wetland habitats in the last 500 years. Bennett argues for restoring wetlands to keep water in the landscape, citing beaver reintroductions that help maintain wetter areas and recharge aquifers. “The Westminster government is always excited about creating new forests. But I want us to become obsessed with creating thousands of wetlands,” he says.
Assisted Migration and New Species
Some conservation groups advocate “assisted migration” – moving species outside their historic ranges as habitats become too dry or hot. This is already used in parts of the US and Canada, where tree species are planted higher up mountains. Forestry England has listed species likely to thrive in future climates, including native sycamore and rowan, and non-native Corsican pine. However, this could fundamentally alter landscapes and risk invasive species.
Bennett emphasizes: “First and foremost, we should do everything we can to help our native species. There are big debates about introducing species from Mediterranean climates. We might also need to help species from southern England move north and make habitats better connected.”
How to Help Wildlife
Everyone can assist during extreme weather. Providing water is essential, via a garden pond or bucket for birds and invertebrates. Trees and scrub offer shelter. “Having vegetation on buildings helps cool them and provides habitat. Not cutting your lawn too short makes it more resilient and good for species,” Bennett advises. In prolonged heatwaves, leaving food out for struggling animals like hedgehogs can help, as slugs and snails become harder to find.
“We’re heading to a much hotter future where heatwaves like this will become the new normal. We need to start planning now. Nature can be one of our greatest allies,” Bennett concludes.
