30/07/2026
🔥 Cornwall Is Now Officially in Drought — And Our Wildlife Is Paying the Price 🔥
It’s happened — Devon & Cornwall and several other regions across England have now been formally declared in drought, following record‑low rainfall, scorching temperatures, and rapidly depleting water reserves. The Environment Agency has confirmed that half of England is now in drought conditions, including our region here in Cornwall.
📌 Full announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drought-declared-in-half-of-england
This isn’t just about dry lawns or hosepipe bans. It’s a major ecological emergency, and our wildlife — especially hedgehogs — is already feeling the impact.
🦔 Why Hedgehogs Are at Extreme Risk Right Now
Hedgehogs rely on damp soil, insects, and accessible water sources to survive. Drought disrupts all of that:
Insects disappear when soil dries out, leaving hedgehogs without food.
Ponds, puddles, and natural water sources vanish, forcing hedgehogs to travel dangerously far for a drink.
Heat stress and dehydration can kill a hedgehog long before hunger does.
Wildfire risk increases, destroying habitats and safe nesting areas.
Low river levels affect amphibians and insects, collapsing the food chain hedgehogs depend on.
With July seeing just 7% of expected rainfall, and some areas going 50 days without a single rain day, the situation is severe. Rivers across England are at exceptionally low levels, and wildlife rescue teams are already reporting animals in distress.
💧 What You Can Do to Help — Right Now
Small actions genuinely save lives during drought:
Put out shallow water dishes in shaded areas.Add pebbles for bees so insects can drink safely.
Refresh water daily — stagnant water becomes dangerous fast.Leave wild corners so insects and hedgehogs have shelter.
Avoid deep containers — hedgehogs can drown in them.
Check for wildlife before gardening — dehydrated hedgehogs often hide in cool spots.
Every bowl of water, every patch of shade, every safe corner matters.
🌍 A Final Thought
This drought is part of a wider pattern — hotter summers, less rainfall, and more pressure on our ecosystems.
The Environment Agency warns this is our “new normal”, and wildlife will continue to struggle unless we step up.
Hedgehogs don’t have taps. They don’t have reservoirs.
They have us.
Let’s make sure Devon & Cornwall — and every drought‑hit region — becomes a place of refuge, not hardship. 🦔💧💚
