A pond on Wisley Common in Surrey has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades, according to a local conservation charity, as a prolonged spell of dry weather continues to grip the south-east of England.
James Herd, director of reserves management at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said he has worked at the site for 17 years and has never witnessed the pond at Pond Farm, which sits next to RHS Garden Wisley, in such a depleted state.
It is a very obvious visual indication of the scale of the drought.
How severe is the dry spell at Wisley?
The weather station at Wisley had gone without measurable rainfall for more than 50 days, and by 6 August 2026 the run had extended to 52 consecutive dry days, according to BBC Weather. The broadcaster said this marked a record for that particular weather station, underlining just how unusual the current conditions are. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has classified most of south-east England as being in a state of prolonged dry weather, a designation that reflects the sustained pressure on rivers, ponds and soil moisture across the region.
The UK has already endured its fifth heatwave of the year, and although temperatures were forecast to ease slightly over the weekend, the underlying dryness is expected to persist regardless of any short-term cooling.
What effect is the drought having on wildlife and vegetation?
Herd said there are clear signs of stress among plants and trees close to the shrinking pond, with some vegetation behaving as though autumn has arrived far earlier than usual.
In some habitats, we are seeing trees with leaves coming off like autumn has set in... it's a self-protective measure.
Pond Farm sits on lowland heathland, a scarce habitat type that forms on acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Herd explained that there is a growing push to retain more water within this landscape, particularly as a buffer against increasingly dry summer conditions.
Why does Surrey Wildlife Trust see this summer as part of a wider pattern?
Herd argued that the current drought should not be treated as an isolated event, but rather as part of a broader trend towards more extreme and unpredictable weather.
Sceptical or not, the data shows that we are getting more extremes.
He said preparing for longer dry spells needs to become a priority, rather than something addressed only after conditions have already deteriorated.
Could beavers help solve the problem?
One option being explored by the charity is the reintroduction of beavers, animals that were hunted to extinction in the county roughly 400 years ago. Herd suggested that beavers could naturally help rewet the landscape by building dams and creating wetland features, reducing the need for human intervention.
They will do the rewetting work for us... we should look to nature to help us cope better.
This approach builds on earlier proposals from Surrey Wildlife Trust, which has previously argued that beaver-led rewilding could create new ponds, ditches and marshland, helping to lower flood risk while also boosting habitats for native species, as reported by a national broadcaster's earlier coverage. Last year, the Trust confirmed it was exploring a licence to release beavers into Surrey, though the plan has not yet been put into action. Herd said discussions with Natural England remain constructive and are continuing.
What is expected for the weeks ahead?
Forecasters anticipate that August will remain largely warm and dry, with temperatures staying above the seasonal average, according to BBC Weather. That outlook suggests little immediate relief for the region's ponds, rivers and heathland habitats, even as short-term temperature dips occur.
Key Facts
- The pond at Pond Farm on Wisley Common is at its lowest level in 17 years, according to Surrey Wildlife Trust.
- Wisley recorded 52 consecutive dry days by 6 August 2026, a record for that weather station.
- The Environment Agency has classified most of south-east England as being in prolonged dry weather.
- Surrey Wildlife Trust is in ongoing talks with Natural England over a licence to reintroduce beavers.
- Forecasters expect August to remain predominantly warm and dry, with above-average temperatures.
