The UK Pulse The Pulse of the UK

Cornish village battles heat after 55 days of winter rain

Cardinham in Cornwall is coping with a third heatwave in quick succession after 55 days of rain earlier this year, with children and villagers finding creative ways to stay cool.

3 min read

Matt Larcombe. A man is stuck in stocks, namely a board chick, with his head poking through. He has wet brown hair and is smiling. Behind him is a green field.

West Midlands canal users warn drought plans are needed

Canal users in the West Midlands say falling water levels are disrupting boating and trade, and are urging the Canal and River Trust and government to prepare for future droughts.

6 min read

A woman with shoulder length grey hair, large glasses and a green polo shirt standing in front of an area of green water and a tall brick building with black metal fencing in front of it

Best places to see the Buck Moon in the West Country

The Buck Moon will rise over the West Country on Wednesday night, with the best viewing spots in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

3 min read

How worried should Scotland be about jellyfish this summer?

Jellyfish sightings peak in Scotland in July and August, with divers and marine experts saying most species are harmless but some can sting painfully.

7 min read

A brownish orange Lion's Mane jellyfish underwater.

France and Spain wildfire witnesses describe fear and stress

Residents in France and Spain describe smoke, evacuations and fear as wildfires burn across tens of thousands of hectares and force more than 300,000 people to flee.

6 min read

Two firefighters pull a red hose in front of a forest on fire.

William calls wildfires a stark reminder of the climate challenge

Prince William has described wildfires across the UK and Europe as a stark reminder of the challenges of an increasingly extreme climate.

3 min read

Prince William in a grey jacket and blue shirt.

Wildfire is nine miles from Bordeaux, mayor warns

Wildfires have moved to within 15km of Bordeaux as firefighters battle an “unprecedented” blaze in Gironde and Spain faces a national emergency.

4 min read

A French firefighter battles a wildfire in Marcheprime, near the south-western city of Bordeaux. Photo: 26 July 2026

European wildfires spread across France and Spain as evacuations grow

Wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than 300,000 evacuations, burned record areas in France and threatened Madrid-region communities.

4 min read

A small yellow airplane flies over red flames rising in smoke above dark trees.

Coal mining link confirmed in Coalsnaughton ground movement case

Residents evacuated from 97 homes in Coalsnaughton will receive UK government support after ground movement was linked to historic coal mining.

5 min read

An aerial view of a number of residential streets with trees surrounding them

How fire-generated thunderstorms make wildfires more deadly

Fire-generated thunderstorm clouds are worsening France’s Gironde wildfires, with tens of thousands evacuated and officials warning the blaze may burn for weeks.

4 min read

A done view showing the Sainte-Helene commune in France with smoke rising in the background during a wildfire in a forest area in Saumos

Macron chairs crisis talks as France and Spain battle major wildfires

Macron is chairing an emergency meeting as France and Spain battle major wildfires, with evacuations mounting, heatwave warnings growing and EU leaders warning Europe is underprepared.

9 min read