The UK Pulse The Pulse of the UK

Wildfires rage across Spain and France

Spain has declared a national emergency as wildfires spread, while France has ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula and tens of thousands near Bordeaux.

1 min read

A stark view of a forest after a wildfire, showing charred trees and barren land.

Water restrictions imposed to protect Borders rivers

Sepa has imposed water restrictions in the Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire areas after 30 days of low river flows, affecting 23 licensed abstractions, mainly for farming.

4 min read

A rocky river bed with some water running beside it and plantlife on its banks

Short rain unlikely to end West Country drought, forecasters warn

Forecasters say a brief spell of rain will not be enough to ease drought conditions in the West Country, where heat alerts remain in place and reservoir levels are falling.

4 min read

Cows grazing in a scorched field in Low Ham, Somerset. The herd is stood in a group, while a few cows are further away. The grass is yellow and brown in tone from excessive, prolonged heat.

Helicopter water-drop joins Isle of Wight heathland fire response

Firefighters are tackling a large gorse blaze at Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight, with a helicopter water-drop and extra appliances brought in as crews work to contain the fire.

3 min read

An image of a helicopter carrying a bucket of water over a field area.

France orders Cap Ferret evacuation as wildfires spread

France ordered the evacuation of Cap Ferret as wildfires spread in Gironde, while Spain declared a national emergency over fires near Madrid and Avila.

7 min read

Play zone aims to spark children’s interest in rare chalk streams

Winchester Science Centre has opened a Chalk Stream play zone in Hampshire to help children learn about England’s rare freshwater habitats and the pressures facing them.

3 min read

A boy pokes his head up in a glass lid, which has water dripping down the outside.

Rare night heron spotted at National Trust site

A rare black-crowned night heron has been spotted on camera at Holnicote Estate in Somerset, where new freshwater habitats are being created to help wildlife thrive.

2 min read

A night heron is standing on a branch. It has white plumage and black wings.

Scientists identify eight sound motifs behind birdsong diversity

Scientists in France analysed more than 100,000 songbirds and found eight basic sound motifs underlying global birdsong diversity.

3 min read

A European wren - a small, brown, speckled bird with a white chest appears to sing its heart out in the sunshine. It's beak is wide open with song and its short, squared off tail sticks upward as it perches on a log.

Public urged to avoid Cairngorms wildfire zone after flare-up

People are being told to stay away from the Cairngorms wildfire exclusion zone after a reported flare-up, as firefighters continue tackling the blaze into next week.

3 min read

Scorched earth after a wildfire in the Cairngorm National Park with pine trees, billowing smoke and mountains in the background.

Hofrennydd diffodd tân ar gael i gefnogi ymateb i dân Rhinogydd

Bydd hofrennydd diffodd tân arbenigol yn cael ei ddefnyddio ar y Rhinogydd i gefnogi ymateb i dân gwyllt sydd wedi bod yn llosgi ers tua 11 diwrnod.

1 min read

More than 20,000 flee France wildfires as southern Europe endures extreme heat

More than 20,000 people fled wildfires in France as extreme heat gripped southern Europe, with Spain forecast to top 44C and the Mediterranean hit by a marine heatwave.

7 min read