Drought 'killing ducks and fish'

Hot weather has led to six miles of green weed in London's canals

This year's hot weather and lack of rain is hitting wildlife hard, with ducks and fish dying.

Pollution watchdogs are also concerned by the lack of water in rivers and the growth of green algae slime which cuts oxygen levels.

More than 400 fish died in the River Idle near Sheffield and around 1,000 small fish were found dead in the Counter Drain near Cambridge.

The Environment Agency is asking people to call if they see any problems.

Is it too hot this summer?

At more than 100 sites across England and Wales over the past two months, low water and oxygen levels have caused fish to gasp for air, turned ponds green and stranded lots of types of insects that live in water.

In one instance, at least 10 ducks died in Waltham Abbey because their lake became infected through lack of water and oxygen.

Fish

Spokesman Dr David King said: "This drought is not only affecting people in the way we use water - we've now seen 21 months of below average rain and the environment is suffering, too.

"If you do see any environmental problems like dead, dying or distressed fish, please report it to the Environment Agency."

If you want to contact the Environment Agency, use the link on the right hand side of this page.