Rivers at lowest for 36 years

River levels are as low as in 1976 after another very dry week across England and Wales, the Environment Agency said.

In its latest drought briefing, the government agency said all areas had seen less than 1mm of rain, except for the South-west which received 1mm in the past week.

The agency said most reservoirs were now below normal levels and river flows were decreasing. All rivers are experiencing lower than normal flows, with two-thirds "exceptionally" low.

Rivers are at similar levels to March 1976, when the country was hit by severe drought. The agency said small streams and ponds were drying up in Herefordshire, Oxfordshire and Yorkshire, hitting wildlife.

PA