UK droughts already threaten disastrous breeding year for frogs

Garden ponds, which are important habitats for frogs, newts and toads, can be topped up with water. Photograph: Ed Brown Wildlife/Alamy

The recent warm spell brought the first sightings of frog spawn in Bedfordshire, but amateur recorders have expressed alarm at the state of breeding sites. Last year’s drought and relatively low winter rainfall has left many favoured ditches and ponds less than half full.

With East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall still in official drought status after last year’s heatwave and inadequate winter rainfall, there have already been warnings that a dry spring or hot spell this summer could mean disaster for farmers and homegrown crops. Wildlife would also suffer.