Summer droughts could be the greatest threat to wildlife in Britain over the next 30 years, a leading wildlife group has said.

The Wildlife Trusts, the national body which represents county organisations across the country, has warned that drought is now the biggest threat to wildlife across the country.

It has called for the government to speed up action to protect nature and try to ensure that the threat to Britain's biodiversity is eased.

The report comes as local walker Angela Lawrence was shocked to see the dry state of Hollesley Marshes, part of the RSPB's Havergate reserve near Orford, during a visit there last weekend.

She said: "My friend Suzanne and I were shocked when we went to the bird hide to find the lagoons had completely dried up. Not a drop of water remains and not a bird in sight as a result. 

"What a disaster! Where will all those birds go? Not so long ago we were at the hide and spotted 23 spoonbills, black tailed Godwits and loads of other regular seabirds on the big lagoon."

Spoonbills are regular visitors to Hollesley Marshes.Spoonbills are regular visitors to Hollesley Marshes. (Image: iWitness/Newsquest)

However Aaron Howe, Senior Site Manager of Hollesley Marshes, said, “It’s not unusual for the freshwater scrape at Hollesley Marshes to dry out during the summer as it relies on summer rainfall to keep it topped up.  

"If there is a prolonged dry spell the scrape, which is a 16 ha shallow seasonal wetland that is approximately 40cm deep, will temporarily dry up.

"Luckily there are a number of nearby wetland sites such as RSPB Havergate Island and RSPB Minsmere where birds that can often be seen at Hollesley such as Spoonbills and Black-tailed Godwits, can move on to and find the wetlands and food they need to sustain them.

"We look forward to welcoming them back when the water returns in the coming months.”