Жара в Норфолке погубила рыбу, но помогла бабочкам

While fish have been dying amid the drought which has swept across Norfolk, one species is benefiting from the heatwave. Some butterflies are enjoying the dry conditions which have engulfed the Broads this summer. Norfolk has been among the hottest places in the country, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees in Lingwood in June. And Broads Authority officials say the rivers and wetlands have been unable to escape the effects of the searing temperatures. The severe impact has been so widespread that the healthy butterflies have been one of the few positives from a difficult summer. The species need the sun to warm up their muscles so they are able to fly. Authorities have had to clear thousands of dead fish from the River Wensum, with oxygen levels lower in waterways as a result of the drought conditions. Officials say there are low water levels and river flows on the Yare, Wensum and Waveney rivers, meaning there is less water for birds, mammals and aquatic species. There has also been an increase in blue-green algae on waterways on the Broads, concentrated particularly around Ranworth and South Walsham. The bacteria contain toxins that are highly poisonous and can be fatal to pets. Conservation work on the Broads’ open fens has also been delayed due to the drought. The heatwave means officials are not able to burn sedge, a grass-like plant which grows in wet soils and marshland. As a result of the delays, the BA has been left with “significant amounts” of sedge to dispose of later in the year. Despite the wildlife damage, bosses say trade and business bookings have increased. A spokeswoman said: “The visitor sector has benefitted from the fine and dry weather with many businesses reporting a healthy increase in bookings and good trade over the summer. “The Broads Authority’s own visitor information centres, yacht stations and boat trips have reported increased numbers over recent years.”