West Somerset and North Devon moorland and National Park
England faces severe drought as reservoirs run low following a hotter, drier summer. Defra and the Environment Agency are directing water companies to monitor levels daily and implement stricter checks, while campaigns urge conservation and long-term water resilience.
A Somerset bride has arrived at her wedding on her own Swiss cow, White Chocolate Button, after transporting her to the village on a tractor. The ceremony took place amid farming rituals, with the couple milking cows after the vows before joining the reception.
The UK faces a surge in demand for specialist eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday’s solar eclipse. Shops report rapid sell-outs and restocks are strained; experts urge safe viewing methods, with many advising indirect viewing or certified glasses.
Lewes Town Council has unanimously approved a motion recognizing the intrinsic value of local trees, hedgerows and forests. The measure establishes a town-wide, rights-based framework to protect urban greens, aligning Lewes with international rights-of-nature trends while aiming to boost climate resilience and deter inappropriate development.
Jeffrey Archer has died. He was a prolific author and former Conservative politician who endured a public downfall for perjury in 2001. His life spanned politics, literature and public controversy.