Fish rescued as pond runs almost completely dry in South London park

A pond in south London has run almost completely dry during the heatwave leaving fish stranded.

The pond, near the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs attraction, was once overflowing with life until the recent heat and drought left wildlife without a home. Residents first noticed the pond had dried up last week and were alarmed by the sight of fish trapped on mud banks which were once covered in water.

Some locals took it upon themselves to carry out a rescue mission.

Using a net and a bucket, one passer-by caught dozens of fish before carrying them over to the boating lake which was still full of water.

'Fish trapped in the middle'

One concerned resident said: "Really sad, the lake by the dinosaurs is looking awful, and large fish are now trapped in the middle island lake. I’m sure the abandoned terrapins are loving it, but I’m feeling very sorry for the rest of the wildlife."

Another added: "A man's been down here with a net and a bucket said he'd saved 60 already. I have a small child to look after so can't get involved today, otherwise would have... can't be nice drowning in mud." After residents flagged the issue park officials said they worked hard to transfer all the fish to the boating lake.

Wildlife still in the area are left with very little water.

London has continued to feel the effects of the ongoing heatwave as temperatures soared to 34C over the weekend.

This is the capital's second heatwave of the year after it saw record breaking temperatures last month. Analysis has suggested that greenhouse gas pollution has made these heat waves ten times more likely and 4C hotter than they would otherwise be. The city is officially in a drought, declared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water sources including reservoirs, rivers and aquifers have become depleted throughout the hot, dry summer, which has led to bone-dry soil and vegetation affecting farmers, impacting water supply and wildlife, and increasing the risk of wildfires.

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