The landscapes of southern England and Wales are gradually recovering from the intense heat of this summer, which marked the hottest on record for the UK. Prolonged dry conditions led to large parts of the country being officially declared in drought. Although some rain has returned, bringing back a hint of greenery, the Environment Agency warns that even with a wetter-than-usual autumn, certain areas may still face drought conditions into the following spring. Darren Share, director of the royal parks, which manages famous green spaces like Hyde Park and St James Park, described how the extreme heat left the grass in these areas completely scorched in some places, turning to dust. He noted that unlike past heatwaves, which were shorter and allowed for quicker recovery, this summer saw a series of prolonged heatwaves. These conditions changed how people used the parks, with visitor numbers dropping significantly during the day and many sports and volunteer activities being cancelled for safety reasons. While the royal parks are not yet in full bloom, the contrast with the peak of summer is clear. Share credits the resilience of grass, which can withstand high temperatures and regrow quickly once conditions improve. In Wales, the impact of the extreme heat was particularly severe, with wildfires breaking out in mid-August. The loss of grassy areas had both environmental and social consequences. Carolyn Thomas, a climate activist and former member of the Welsh parliament, reported seeing thin cattle due to the lack of grazing land. Farmers had to use their winter feed supplies to keep their animals fed, and some livestock were seen hiding under trees or lying down to escape the heat. Thomas acknowledged the UK government's commitment to invest £100 million to improve the country's ability to respond to extreme weather and wildfires, but she argued that this is not enough. She emphasized the need for long-term prevention strategies rather than just increasing emergency response capabilities. Like southern England, the Welsh countryside is slowly returning to normal, with Thomas noting the return of green fields. However, she acknowledges the loss of vegetation and the time needed for full recovery. Groundwater and reservoir levels remain below normal, and the government has asked water companies to continue efficiency measures until levels return to standard. The events of this summer have highlighted the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and the need for more sustainable approaches to managing natural resources.