Europe heatwave: Spain and France brace for 42C scorcher
Europe faces its fifth heatwave of a record-breaking summer, with Spain and France bracing for 42C temperatures and heightened wildfire risk, as over 550,000 hectares have already burned.
Category : Environment
Protect your garden from wildfires as UK heatwave continues
Firefighters in Hampshire have contained a New Forest wildfire, but the Met Office warns of 'very high' fire risk across England. Expert Richard Barker shares tips to protect your garden.
Cocaine worth £232m found in bananas at UK port
Border Force officers at London Gateway Port seized nearly 3 tonnes of cocaine hidden in banana boxes, leading to nine arrests and bail.
Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record
The UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat the record set last year, the Met Office said.
Ghost village emerges from drought-hit Rutland Water
Low water levels at Rutland Water have revealed the remains of Nether Hambleton, a village demolished in the 1970s to create the reservoir, amid England's record drought.
Rebuild London fire services for wildfire threat, warns FBU chief
Fire and rescue services in London need rebuilding to cope with climate change-driven wildfires, says FBU general secretary Steven Wright, urging 5,000 new firefighters.
UK on course for hottest summer on record: Met Office
The UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat the record set in 2025, the Met Office said.
Manila Workers Clear Trash Trap After Monsoon Rains
Rubbish collectors in Manila wade through a sea of plastic after monsoon rains created a 'trash trap', as the government considers tougher littering penalties.
Readers slam Burnham's cost of living tour
Daily Star readers criticise Andy Burnham's planned cost of living tour, saying it's a waste of money. They also comment on dentistry, UEFA, and more.
Solar Eclipse Guide: How to Watch Safely on August 12
The UK will see up to 95% of the Sun blocked on August 12. Here's when and how to watch safely, with expert tips and safety warnings.
Dinnertime clashes leave households unsure what to cook
More than a quarter of adults clash over dinner choices at least weekly, a study finds, with many finding it the most stressful decision of the day.
Sprinkle 65p Baking Soda on Patios Weekly for Cleaner Results
Sprinkling 65p baking soda on patios weekly can lift light stains and dirt without harsh chemicals or heavy equipment, says DIY expert Bill Jarvis.
Gardener reveals 5 drought-tolerant plants for hot weather
A gardener shares five drought-tolerant perennials that survived the hottest, driest July on record in his English garden, including Rudbeckia and Verbena.
Bluetongue livestock virus confirmed in Scotland
A case of bluetongue (BTV-3) was confirmed in Dumfries and Galloway on August 8. The infected animal was euthanised, and the farm is under restrictions. There have been 289 UK cases in the 2026-27 season.
Free fruit trees for West Lothian residents in new project
West Lothian Climate Action Network is funding hundreds of free fruit trees for residents and community groups, with planting set for early 2027.
Wind farm could have 'significant' impact on islands, NTS warns
The National Trust for Scotland warns a proposed wind farm near Islay and Colonsay could significantly impact island communities, wildlife, and heritage, objecting to ScottishPower Renewables' plans.
Amber heat warning as UK set for temperatures up to 38C
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat on Thursday, with parts of England potentially reaching 38C, amid a summer of record dry weather and wildfires.
Wandsworth pretzel sculpture replacement plans unveiled
Plans to replace Wandsworth's iconic 'pretzel' roundabout sculpture with a 25m timber structure have sparked 62 formal objections from residents.
150th osprey chick fledges at Kielder Forest
The 150th osprey chick to fledge at Kielder Forest since reintroduction in 2009 has taken its first flight, marking a significant conservation milestone.
Scottish Government backs £2m Perth Gypsy Traveller site
The Scottish Government will not intervene in Perth and Kinross Council's approval of a £2 million Gypsy Traveller stopping site, despite flood risk objections from SEPA and the council's own flooding team.
Dog owners urged to keep pets inside during solar eclipse
Pet owners are urged to keep dogs indoors at 7pm on Wednesday as the solar eclipse may cause distress. Experts advise maintaining normal routines and reducing noise.
Octopus Energy urges power down for UK solar eclipse
On Wednesday, August 12, the UK will see its fullest solar eclipse in nearly three decades. Octopus Energy is offering eligible customers a free hour of power on Sunday in return for using less electricity during the eclipse.
Octopus warns against electricity use during eclipse
Octopus Energy urges customers to avoid using electricity during the deepest solar eclipse in almost 30 years, warning of a 1.3GW drop in solar supply.
Michael Sheen's toxic health shock during BBC documentary
Michael Sheen discovered PCBs in his own blood while filming a BBC documentary about toxic chemical dumping in Wales in the 1970s, and is now calling for official tests.
Burnham promises 'big changes' in vape shop crackdown
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised 'big changes' as rivals respond to a new crackdown on vape shops, with new planning rules requiring council approval for new vape shops.
Trump slashes child vaccines and falsely links MMR jab to autism
Donald Trump has cut recommended childhood vaccines from 18 to 11 and repeated the baseless claim that the MMR jab causes autism, drawing sharp criticism from scientists and autism charities.
Cat expert: 5 household items toxic to cats
A cat behaviour expert has listed five everyday household items that are extremely toxic to cats, from essential oils to pain creams, urging owners to keep them out of reach.
Loch Ness Sightings 2026 Beat 2025 Record
An Australian tourist's claimed sighting of the Loch Ness monster brings 2026's total to nine, surpassing last year's count with months still to go.
Octopus urges customers to cut power use during solar eclipse
Octopus Energy is asking customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers during Wednesday's solar eclipse, when solar generation will drop, and will reward participants with a free hour of electricity.
PM: Vape crackdown gives towns power to turn things around
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced planning changes to curb vape shops, betting shops, and adult gaming centres, aiming to revitalise high streets.
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