New data shows widespread low flows and growing risks to wildlife across riverways.

Environment Agency monitoring for May shows river flows across much of the region have fallen sharply, and are what the organisation calls "exceptionally low".

At most monitoring sites, flows are now classed as below normal, notably low, or exceptionally low, with only two locations maintaining typical levels for the time of year, Heacham and Burn.

The River Wissey rises near Bradenham and flows for almost 31 miles to join the River Great Ouse at Fordham (Image: Norfolk Rivers Trust)

Among the worst hit are the River Yare at Colney, the Bure at Ingworth, the Waveney, and the Wissey, which all recorded at exceptionally low levels in May.

Experts have warned that the consequences are already being felt across fragile river ecosystems.

The river flows map for May 2026 shows the picture across the region (Image: Environment Agency)

Sarah Eglington, policy and campaigns officer for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said the figures should act as a "stark reminder" of the growing pressures facing local waterways.

Dr Eglington said: "Low river levels are not........

© Eastern Daily Press