The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it was working with all sectors to plan ahead to meet challenges of a continued drought.

"Many British farmers are facing difficulties due to the dry conditions and it is important that they can find ways to become more resilient in the long term," a spokesman said.

"While droughts are not new, we may face a future with less rainfall and less certainty about when that rain will fall. Next month we will set out our plans to ensure there are secure water resources in the future."

via www.bbc.co.uk

Water levels in Kent pond were very low throughout 2011, with many fully desiccating before amphibians could complete successful metamorphosis. A recent review of several sites found that many ponds remain dry.

Unless Kent receives significant rainfall this winter, things could be bleak for amphibians next spring.