Heather that was severely impacted by extreme heat and drought two years ago is showing signs of recovery following a rainy February, blooming in a patchwork of pink and purple at Dunwich Heath.

But the National Trust warned that it is “experiencing first-hand the consequences of more frequent extreme weather events” and called for the government “to address this significant issue”.

The conservation charity said specialist drone surveys conducted in summer 2023 confirmed a 60% loss in heather at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast following the 2022 heatwave.

However, similar surveys conducted in June of this year indicated that 11% of the damaged heathland heather had sprung back to life following increased rainfall this February.