Large parts of Britain have transformed from lush green landscapes to a monotone brown as the country grapples with a severe drought. Weeks of no rainfall and scorching temperatures have left half of England and all of Wales officially in drought, with hosepipe bans in effect for eight water companies.
The extreme weather, attributed to climate change, is affecting all Britons, including celebrities with luxury properties. George and Amal Clooney's sprawling Grade II-listed mansion in Berkshire is showing signs of the arid conditions, with its central grass areas turning yellow. The couple, who purchased the property in 2014, have also faced challenges with flooding along the riverbank in previous years. Despite being surrounded by trees that offer some shade, their lawn is visibly impacted by the lack of rain since early July.
Adding to their concerns, the Clooneys recently had to evacuate their vineyard home in the south of France due to fast-moving wildfires. It remains uncertain if their French property has been affected by the blazes.
In Oxfordshire, Sir David Beckham's 40-acre estate also appears parched. Images of the property reveal that the only visible green areas are a five-a-side football pitch, believed to be artificial grass, a few resilient trees, and a cherished vegetable patch. The Beckhams have been on extensive holidays throughout the summer, while their head gardener has reportedly focused attention on the vegetable patch amidst a local hosepipe ban.
Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, the farmhouse owned by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi is also experiencing tough conditions, though their garden appears to be an oasis of green amidst the surrounding dry landscape. The couple, who moved to the UK in 2024, had previously faced challenges with flooding and a planning dispute over stables. DeGeneres has previously shared humorous videos of her struggles with lawnmowing, joking about using sheep to maintain the grass.
Soho Farmhouse, an elite private members' club in the Cotswolds frequented by celebrities, is also managing to maintain some green grass, though large parts of its grounds are beginning to yellow. The venue has hosted events for numerous A-listers.
These environmental conditions follow record-breaking monthly temperatures in May and June. Forecasters warn that current predictions do not indicate the widespread, sustained rainfall needed to replenish water deficits. Natural Resources Wales has extended its drought declaration to cover the entire country, with Wales on course for its driest July in 190 years.
Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang stated that August is expected to continue with drier-than-average conditions, particularly in southern and eastern England. He noted that recovery from prolonged dry periods typically relies on more frequent and widespread rainfall in autumn.
The drought is also anticipated to impact food supply, with farming leaders predicting the worst harvest in years. A wet winter followed by drought has reportedly stunted crops like wheat. This is the third drought the UK has experienced in five years, following dry spells in 2025 and 2022.
Furthermore, the UK is on track to record its highest number of excess heat deaths. The heatwaves in May and June have been linked to thousands of deaths, significantly higher than in previous years. In 2022, the UK recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.3C.