Drone photos of Isle of Wight's countryside during summer heatwaves

See the gallery of drone photos above

From high above Ashey, Brading Marshes, and The Bay, to the rolling countryside around Arreton, Chillerton, and Brighstone, the familiar patchwork of lush green fields has given way to a striking mosaic of golds and browns.

The aerial images show vast expanses of harvested farmland, parched pasture, and sun-scorched downland stretching towards the coastline, with only occasional pockets of irrigated crops and woodland retaining their vibrant green colour.

Drone image showing the south of the Island from St Catherine's Oratory (Image: IWCP)

In several of the photographs, farm machinery can be seen raising clouds of dust as it works across exceptionally dry ground.

The Met Office said southern England saw its "driest month ever recorded" in July, dating back to 1836.

The season has also brought above-average sunshine, record-breaking temperatures, and an "unprecedented" four separate heatwaves.

Drone photo above The Downs looking towards Ashey and Ryde (Image: IWCP)

With forecasts suggesting further warm, dry weather in the coming weeks, the golden appearance of the island's countryside looks set to remain a feature of the late summer landscape.

Southern Water introduced a hosepipe ban covering the island on July 10, following England’s warmest spring on record and an incredibly dry start to summer.

The restrictions were brought in to help protect water supplies and reduce pressure on rivers and the environment.