Latest News

Respecting River Diversity

Friday, February 28, 2020

Australian rivers are different to those in other parts of the world. Our ancient land mass – subject to droughts and flooding rains, cared for and lived with for tens of thousands of years – has produced globally distinctive landscapes and ecosystems that can’t be found anywhere else.

Within Australia, there is an enormous diversity of rivers. This diversity is what makes each river so special and worth valuing.

Floods and dredging - a reality check

Friday, February 28, 2020

Is dredging an answer to the recent flooding? A reality check

When major floods occur, like this winter, there is a commonly heard call to “dredge the rivers!” as a solution. Here’s a quick run through why it’s not the solution many want it to be, with reference to a report we published following the winter 2013/14 floods which impacted the Somerset Levels particularly badly, amongst other areas, and led to extensive calls for more dredging as a solution.

IUCN Council adopts first-ever Global Standard on Nature-based Solutions

Friday, February 28, 2020

The first-ever Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions has been developed by IUCN. Last week, the IUCN Council adopted the standard, clearing the way for it to be launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in June.

With growing global concern over the biodiversity and climate crises, the importance of nature-based solutions has been widely recognised from the United Nations and national governments to the private sector and civil society.

Do These Floods Have To Be So Devastating?

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Wye & Usk Foundation

Storms Ciara and Dennis have left a trail of destruction across Wales and much of England in the past two weeks.

The Wye and Usk valleys have been particularly badly affected with both rivers reaching record levels, bringing the misery of flood water to hundreds of homes and businesses. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who has been affected by what the Environment Agency has described as “unchartered territory” in terms of flooding.

NEW – River Habitat Survey Toolbox 32 and 64 bit software

Monday, February 17, 2020

We have just released new versions of the River Habitat Survey Toolbox software to help practitioners with habitat assessment for the Water Framework Directive, Planning Applications, River Restoration and more.  The software is on a free trial for 30 days and it is available for 32 and 64 bit version of Windows with networking facility.

RHS toolbox data input form

Dam fine: estate owners across UK queue up to reintroduce beavers

Friday, February 14, 2020

Beavers can regenerate landscapes, encourage wildlife and prevent flooding – and they have friends in high places

The must-have accessory for every English country estate was once a gothic folly, a ha-ha or a croquet lawn. Now it is a pair of beavers.

Landowners and large estates are racing to acquire licences to reintroduce the water-loving rodents, which were hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago.

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