Imagining the invisible
Monday, July 8, 2019
Water, water everywhere – but is it enough?
Ruth Hawksley - Wildlife Trusts BCN
Latest News
Coastal erosion in the spotlight as DEFRA seeks views on new approaches
Monday, July 8, 2019
DEFRA is seeking evidence on how it should develop its approach to managing the risks from flooding and coastal erosion, looking particularly at funding local flood protection initiatives and adapting to coastal change.
The call for evidence points in particular to coastal areas “where it is not sustainable or affordable to build and maintain defences in the long term”, and where “authorities need to plan for a proactive transition”.
Functional traits of hyporheic and benthic invertebrates reveal importance of wood‐driven geomorphological processes in rivers
Monday, July 1, 2019
New paper in Functional Ecology
Wales ‘not yet sustainably managing its water’, says Welsh government
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The Welsh government has launched its second statutory consultation on the Water Framework Directive, aimed at finding a solution for the "significant water management issues" identified across the country.
Response to the six-month consultation, which closes in December, will feed into the third River Basin Management Plans and the next State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) required under the Environment Act, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Scottish government announces extra £11m for peatland restoration
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The Scottish Government has announced an extra £11m in peatland restoration funding in addition to the £3m awarded earlier this year.
Scotland’s peat soils cover more than 20% of the country and store around 1600 million tonnes of carbon.
When left undisturbed, peatland provides a significant natural sink of CO2, and also benefits the environment by providing an internationally important habitat, improving water quality and reducing flood risk.
Scottish government announces extra £11m for peatland restoration
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The Scottish Government has announced an extra £11m in peatland restoration funding in addition to the £3m awarded earlier this year.
Scotland’s peat soils cover more than 20% of the country and store around 1600 million tonnes of carbon.
When left undisturbed, peatland provides a significant natural sink of CO2, and also benefits the environment by providing an internationally important habitat, improving water quality and reducing flood risk.
Nature-Based Solutions Bibliography
Monday, June 24, 2019
Visit this interactive bibliography on Nature-based Solutions, maintained by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative. You can explore publications on the role or use of biodiversity and ecosystems to
1) address impacts from climate change
2) help store carbon or reduce carbon emissions, and
3) promote ecosystem-health in the context of climate change.
Ammonia pollution harming 60% of UK land area
Friday, June 21, 2019
Ammonia and nitrogen pollution, mostly from agriculture, is harming more than 60% of the UK's land area and affecting the most sensitive habitats, according to a DEFRA report.
The trends report, published this week, finds that “there have only been small reductions in ammonia concentrations” between the periods 2009-11 and 2013-15.
EA targets soil run-off from space
Thursday, June 20, 2019
The Environment Agency (EA) and Herefordshire Council are using satellite imaging to identify where soily water is washing into rivers and covering roads.
The issue causes a problem both for water quality and for driving conditions, seen especially during last week’s wet weather. It can also worsen flooding.
Satellite and drone photograph will be used to identify bare, sloping agricultural fields where soil is most likely to be washed away during heavy rain. Landowners will be visited and provided with guidance on better soil management.
Biggest dam removal in European history
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sélune River, Normandy, France – In a historic moment for Europe’s rivers, the first, irreparable breach was made today in the 36 metre high Vezins Dam – kick-starting the biggest dam removal in Europe so far.
This landmark event is part of a long-term project to free the Sélune River, and bring salmon, eels and other wildlife back to the river and the famous bay of Mont-Saint-Michel – a UNESCO world heritage site and one of Europe’s prime tourist attractions.