Category: "news"
UK built for climate that no longer exists
The UK is “built for a climate that no longer exists” and faces mounting threats to its coastlines, water supplies and marine ecosystems unless urgent action is taken, according to a landmark government report published last week. The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the government’s independent climate advisory body, released its Fourth... read more »
Online Support for Rural Flood Resilience
Have you heard about the new flood resilience hub launched by the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership? The Rural Flood Resilience Partnership, established in 2024, brings together six national organisations: the Environment Agency, National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), Country Land and Business... read more »
Good News on Marine Recovery
Five years after a ban on bottom trawling along the Sussex coast, scientists, fishers and conservationists are reporting the first meaningful signs of seabed recovery — with mussel beds stretching more than a kilometre and increasing numbers of black sea bream detected in underwater surveys. The Sussex Kelp Recovery Project (SKRP),... read more »
Water Voles
Natural England has just released a new publication, the Definition of Favourable Condition for European Water Vole. Water voles can be found along rivers, streams and ditches, around ponds and lakes, and in marshes, reedbeds and areas of wet moorland. You know you have water voles when you see signs,... read more »
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Bill has received Royal Assent, and is now an Act. The BBNJ Agreement—sometimes called the High Seas Treaty—is a landmark international agreement that will, for the first time, create a legal mechanism to establish protected zones waters in areas not subject to any nation's... read more »
Natural England new corporate strategy
Natural England launched a new strategy for growth, health and security at the end of 2025. The strategy highlights climate change as a growing risk to marine ecosystems and seafood supply. It commits to ecosystem‑based management of seas, restoring habitats to improve resilience and supporting nature‑friendly fisheries to enhance... read more »
Rights of rivers recognised
Southampton City Council and Test Valley Borough Council have passed motions formally recognising the Rights of Rivers. The motions draw inspiration from the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, which outlines key rights such as the right to flow freely, the right to be free from pollution, and... read more »
Surge in Sea Temperatures
The recent surge in the sea temperatures around the coast has driven huge changes in marine ecosystems. The UK’s seas have experienced their warmest start to any year since records began, with average surface temperatures in the seven months to the end of July more than 0.2°C higher... read more »
Sussex Bay Blueprint
Sussex Bay is developing a 'Strategic Blueprint for Sussex Bay', a forward looking plan designed to enhance our marine and coastal environments. This blueprint will take a seascape approach, recognising Sussex Bay as a dynamic mosaic of interconnected habitats shaped by natural processes and human activities. The blueprint will outline... read more »
Independent Water Commission Report
The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has reviewed the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales the results of which can be found in the: Independent Water Commission Final report The final report follows the commission’s wide-ranging call for evidence and the earlier interim report. This report... read more »
OEP review on Local Nature Recovery Strategies
In its latest report, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) sets out that Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) form a crucial part of the picture in helping government strike the balance between its growth ambitions and its environmental commitments, as they drive delivery of nature recovery action and inform... read more »
From Source to Sea
The Ofwat Innovation Fund has just released a new report on nature first innovation, Called From Source to Sea the report discusses how investment in nature-first approaches and innovation must be at the heart of building a sustainable water future in order to restore ecosystems, improve water quality and... read more »
Can harvesting wild plants help restore a landscape?
Can harvesting wild plants help restore a landscape? A new project led by TRAFFIC suggests that the answer is yes — if communities are involved. Wild plants and fungi have long provided food, medicine, and income for communities around the world, and underpinned multiple food, cosmetic and health supply chains. A... read more »
Eating fish makes children more social
Children who regularly consume seafood at 7-years-old are more likely to be ‘prosocial’ at ages 7 and 9 years than those who don't, according to a new study. ‘Prosocial’ behaviour includes friendly interactions, altruism, and sharing. Follow this link to read more about Fish and Prosocial Behaviourread more »
JNCC Marine Environment Indicator
A new Official Statistic in Development has been released by JNCC that will track the status of threatened and declining marine habitats and species within the UK. This new indicator provides, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of threatened and declining marine habitats and species in the UK. The statistic has been specifically... read more »
Championing Coastal Communities
In a debate held in mid March, Members of Parliament gathered to address the multifaceted issues faced by coastal communities across the country. Led by Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, the debate was not only a first for the new Parliament but also a critical... read more »
Securing a sustainable water future
People in the South East will soon benefit from a more reliable and sustainable water supply with the construction of the Havant Thicket reservoir – the first reservoir to be built in the region since the 1970s. Visiting the site near Havant, Hampshire, today (12 March), Environment Secretary Steve Reed... read more »
Marine strategy part three: 2025
The UK government has issued its most recent update to the Marine Strategy Part Three: 2025 UK programme of measures. The strategy outlines the measures that contribute towards Good Environmental Status (GES) in UK seas. This strategy is an update to the Marine strategy part three: UK programme of... read more »
Wallace & Gromit Flood Film
Lincolnshire County Council has commissioned the animators behind Wallace and Gromit to create a film raising awareness of the dangers of flooding. Something to think about for the Peninsula perhaps? The two-minute-long film, titled A Mole’s Story, was commissioned by the council as part of a Government-funded initiative to protect... read more »
Walking Speed and Ageing Well
There is a link between walking and ageing well. This article in 'The Conversation' discusses the benefits of walking and how you can increase your pace! Walking Speed & Ageing Wellread more »