This year's Sustainable Farming Incentive offer
In this post, we'll share details of the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and links for you to learn more.
Updated: Thu Jun 27 2024
Coverage of BBC investigation into potential illegal dry spills by water companies in 2022
There has been expected coverage by the BBC on their investigation into England's water companies discharging sewage when the weather is dry. The investigation suggests 6000 possibly illegal spills occurred during 2022. The coverage notes that three water companies shared ...
Updated: Fri Jun 14 2024
New evidence Asian hornets overwintering in UK
There has been widespread coverage this morning across BBC Breakfast, the Times, the Telegraph, the Guardian and the Daily Mail focused on new evidence Asian hornets have overwintered in the UK. Genetic analysis conducted by APHA's National Bee Unit, found that three Asian hornets queen's trapped last month in Sussex are the offspring of a nest that was destroyed in the area, in November 2023. Whilst this is the first evidence of Asian hornets overwintering in the UK, it is not considered to be strong evidence of an established population.
Updated: Tue Jun 04 2024
Anglian Water Services Ltd convicted in case brought by Environment Agency
Update on Environment Agency court case against Anglian Water
Updated: Fri May 24 2024
Draft determinations for water companies
The economic regulator of the water sector Ofwat has confirmed it will delay its publication of water company draft determinations until 11 July 2024.
Updated: Fri May 24 2024
Environment Agency explains that pollution in Windermere is reducing but more needs to be done to tackle all sources of
Andy Brown, Environment, Planning and Engagement Manager at the Environment Agency, explains that pollution in Windermere is reducing but more needs to be done to tackle all sources of pollution, not just sewage.
Updated: Fri May 24 2024
High court ruling on Farming Rules for Water
Today we are looking at today's high court ruling on Farming Rules for Water
Updated: Fri May 24 2024
Our Natural Health Service
By Esther Smith, Senior Adviser, Health and Environment, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Area Team The links between health and nature have arguably never been clearer. The healing power of nature is taking centre stage for people's health and nature's recovery ...
Updated: Fri May 24 2024
Hedgerow regulations now law
In a post published last month, I said I'd let you know when Parliament passed the new hedgerow regulations. Today, I'm doing just that.
Updated: Thu May 23 2024
Steps to improve water quality in England
Today we are looking at recent action taken to improve water quality in England.
Updated: Thu May 23 2024
Fisheries data mapping - An update from the MMO Marine Planning team
During 2023, a number of fisheries workshops were conducted as part of work undertaken by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and others to support thinking around marine spatial prioritisation. The objective of the workshops was to validate both the approach ...
Updated: Wed May 22 2024
How the Environment Agency is conserving and enhancing biodiversity
Hi, I am Tony Grayling and I'm one of the new Directors of Nature and Place, along with my colleague Jennie Donovan, at the Environment Agency. Today we are celebrating International Day of Biodiversity, and I wanted to share with ...
Updated: Wed May 22 2024
How the project lead for the Isle of Wight coastal defence scheme is actively reducing carbon
My name is Emily Webster and I am the project lead for two coastal defence schemes in Sandown Bay on the south-eastern coast of the Isle of Wight. These schemes will refurbish over 2km of sea wall and groynes in ...
Updated: Wed May 22 2024
Why biodiversity day is every day
Today (22 May) is the United Nations' International Biodiversity Day, but at Natural England biodiversity is for life, not just for one day. Since we were established almost 20 years ago, we have been conserving and enhancing the natural environment ...
Updated: Wed May 22 2024
Why what we do with our rubbish matters
Rebecca Mason, Senior Adviser in our Enforcement and Waste Crime Team, shares why she works for the Environment Agency and why what we do with our rubbish matters. I have worked for the Environment Agency for over 20 years in ...
Updated: Wed May 22 2024
Coverage of Defra's expanded and improved SFI offer
There has been positive coverage in the media of Defra's expanded and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Updated: Tue May 21 2024
National Nature Reserves - for inspiration and celebration!
By Mike Downey, Principal Officer for National Nature Reserves This week is a really exciting week in the calendar for England's National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Monday 20th May marked the start of National Nature Reserves Week 2024, an annual celebration ...
Updated: Tue May 21 2024
Non-native species can travel the oceans, with a little help from plastic waste
There is an increasing awareness that marine debris, particularly plastic, is more than an eyesore on our beaches. Recent research has shown that it could also transport species, including non-native species, large distances. Plastic has a lower buoyancy than seawater ...
Updated: Tue May 21 2024
What's the foam you sometimes see along Britain's coastlines?
Have you ever been at the coast and noticed a frothy foam at the water's edge? From April to August, it's fairly common to see these discoloured, sometimes creamy-looking and bad smelling foamy patches in the sea. You might think ...
Updated: Tue May 21 2024
See it, Snap it, Report it! Suspected Japanese oyster drill
Those working to protect our Nation's biodiversity couldn't do their job without the additional eyes and ears of the public. One way the public can assist is by reporting unusual and new sightings of flora and fauna, but have you ...
Updated: Mon May 20 2024
The Smaller Abattoir Fund: increase in intervention rate and grant amount
In December, we shared details of a new capital grant to support smaller abattoirs in England, offered through the Smaller Abattoir Fund . To recognise the cash flow challenges that many smaller abattoirs face, we're increasing this support. We've raised the intervention rate from 40% to 50% and we've increased the maximum grant amount from £60,000 to £75,000.
Updated: Mon May 20 2024
Further funding to tackle endemic diseases
By reducing the levels of endemic disease in livestock, we can increase productivity, support businesses and unlock wider benefits too - from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slowing antimicrobial resistance. The very nature of endemic disease means it is an ongoing concern. Managing it requires the sustained effort of livestock keepers, the support of vets and money. In recognition of this, we are offering additional financial support.
Updated: Thu May 16 2024
Task force Fukushima - building trust to protect people and the environment.
By Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator for the Environment Agency. 'Recently I was delighted to be appointed in the newly created role of Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency. My role is to make sure that the EA is a future-focussed, ...
Updated: Thu May 16 2024
Coverage of the Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street
Following a package of new measures announced by the Prime Minister at the Farm to Fork summit, there has been widespread coverage across broadcast, national and trade media.
Updated: Wed May 15 2024
How the Environment Agency monitors and tests bathing water quality
Today (15 May) marks the start of this year's bathing water season. Between now and the end of September, millions of people will head to bathing waters to relax and swim. Following Defra's recent announcement of 27 new bathing waters, ...
Updated: Wed May 15 2024