Energy & Environment

Improving water quality in the River Ryton, Worksop

Chloe Hayes, Environment Monitoring Officer in the Environment Agency's East Midlands area, explains how teams are working together to improve water quality in the River Ryton in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

Updated: Wed Mar 08 2023

The science behind the Sustainable Farming Incentive

In this post, I'll share a few scientific examples of how the actions within the Sustainable Farming Incentive can support businesses, bring about positive environmental outcomes whilst maintaining - and in some cases boosting - food production.

Updated: Wed Mar 08 2023

Celebrating Environment Agency science

The Environment Agency's Chief Scientist, Rob Bradburne, launches the Chief Scientist's annual review of 2022 celebrating the fantastic work of scientists across the organisation.

Updated: Tue Mar 07 2023

International Women's Day 2023 #EmbraceEquity

Teenage girls, compared to their male peers, are one of the groups who tend not to use greenspaces as much, and they experience a significant decrease in physical activity and connection to nature compared to younger children and boys their ...

Updated: Tue Mar 07 2023

Species spotlight - sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities

This week we're putting the spotlight on some of the interesting species found within our coastal waters and marine protected areas (MPAs). In particular, we'd like to share more information about sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities, including what they are ...

Updated: Tue Mar 07 2023

UK proposes measures to protect England's much loved seabirds

There has been both national and regional coverage of Defra's announcement yesterday on the government's plans to consult on proposed measures to ban industrial sandeel fishing within English waters, with aims to protect some of Britain's much-loved seabirds including ...

Updated: Tue Mar 07 2023

Wood Culture

Discover how woodlands can benefit your land and business while supporting the economy, society, and the wider environment.

Updated: Tue Mar 07 2023

Defra calls for more action to protect the world's ocean

There was national and regional coverage following our announcement of new projects under the Blue Planet Fund to boost marine conservation efforts worldwide, fight climate change, and support vulnerable coastal communities. The Independent reported the UK has pledged nearly ...

Updated: Mon Mar 06 2023

Apply now for the Forestry Apprenticeship 2023

Applications have opened for joining our Forestry Apprenticeship this September. Programme Manager Gareth offers advice for anyone considering applying and looks at how the current apprentices are getting on.

Updated: Thu Mar 02 2023

Forestry Apprenticeship: Your questions answered

During National Apprenticeship Week (6 to 12 February), we held a live #AskAnApprentice Twitter Q&A to give you the opportunity to ask our panel of experts about our Forestry Apprenticeship.

Updated: Thu Mar 02 2023

Productivity and Slurry grants: time to apply

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the latest round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. In my post, I gave an overview of the fund. I explained that it is made up of 2 themes. One theme is Productivity and Slurry. The other theme is Animal Health and Welfare. I'm pleased to say that you can now apply for a grant under the Productivity and Slurry theme.

Updated: Wed Mar 01 2023

Habitat focus - the importance of rocky and biogenic reefs

Why do reefs need protection? Most people are unaware of the many vitally important habitats which lie offshore beneath the surface of English coastal waters. Rocky and biogenic reefs are two of these important habitats, which need our consideration and ...

Updated: Tue Feb 28 2023

Farming podcast: Next steps for environmental land management

In this episode, Lisa Warne talks to John Renner and his son, Charlie. John farms on the border of the Northumberland National Park between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick. Charlie is a farm business consultant and continues to help out on the farm. Lisa gives an update on the growth and rollout of our environmental land management schemes. John and Charlie talk about how the new farming payments fit in with the management of their farm. They had plenty of questions for Lisa about the new grants and actions.

Updated: Mon Feb 27 2023

The Annual Health and Welfare Review: rolling out yearly vet visits

At around this time last year, I wrote a post introducing the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. I'm pleased to tell you that the first step on the Pathway, the SFI Annual Health and Welfare Review, is now ready to be rolled out. In this post, I'll explain how to register for a funded annual visit from your chosen vet or team of vets.

Updated: Mon Feb 27 2023