Energy & Environment

Fish traceability technology examined

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is keen to investigate technological advances that can improve consumer confidence in seafood products while also reducing administration for fishers, merchants, processors and retailers. Being able to trace consignments of commercially caught fish is critical to ...

Updated: Thu Jun 29 2023

Using Herbicides to protect our flood defences from invasive plants

The Environment Agency is responsible for carrying out maintenance work on its assets to ensure they will perform as they should during a flood. Field team operatives and contractors use various tools and methods to carry out seasonal vegetation management on sections of watercourse that are within a flood alleviation scheme. This work is carried out to aid the conveyance of floodwater during periods of high flows. This allows the floodwater to pass through the scheme as freely as possible reducing the likelihood of a blockage and reducing the flood risk.

Updated: Wed Jun 28 2023

Coverage of the Kept Animals Bill opposition debate

There has been widespread coverage in the I News, Daily Express, BBC News, Sky News, the Guardian and in the Sun reporting on yesterday's opposition debate which the Kept Animals Bill.

Updated: Thu Jun 22 2023

Working with landowners to prevent waste crime

I'm an Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. I joined the Environment Agency because I have a real passion for protecting the environment, people, and legitimate businesses. In my job I frequently meet landowners ...

Updated: Thu Jun 22 2023

More time to suggest productivity and slurry items

We recently asked you to help us shape the list of items under the Productivity and Slurry theme of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The survey was due to close on 3 July. However, in response to requests to keep the survey open for a little longer, we've extended the deadline to midday, Wednesday 12 July.

Updated: Tue Jun 20 2023

Our position on income forgone

Today there has been inaccurate coverage of Defra's position on income foregone plus costs in Farmers Weekly. The piece claims that Minister Spencer and Defra have "rowed back" on moving beyond income foregone plus costs as the basis for payments ...

Updated: Fri Jun 16 2023

Coverage on Hunting Trophies Bill

There has been coverage in The Times today on the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill. We are supporting the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which will deliver our commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals. This comprehensive ban will cover all species considered to be at risk from the international trade, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, big cats, bears, primates and hippos.

Updated: Thu Jun 15 2023

Property and Landowners - how to avoid waste criminals

Criminals operating in the waste industry impact us all. They cause damage to our environment, distress affected communities and undercut legitimate waste businesses. As a land or property owner, you are at risk too. Waste criminals may offer you cash ...

Updated: Thu Jun 15 2023

Pollution prevention visit Northamptonshire

In my role as an Environment Officer in the Lincolnshire land and water team I cover a range of topics from abstraction licenses to inspecting sewage treatment works and attending incidents.

Updated: Mon Jun 12 2023

A council view of the fly tipping curse

Fly tipping is more than a nuisance. It isn't just 'a bit of dumped waste' for the local council to clear. It's an Environmental Health Officer sent to investigate. It's a Waste Operative (or two) the council can ill-afford to ...

Updated: Wed May 31 2023

Everything you need to know about duckweed on the River Witham

Periods of hot and dry weather can be busy times for the Environment Agency as we work to protect not just our water resources; but our precious environment and the wildlife that depends on it. During these conditions we receive a lot of calls about duckweed in Lincolnshire, particularly on the River Witham. This blog explains what duckweed is, why it is a problem in dry weather and the challenges of managing it.

Updated: Wed May 31 2023

Delivering on Animal Welfare

There has been widespread online coverage following the Government's update in the House yesterday on the status of the Kept Animals Bill.

Updated: Sat May 27 2023

Help us to review productivity and slurry grant items

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund supports the purchase of equipment, technology, and infrastructure designed to improve agricultural, horticultural and forestry productivity in a sustainable way.  Grants are offered towards the cost of specific items of equipment on a list.  We promised to review the list of productivity and slurry items and we'd like your help.

Updated: Wed May 24 2023

Oak Processionary Moth: ID and action

Find out more about the tree pest Oak Processionary Moth. This visual guide explains how to spot it, and the actions you can take.

Updated: Mon May 22 2023

Media coverage following the UK Farm to Fork Summit

There has been widespread coverage, including in The Daily Mail, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph, following the UK Farm to Fork Summit hosted by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street yesterday (16 May). The event was also ...

Updated: Thu May 18 2023