Defra has set out guidance on how developers can use habitat creation or enhancements to count towards their biodiversity net hain (BNG). If you’re creating or enhancing habitat as part of your development, you may be able to count this towards your BNG. You can still do this if the habitat required for your development is […]
The UK’s approach to international action on nature and climate to 2030 has been published through a Strategic Framework. The framework outlines the UK’s actions to address six global challenges on international environmental action. The Integrated Review (IR) Refresh makes clear that “the UK’s first thematic priority remains tackling climate change, environmental damage and biodiversity loss, given the […]
Eco-friendly gardeners should be given a cut in their council tax, scientists have recommended, as research shows cities may have lost as much as 50% of their green garden space over the past two decades. Paving over gardens and using plastic grass has become a trend in recent years, which contributes to flooding, rising urban […]
The government has published its response to last January’s consultation on biodiversity net gain (BNG) this month. The consultation response confirms that developers will be required to deliver 10% BNG on most sites from November, with requirement for small sites introduced from April 2024. The government also announced £16 million funding for Local Planning Authorities […]
The new UNEP State of Finance for Nature report calls for investment in nature-based solutions to more than double if we are to achieve our climate, biodiversity, and land degradation goals. Important reading ahead of COP15 (running from 7-19 Dec in Canada), the report outlines the need to both phase-out nature-negative finance flows and dramatically increase private […]
The Environment Agency has published an enforcement position (RPS260) for wetlands that receive treated final effluent discharged from water and sewerage company wastewater treatment works. Water and sewerage companies (WaSCs) cannot use this regulatory position statement (RPS). It sets out the Environment Agency’s enforcement position for nutrient treatment wetlands (NTWs) operated by parties other than WaSCs. […]
For thirty years, developing nations have fought to establish an international fund to pay for the “loss and damage” they suffer as a result of climate change. As the COP27 climate summit in Egypt wrapped, they finally succeeded. However, critics have lamented the overall outcome of COP27, saying it falls well short of a sufficient response […]
From densely developed cities and geometric agricultural plots to the ubiquitous roadways, pipelines and power grids, an aerial view of the earth reveals our impact on our landscapes. In less populated areas, unprecedented glacial melt and deep craters caused by the thawing of frozen soil and rock called permafrost megaslumps give stark reminders of the […]