The water quality in nearly half of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, and waterways is in “unsatisfactory” condition, with farming run-off in the south the culprit for much of the “alarming” deterioration. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned the further decline in water quality means Ireland is currently off course to meet the EU and national […]

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A “snapshot” survey of England’s largest lake found water quality is “not high” in all areas but that there was “no evidence” of problems across the whole of Windermere.     Lancaster University, which published the results, said it marked the start of a long-term monitoring programme, the BBC reported. Zoologist Matt Staniek has warned […]

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There are a number of new documents on the Defra website relating to water and habitats – ponds, lakes, ditches etc., which seem to have been released to support the sustainable farming initiative. Create ponds and lakes Find out how land managers can create new clean freshwater ponds and lakes to benefit wildlife and improve […]

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There is a torrent of information on the Defra website at present in connection with sustainable farming standards, including on how land managers can create lakes and ponds to benefit wildlife and improve the landscape.  Defra ‘Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot: environmental outcomes and benefits The 8 standards include one on ‘Water Body Buffering’ will help […]

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Two new reports: 1. Microplastic pollution revealed ‘absolutely everywhere’ by new research from Bangor University in UK lakes and Rivers New research by Bangor University and Friends of the Earth has found microplastic pollution in some of Britain’s most iconic and remote rivers and lakes. The study, believed to be the first of its kind, […]

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Environment Agency: A new DNA method that could revolutionise the way fish are monitored in lakes has been shown to detect 14 of 16 key fish species known to be present in Lake Windermere, compared to just four species found by conventional surveys. Fish are sensitive indicators of water quality and their assessment is an […]

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