07 Mar 2016

Whilst the breakthroughs in satellite tracking have given us a much clearer understanding of basking shark movements and feeding behaviour understanding the size of the European – Atlantic basking shark population remains a huge challenge. This is an interesting paper because it uses mark – recapture approaches to assess the size of basking shark populations. […]

02 Mar 2016

No mincing of words Lord Krebs writes to Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP on water abstraction Lord Krebs, Chair of the Adaptation Sub-Committee, has written to the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, to welcome the Government’s proposed water abstraction reforms set out in January 2016. “The importance and urgency of abstraction reform is […]

02 Mar 2016

CIWEM – An independent review of shale gas extraction in the UK and the implications for the water environment In 2014 CIWEM published a review of the implications of shale gas on the water environment with ten recommendations for action. Although exploration has not progressed in the UK during this time, there have been considerable […]

02 Mar 2016

Three sources of new and updated information 1. Flood risk assessments: climate change allowances Find out when and how to use climate change allowances in flood risk assessments and strategic flood risk assessments. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out how the planning system should help minimise vulnerability and provide resilience to the impacts […]

02 Mar 2016

There is a growing understanding of the value of moorlands for water – two important interventions, and developing science 1. Revitalising natural landscapes can reduce flood risk – Environment Agency  The Environment Agency has flagged up that revitalising natural landscapes can reduce flood risk. Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Agency visited the uplands in […]

02 Mar 2016

Two studies from Scotland and Devon on how beavers are working to slow the flow of rivers and help alleviate the impact of flooding. Beavers ‘Help To Prevent Flooding’, Says Scottish Study Scotland’s beaver population may help to prevent flooding, according to an academic study. The rodents, which are living wild around the River Tay, were accused […]

29 Feb 2016

Three articles The Natural Capital Committee now has this peculiar role – an ‘independent’ quango – but charged with, among other things producing a 25 year plan for the environment. Despite their last three reports and pronouncements, their effectiveness at influencing Government policies for the benefit of the environment is yet to be demonstrated – […]