14 Sep 2021

From the Guardian One of the first complaints lodged with the post-Brexit environmental watchdog accuses the government and Ofwat of failing to enforce the law to stop water companies from routinely discharging raw sewage into rivers. The office for environmental protection (OEP) is being asked to investigate why water companies have been able to continually fail […]

07 Sep 2021

From Defra Thousands more homes and businesses are to be better protected from flooding and coastal erosion, as part of plans published today by the Government outlining a record £5.2 billion of investment over the next six years. More than £860 million will be spent in 2021-22 boosting design and construction of more than 1,000 […]

07 Sep 2021

From Defra Farmers across the country will be given additional support to take action to reduce water and air pollution from their land, the Government has announced today (2 August). Over the last 15 years, the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) programme has been one of the main ways to help farmers tackle pollution which results […]

01 Sep 2021

From Defra Also covered in the Guardian Plans to release beavers into the wild in England have been set out in a consultation launching today (Wednesday 25 August) – marking a cautious step towards further reintroductions and establishing native beaver populations. Beavers can play a hugely significant role in helping to restore nature to England. […]

01 Sep 2021

From Defra  About blocking in-field drains in grassland You can block in-field drains or remove them to restore natural flows of water through grassland. The natural passage of freshwater through rocks, soil and over land supports many habitats and species. If you use artificial surface and sub-surface drainage, it will change the natural flow of […]

31 Aug 2021

Government have made a number of changes to the Environment Bill prompted by collaborative campaign by the Wildlife groups. Defra:  Landmark Environment Bill strengthened to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 New strengthened Government commitments to protect the environment for future generations made today in landmark Environment Bill amendments. The Government has strengthened its commitment to […]

31 Aug 2021

Defra plastic waste https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-steps-to-tackle-plastic-waste Next steps to tackle plastic waste Government to consult on banning a range of polluting plastics this Autumn, with single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups under review The war on plastic waste is set to be ramped up with fresh plans to stop the supply of a range of single-use […]

25 Aug 2021

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 […]