30 Apr 2026
Image description: White sheep on green pastures near a lake, taken in Loughross, County Donegal, Ireland. Photo by Brian Kelly on Unsplash Regulations falling short despite farmer efforts Despite positive investment and efforts from farmers, key regulations designed to reduce agricultural pollution have failed to deliver meaningful improvements to water quality in Northern Ireland, […]
14 Jun 2023
Monitoring has shown that summer levels of dissolved oxygen in lakes are declining. New analysis reveals that this is probably due to effects of global warming, and will be detrimental for aquatic species and potentially methane emissions. The level of dissolved oxygen is a determining factor in various aspects of aquatic ecosystems, influencing its quality […]
20 Oct 2022
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 […]
06 Oct 2022
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 […]
01 Sep 2022
Data scientists has published a comprehensive global dataset of the lakes and reservoirs on Earth showing how they have changed over the last 30+ years. The data will provide environmental researchers with new information about land and fresh water use as well as how lakes and reservoirs are being impacted by humans and climate change. […]
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 […]
08 Jun 2021
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 […]
14 Mar 2019
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, […]
