02 Jul 2026
Photo description: hay bales laid in rows on a field. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash Scale of the problem Agriculture remains the single largest source of water pollution in England, adversely affecting around 40% of water bodies nationally and contributing approximately 60% of nitrogen and 28% of phosphorus in rivers in England and Wales. The Environment […]
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, […]
01 Jul 2025
New detailed assessments of marine protected areas (MPA) in Wales show which habitats and species are doing well in Welsh waters, but highlight the need for more action to improve habitat, biodiversity and water quality, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW). A total of 85 features designated across 17 marine special areas of […]
05 May 2022
Media stories: A legal requirement that new houses do not pollute nearby wetlands, rivers and nature reserves has halted development across a swath of England, the Guardian has reported. The news piece stated that ‘forty-two local authorities in England were last month told they must ensure that new homes are “nutrient neutral” and do not add damaging nitrates […]