Wildlife
Trichomonosis: Are our bird feeders up to scratch?
Could our feeding of wild birds, be aiding the spread of trichomonosis which has caused rapid decline of the British Greenfinch population and poses a threat to other beloved garden birds?
Report
Trichomonosis: Fatal disease causing rapid decline of our greenfinches
Not mentioned enough, trichomonosis is a fatal disease and the cause of the rapid decline of the British Greenfinch population and poses a serious threat to other, beloved garden birds.
Research
New study investigating routes of finch trichomonosis transmission in gardens
A new study is being conducted to improve understanding of finch trichomonosis transmission and mitigation measures for which public involvement is needed.
Wildlife
Defra reports overall decline in wild bird numbers
Worrying figures from Defra indicate that wild bird numbers in the UK are continuing to fall.
Regulation
Ruth Davis appointed as the first UK’s Special Representative for Nature
The UK government has appointed Ruth Davis OBE as the first Special Representative for Nature, a joint FCDO and Defra role reporting into the Environment Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.
Environment
Green Cities Europe Award 2024
Ten countries are up the Green Cities Europe Award, in recognition of outstanding sustainable, urban green space initiatives across the Continent.
Research
Survey reveals majority of Kew staff are against the Herbarium move
The results of the Herbarium Impact Survey for staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, confirm that the majority of respondents are not in favour of the move to Thames Valley Science Park.
Business
Gaze Burvill becomes ‘Grown in Britain’ certified
Luxury garden furniture maker, Gaze Burvill has become Grown in Britain certified, confirming their commitment to using British timber and supporting the sustainability of UK’s woodlands.
Regulation
Ten-Minute Rule Motion to prohibit the sale of peat
On the 6th of November 2024, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP of Glastonbury and Somerton will conduct the first reading of a Ten-Minute Rule bill to end the sale of peat.
Design
Elemental: green design audit tool
Developed by Nicholsons in association with the Society of Garden Designers, the British Association of Landscape Industries and the Royal Horticultural Society, ‘Elemental’, the green design audit tool will be available to garden and landscape designers in spring 2025.
Awards
Green Estate CIC wins national award for green innovation
Best known for Pictorial Meadows, the Green Estate CIC has been awarded the British Chambers of Commerce Green Innovation Business of the Year Award for creating sustainable, resilient urban spaces that support both nature and people.
Wildlife
WWF: 73% decline average size of global wildlife populations between 1970 and 2020
The WWF’s Living Planet Report indicates severe decline in average size of monitored wildlife populations, due to human activity such as habitat destruction and climate change.
Natural Capital
£40million equity funding for nature
The nature restoration company, Nattergal has completed its seed round, raising £40m of equity funding in total, led by Lansdowne Partners, co-founder of Nattergal.
Worth a read
The impact of declining carbon sinks
Scientists fear that the crucial natural processes that absorb carbon and regulate the Earth’s climate are breaking down.
Business
Sarah Raven achieves B Corp status
The first online garden retailer to achieve B Corp certification, Sarah Raven earns the certification reflecting their sustainability and ethical business practices.
Business
Sainsbury’s first UK supermarket to launch peat-free mushrooms
The supermarket chain is the first to offer their customers peat-free grown, White Closed Cup and White Baby Button mushroom variants.
Environment
Petition to save Darwin’s Oak delivered to Downing Street
Campaigners working to save the 550-year-old tree delivered their petition to Downing Street this week.
Events
UK Fungus Day 2024
UK Fungus Day brings together fungus experts, enthusiasts and beginners to explore and enjoy the wonders of the Fungal Kingdom
Wildlife
Breeding pair of White-tailed eagles confirmed in Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and RSPB have confirmed that a pair of White-tailed eagles have bred in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland for the first time in 150 years.
Natural Capital
The provision of gardens needs to be central to UK housebuilding targets, says the RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is calling for a review of the Biodiversity Net Gain 4.0 metric, updated planning guidelines to require cultivated landscapes, and garden masterplans for urban areas.