Environment
European Parliament passes Nature Restoration Law
Despite the political backlash and protests, the European Parliament passes one of the union’s biggest pieces of environmental legislation.
Research
Wetlands, parks and botanical gardens among the best ways to cool cities during heatwaves
Review led by the University of Surrey reveals that botanical gardens can cool the city air by 5°C during heatwaves.
Natural Capital
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) application to irreplaceable habitats
Defra has released new guidance for how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will apply to irreplaceable habitats.
Environment
Pollution is changing the scent of flowers
Sensory pollution arising from human activity is degrading the chemical compounds responsible for floral scents, confusing insects trying to locate flowers.
Natural Capital
Dutch lottery grant boosts wildlife comeback in Europe
The Dutch Postcode Lottery has awarded Rewilding Europe a special grant of 2.2 million euros for the European Wildlife Comeback Fund.
Wildlife
Rare White-spotted Sable moth spotted
Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is celebrating the discovery of a new breeding group of rare White-spotted Sable moth near Canterbury.
Wildlife
RHS calls on public to spot bumblebees on blooms
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is launching a nationwide initiative to monitor ‘Bumbles on Blooms’, in a bid to identify which plants are most visited by bumblebees in spring and help these vital pollinators to thrive.
Natural Capital
BNG market drive: Biodiversity as an asset class
Biodiversity markets offer a distinctive avenue to expedite funding for conservation while offering a financial incentive for preserving and restoring natural ecosystems.
Natural Capital
Councils should aim to go beyond 10% BNG
Research by Wildlife and Countryside Link has revealed that in most Local Authorities, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will fail to go beyond “offsetting”.
Environment
Plantlife calls for councils to register for ‘No Mow May’
The annual campaign #NoMowMay calls on green space managers to make a meaningful change for nature.
Natural Capital
How trees channel more carbon into their roots
Intriguing research about how herbivore browsing pressure affects trees’ long term carbon storage potential.
Environment
Lawn Association calls for ban on lawn chemicals
David Hedges-Gower, Chairman of the Lawn Association has made a passionate appeal for a nationwide ban on all pesticides used in lawn maintenance.
Research
Nature’s therapeutic power: study on the psychophysiological effects of touching grass
Study reveals that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, a sense of naturalness and decreases anxiety levels.
Environment
New Forest for the Nation competition launched
Major multi-million-pound grant funding competition in pursuit of the new Forest for the Nation.
Fungi
Epping Forest valued at £1.9 billion to society
New report reveals that Epping Forest, London and Essex’s largest green space is worth around £64.4 million a year in public benefits, with a present value of £1.9 billion over 50 years.
Research
Sound waves appear to stimulate soil
A new study on sonic restoration has found that fungi respond to noise in soil, unlocking potential for improved ecosystem recovery.
Worth a read
Will Biodiversity Net Gain benefit the landscape community?
As of the 12th of February, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will mandate the assessment of habitats on development land and require this habitat to be enhanced by a minimum of 10%.
Natural Capital
High-tech aerial mapping of hedgerows
Scientists have harnessed innovative technology to produce a comprehensive map of hedgerows across the length and breadth of England.
Natural Capital
The Statutory Biodiversity Metric
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) publishes the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric calculation tool.
Environment
HTA Environmental Horticulture Manifesto
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has officially released its Environmental Horticulture Manifesto, outlining ten key priorities for a future UK Government.
