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.
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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.
Natural Capital
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.
Environment
The fly-tipping curse
Latest government figures show more than one million fly-tipping incidents last year, revealing an issue blighting rural communities across the country.
Natural Capital
Grey squirrels thwarting tree planting efforts
Bark-stripping damage has resulted in landowners not planting the trees needed to reach net zero.
Natural Capital
Launch date Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
The government published the secondary legislation, which states that BNG will become mandatory from the 12th of February 2024.
Natural Capital
Government largely off track meeting environmental ambitions
Damning report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) finds the Government remains largely off track to meet its environmental ambitions.
Wildlife
Researchers develop hedgehog safety test for robotic lawnmowers
Researchers develop hedgehog safety test for robotic lawnmowers to the end of a possible certification scheme of ‘hedgehog-friendly’ mowers to help protect the endangered mammals.
Plants
Pioneering start-up enlists public as citizen scientists to save Britain’s Ash trees
The biochar start-up, Earthly Biochar, has announced the launch of its government-funded project to try and save Britain’s ash trees.
Natural Capital
£15.6million to help people get out into nature
Supported by the National Lottery, the Heritage Fund awarded the funds for nature recovery projects and to increase the connectivity of spaces for people and wildlife in rural, suburban and urban areas.
Tourism
New bid for Scotland’s third national park: Affric and Loch Ness
A bid to nominate Affric and Loch Ness as Scotland’s third national park has been launched to celebrate and protect its important natural and cultural heritage.