Health
Eden Project launches Nature Connections Initiative
The Eden Project has announced a number of group activities starting during January which aim to bring people (of all ages) closer to nature and each other.
Worth a read
The world’s ugliest lawn
Tasmanian garden wins prize for world’s ugliest lawn highlighting how people can save water, help animals and free themselves from lawn-mowing
On Instagram
Safe migration journey
Courtesy of @lostfoundartny a highway road sign in Canada wishing monarch butterflies a safe migration south for the winter.
On Instagram
River Restoration Knepp Wilding
Restored Adur river project by Knepp Wildland Foundation shows truly impressive performance during the recent intense downpours.
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Environment
Tree ring data shows worsening ‘vapour pressure deficit’ across Europe in 21st century
Research shows the atmosphere across Europe has become markedly drier in recent decades compared to pre-industrial times exacerbating drought and wildfire risks.
Plants
London Borough of Hounslow is giving away trees
The council is giving away 750 free fruit trees to borough residents, schools and local community groups.
Business
Last of the peat-fired electricity power plants in Ireland switches to biomass
The end of an era of peat-fired electricity in the Edenderry power plant in Ireland switches from peat to burning biomass.
Environment
Transformation of Sandilands golf course into wildlife haven
Plans by the National Trust to convert former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast into a nature reserve have been approved.
Worth a read
Ted Green champions ancient forests
The ecologist shares his views on the conservation of irreplaceable, uniquely biodiverse living monuments for their vital genetics in the next generation of ancient trees.
Wildlife
National Trust 2023 Weather & Wildlife Review
Review of the unpredictable weather patterns in 2023 and their impact on nature and wildlife.
Business
Dutch Flower Auctions Association: new peat-free growing medium grading
The new S57 grading characteristics and values, growers can now indicate to what extent the product has been grown peat-free.
Environment
Forest for the Nation competition
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is launching a competition to create a new Forest for the Nation in England.
Worth a listen
Podcast: Cultivate Your Future
Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh talks to Neville Stein on the Cultivate Your Future Podcast.
Regulation
Unlimited penalties for polluters
Companies who pollute the environment can be hit with unlimited financial penalties from the Environment Agency.
In a nutshell
Squirrel pox virus
The Westmorland Red Squirrel Society reported a case of squirrel pox virus at Neaum Crag in the Lake District, a reminder of the importance of bird feeder hygiene.
Environment
DEFRA: No plans to ban artificial grass
Stating a commitment to eliminating all avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and acknowledgement that artificial grass has no wildlife value, Defra has no plans to instigate a ban on plastic grass.
Worth a read
The battle of the Stag beetle
Lucanus cervus, famous for its impressive jaws is a globally threatened species and numbers in Britain are in decline.
Environment
Al Gore: COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure
Climate advocate and former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore calls the COP28 discussions into question.
Environment
EFRA urges prioritising soil health on same level as air and water
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) published the findings of its inquiry into soil health last week.
Worth a listen
Looking out for Bumblebees
Horticulturist, Sarah Wilson talks to Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust about bumblebee populations and habitats.