A new study warns of a 20-year window to act on climate and land use policies to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain. Sustainable practices like strong emissions action and reduced meat consumption could save up to 69 fewer species from extinction.
Researchers found interactions between soil moisture patterns and wind in the lowest atmosphere influence where storms develop, providing clues to forecasters about location. The study aims to improve certainty about upcoming storms on hot days and save lives, livestock, and property.
A recent study found that chikungunya can spread in temperatures as low as 13 degrees Celsius, posing a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought. The Asian tiger mosquito is expanding northwards through the continent, and warming temperatures may lead to local outbreaks in the UK.
A global study reveals invasive alien species reduce terrestrial insect abundance by 31% and species richness by 21%. Insects are often overlooked victims of invasion, exacerbating population declines and ecosystem disruption.
A new study of 1960s maps created by young people has provided important insights into the timing and extent of habitat losses in England and Wales. The analysis revealed a significant decline in semi-natural habitats, including rough grassland, heath, and wetland, which have lost 42% of their original area over the past 90 years.
A study warns that Ukraine's soils are losing vital crop nutrients due to reduced fertilizer access and inefficient farming practices. To mitigate this, the authors recommend better farm management, efficient use of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations.
Human-driven climate change makes wildfires in parts of South America and Southern California much larger and more destructive. Climate models warn that severe heatwaves and droughts will make extreme wildfires more frequent and intense worldwide.
A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
Agroecological methods improve biodiversity, pollination, natural pest control, and crop yields, but new subsidies are needed to support farms' transition. The study found that incorporating nature-friendly practices increases benefits for nature and farmers, with higher soil carbon and overall increased crop yields.
The latest watchlist identifies 145 non-native animals and plants that could impact biodiversity, ecosystems, human health, and economies in Britain. The top 20 threats include invasive salmon, clams, seaweed, and species like the yellow-legged hornet, raccoon, and Emerald ash borer.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
A study found that reductions in zinc and copper pollution led to improvements in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers. The researchers used statistical modeling to investigate various factors contributing to the decline in metal pollution.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.
A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.
A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.
A new study reveals that the Amazon's remarkable variety of plants and animals was shaped by woodlands and savannas connecting forest islands during the last Ice Age. The researchers used advanced climate and vegetation modelling techniques to provide a new understanding of the region's evolution.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology predicts high-risk towns across Europe for dengue fever outbreaks, with southern France and northern Italy being most affected. The research uses advanced high-resolution modeling to provide daily risk assessments for each area.
A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.
A team of international experts emphasizes the need for collaboration across borders and within countries to address the growing threat of invasive alien species. The paper, published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, highlights the critical evaluation of existing knowledge on invasive alien species and their control.
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
A UK feasibility study suggests that a carbon credit scheme could support private investment in saltmarsh restoration, providing vital habitat for wildlife and addressing the climate crisis. The introduction of a Saltmarsh Code would pave the way for projects with public financing to contribute to restoration efforts.
Climate change is causing rapid warming of Scotland's lochs, with potential costs of £16.5 million annually due to algal blooms and reduced water quality. Implementing efficient land management practices could reduce phosphorus pollution by 20% under a best-case scenario.
The rapid assessment of the Kakhovka Dam breach has estimated that half a million hectares of protected habitats have been exposed to hazards, including nutrients and pollutants. The study will support international action to restore a biodiversity hotspot in southern Ukraine.
Scientists at UKCEH developed a robust method to detect and measure toxic chemical 6PPD in river sediments, which has been linked to salmon and trout deaths. The method uses gas chromatography mass-spectrometry techniques to accurately quantify 6PPD concentrations.
The UK Centre for Multimodal Correlative Microscopy and Spectroscopy (CoreMiS) will enable researchers to analyze environmental samples with unprecedented detail. CoreMiS has already been used to study ancient artifacts, detect pollutants in drinking water, and investigate antimicrobial resistance.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
A new study reveals that humans have driven the extinction of 1,430 bird species, with many becoming extinct before written records. The research suggests that major human-driven extinctions occurred in the 14th century and ninth century BC, with ongoing threats including climate change and invasive species.
A UK study found a 66% increase in freshwater invertebrates across England's rivers, with sensitive species like mayflies recovering most strongly. The improvement coincides with declines in pollutants and suggests effective water quality management.
Scientists will use AI-powered monitoring stations to track species populations and assess the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes in improving biodiversity. The study aims to demonstrate how different farming systems and practices affect species populations, providing crucial evidence for sustainable land management policies.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent UK study found that participating in nature-based 'citizen science' projects improves both participants' well-being and their connection to nature. The research involved 500 volunteers who completed a range of activities, including wildlife recording, and showed increased scores in wellbeing and pro-nature behaviour.
A new study predicts which invasive non-native species could pose a future threat to the UK's Overseas Territories, with Gibraltar and Saint Helena most at risk. The list includes species such as green mussels, little fire ants, and brown rats that could outcompete native species and alter unique ecosystems.
A new study found that protected natural areas of the UK are failing to stop declines in insects and spiders, despite being richer in species. The results suggest that while these areas conserve valuable habitats, they need more assistance to tackle wider threats posed by climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
Researchers found that less intensively managed grasslands had greater diversity of plant species and correlated with better soil health, including increased nitrogen and carbon levels. In contrast, intensively farmed plots showed fewer plant species, but some saw improvements in soil health over time.
A recent study found that on average, about half of trees planted in tropical and sub-tropical forest restoration efforts do not survive more than five years. However, survival rates varied greatly amongst sites and species, with some sites seeing over 80% of trees still alive after five years.
Researchers warn that UK wheat yields are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. The study found that while warmer temperatures can benefit yields, multiple extreme weather events can lead to significant negative impacts on production.
Invasive alien species threaten EU biodiversity, causing harm to wildlife, crops, and human health. The new awareness campaign urges people to 'Beware of Aliens' and report sightings to prevent their spread.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
A new study warns that the Red-billed Leiothrix, a loud and brightly coloured bird from subtropical Asia, could become established in Britain, altering the country's dawn chorus. The species has already been spotted in several parts of Europe and is kept as a cage bird, potentially leading to its escape into the wild.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.
The frequency of thunderstorms in some fast-growing African coastal cities has doubled over the past 30 years, mostly linked to land use change. Deforestation exacerbates storm activity, causing increased rainfall and flooding in urban areas.
A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
A new study found that LED streetlights have a detrimental impact on local insect populations, with moth caterpillar numbers being 52% lower under LED lighting than in unlit areas. The study suggests that this is due to female moths laying fewer eggs in habitats illuminated by streetlights.
A long-term study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that natural regeneration through seed dispersal by birds, mammals, and wind can produce biodiverse and resilient woodlands. The research suggests that incorporating passive rewilding into national planting targets could result in significant cost savings.