In September 2020, the UK Government announced a commitment to 30% of land for nature by 2030. Sadly, the UK’s National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty are severely depleted of wildlife through overgrazing, poor management or intensive agricultural practices. Half of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest where nature is supposedly protected are in …
Peatlands are wetland landscapes formed from the accumulation of dead and decaying plants over thousands of years in the presence of waterlogged conditions. This organic matter is called peat. They occupy 3% of land globally and 12% within the UK. There are multiple types of peatlands, three of which are common in the UK: Why …
The importance of woodlands Trees have umpteen benefits; biodiversity, climate change, flooding, air pollution, soil and human health (see this blog for more details). Woodlands are home to more wildlife species than any other habitat. The state of woodlands today Woodlands are essential landscapes but have been diminished and fractured worldwide through human-based activities, such …
Native woods and trees provide the means to tackle the significant environmental crises of our time. Here are a few key benefits based on facts from the Woodland Trust. Trees and climate change Trees are helpful in: Trees and flooding Extreme rainfall events arising from climate change increase the risk of flooding. Trees help reduce …
What is seagrass? If you have never heard of them, you are probably not alone. Seagrasses are flowering plants living in shallow waters along the coastline. Their bright green leaves form large, dense meadows under the sea. Among the 60-odd species, there are two species in the UK – dwarf eelgrass and eelgrass. It seems …
Richard Lilley (RJ) is the co-founder and CEO of Project Seagrass – an NGO focused on raising the profile of seagrass whilst being involved in its monitoring and restoration. RJ talks about this less well-known environmental powerhouse and outlines why seagrass needs a helping hand across the globe.
Charlie Le Marquand is the data and information officer for the Mammal Society, whose vital role of determining mammal populations and habitats informs conservation. Charlie shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of British mammals and how we can all get involved in recording their whereabouts.
What is rewilding? Rewilding is the restoration of ecosystems by implementing interventions to the point at which nature can take care of itself. Richard Bunting presents a comprehensive picture of rewilding in his podcast episode. What is the difference between conservation and rewilding? Conservation is the protection and preservation of natural landscapes, ecosystems and species. …
Richard Bunting is Director of Communications & Campaigns International, possessing considerable involvement with organisations prioritising nature. He has much to share on rewilding; what it is, what it looks like, and where it can happen, presenting examples and indicating the myriad of benefits to nature and people.
What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem describes an environment and all the living organisms within it, such as plants, animals and other organisms, along with the interactions that occur between all the different elements. Ecosystems are vital to human existence as they provide people with water, food, building materials and other essential items. How have …
