Forever chemicals: the problem and our plan

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Chemicals and pesticides, Environmental Improvement Plan
A family walking in the countryside

'Forever chemicals' - or PFAS - have been making headlines. PFAS are used in many products we rely on every day – cookware, clothing, packaging. Their durability is useful, but it also means they stay in the environment for a long time.   That's why the government is publishing its first PFAS plan setting out an evidence-based approach to tackling these persistent chemicals, protecting public health and the …

Building on success: funding for new OCEAN projects

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Community, Marine, Nature

In November 2024 at COP29, we shared the 20 projects we'd funded through the first round of our Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme.   Today, we're delighted to be back with an update that we're building on first round success and awarding £14 million to community projects through the second funding round.

Walking the Mersey Valley Way: the first step towards nine new National River Walks 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Access and engagement, National River Walks, Water

On Boxing Day, the Government announced the first National River Walk: the Mersey Valley Way. Read this post to find out reflections from Defra policy advisor's Anna Glayzer on this project.

Food waste recycling: big wins from little bins

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Food, Recycling, Sustainability
image of a food caddy

‘Recycle, the possibilities are endless’ as the old adverts used to tell us.   By sending your used metal cans, glass bottles and cardboard boxes for recycling, these materials can be turned into valuable new items and kept out of landfill, helping to protect our environment.   For many households in the United Kingdom, recycling these kinds of …

Building clean energy while our seas flourish: introducing the Marine Recovery Fund

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Marine, Nature, Wildlife
image of a razorbill bird on a grassy cliff edge, with the sea in the background.

Today, we’ve launched the new Marine Recovery Fund, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between clean energy development and environmental protection. Offshore wind development does not have to come at the expense of nature. Read this post to find out more.

Planning reforms: delivering homes, supporting farmers, and protecting nature 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity net gain, Land use, Nature, Planning
image of house surrounded by nature

Yesterday the government launched a major consultation on planning reform – building on our amends last year this will be the most fundamental rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) since its introduction over a decade ago.  These reforms will create a clearer, more rules-based planning system, where developments that meet requirements can move forward with greater certainty. …

Major milestone: NCEA publishes new datasets on England's environment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nature, NCEA programme, Research and data analysis
image of a rolling field, with lots of clouds

Today, a major milestone for the programme has been announced – the first release of Analysis Ready Data from the UK’s largest ever field surveys have been published.  The NCEA programme is all about turbocharging nature's recovery through delivering robust and up to date evidence on the terrestrial and freshwater environment. Read this blog post to find out more.

Publishing the Environmental Improvement Plan - turning ambition into action for nature

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Access and engagement, Air quality, Biosecurity, Chemicals and pesticides, Climate change, Environmental Improvement Plan, Nature, Resources and waste, Water
image of a stream surrounding by trees

We have published (1 December) our revised Environmental Improvement Plan – a clear roadmap for restoring nature. The previous plan lacked the rigour and detail to turn intent into impact. This government is determined to put that right. Our revised …

A new era for nature: first co-created Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Community, Nature, Wildlife
seals sleeping on a bed of grass with mountains in the background

From lush, misty cloud forests to snow-dusted mountains, the UK Overseas Territories are spread across all seven major oceans and seas. As members of one British family, the UK government shares responsibility for supporting the conservation of their vast diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems. Today marks an important milestone in the UK’s relationship with its Overseas Territories, as we launch the new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy. Read this post to find out more.