News stories from 2007

Last updated: 16 January 2008.

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December 2007

Mon, 31 Dec 2007: Tamar bridge goes tagging: The long-established toll system on the River Tamar will switch to electronic tagging from March.

Mon, 31 Dec 2007: Swimmers take a festive dip: Water's good for you, whatever the weather, as river, lake, and sea swimmers around the UK have discovered this festive season.

Sun, 30 Dec 2007: Muddy river race raises thousands for charity: Over 180 people have taken place in the annual Maldon Mud Race across the River Blackwater.

Sat, 29 Dec 2007: New Year's resolutions: Go green for a great 2008!: Save cash and save the planet by taking up some of Friends of the Earth's suggestions for green New Year's resolutions.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007: 15 major projects to boost the Medway: The Environment Agency is planning two million pounds of projects for Kent's major boating river, including a refurbishment of Hampstead Lock.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007: Worst year for red kite poisoning since 2001: The illegal killing of red kites in Scotland has had a devastating impact on the species, according to shocking new statistics that reveal a major rise in poisoning.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007: New Year resolutions for how to save the planet: Forget the usual New Year's resolutions to lose weight or stop smoking - make one which will really make a difference by pledging to help save the planet in 2008. "No-one can go green overnight but by taking on a couple of our New Year's resolutions you know that you will be part of a global movement to tackle climate change," said Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007: Lydd airport stopped by... nuclear power?: There's been an ironic twist in the campaign against the expansion of Lydd Airport on Romney Marsh Kent, which RSPB and others are opposing. British Energy has now objected, presumably because the airport plans threaten a possible new nuclear power station in the same area.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007: China tunnels through Yellow River for massive water diversion project: China began digging a tunnel on Friday beneath the Yellow River in eastern Shandong Province as part of the massive south-to-north water diversion project. The 7,870-meter tunnel would annually divert 442 million cubic meters of water from the Yangtze River to the northern banks of the Yellow River, said Zhang Jirao, director of the South-North Water Diversion Project Office of the State Council.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007: A walk is for life, not for Christmas: Natural England, the champion for the natural environment, wants those heading off on Boxing Day walks and setting New Year resolutions to be more active and make use of England's great outdoors by joining the 'Outdoor Gym' in 2008.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007: Recharge your batteries and save money: Rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact on the environment than disposable batteries according to research from battery manufacturer, Uniross. "In the UK, 75 million batteries are bought each year and 95% of these are disposable-cumulatively that's an enormous amount of batteries heading straight to landfill, releasing damaging chemicals into the environment. It's wasteful and unnecessary," said Colin Butfield of WWF-UK.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007: UN launches International Year of Sanitation: BBC correspondent Jonah Fisher is posting a diary as he travels with Greenpeace in an attempt to foil a Japanese whaling operation.

Thu, 20 Dec 2007: Survey discovers salmon in lower River Aire: More evidence that salmon are beginning to return to the River Aire has been uncovered during a survey carried out by the Environment Agency. During a routine fishery survey, designed to assess the fish population at the survey point, two salmon of around three pounds were caught at Chapel Haddlesey weir, which is at the tidal limit of the Aire, near Eggborough and off the M62.

Thu, 20 Dec 2007: Be a river warden in South Yorkshire: Flood wardens are needed in South Yorkshire to join teams protecting their communities against river flooding. The Environment Agency is asking for help from people living in areas of high flood risk, who can support other residents and provide on-the-ground information about rising water levels. It follows the devastating summer floods in the county.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007: UN launches International Year of Sanitation: Next year, 2008, is International Year of Sanitation (IYS), which aims to accelerate progress towards providing adequate basic sanitation for the 2.6 billion people worldwide who lack access to this fundamental human right. Access to sanitation is vital for ensuring health, dignity and sustainable social and economic development for the world's poorest citizens.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007: EU pushes greener cars: On Wednesday December 19th, the European Commission is expected to publish its legislative proposals for reducing carbon dioxide emission from new cars. Decisions taken over the next 18 months could set standards for all new cars sold in the EU until 2020 and would thus have a impact on carbon dioxide emissions until around 2030. The decision will be a key test of the EU's commitment to tackling climate change.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007: New prize for farmers helping wildlife: The RSPB has joined forces with BBC Countryfile magazine to launch a ground-breaking UK-wide competition to highlight the work that farmers are doing for wildlife. The 'Nature of Farming Award' will reward farmers for providing the "big three" essentials farmland birds need to thrive: nesting sites, food in Winter and food in Spring and Summer.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007: Decision time for cod: WWF reveals in a new briefing paper today called Hook, Line and Sinker that declining cod stocks have been badly managed in the past in both Europe and in Canada. In both cases, decision-makers ignored scientific advice and chose to cash-in on the early signs of recovery, with the result of further deterioration of the stocks.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007: Children raise flood awareness: With 2007 drawing to a close, Environment Agency Wales is raising flood awareness across Wales with its 2008 Flood Warning calendar. The calendar features paintings of rivers during the course of a year as seen through the eyes of local children.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007: Climate change is affecting the River Usk: Climate change and the spread of invasive species are the two major issues affecting the quality of the River Usk, according to a conference hosted by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

Sun, 16 Dec 2007: New River Ray tunnel lets fish swim free: A new fish pass at Swindon could improve fish movements.

Sat, 15 Dec 2007: American shrimp swimming in Manx waters: The Isle of Man is the new home for a river shrimp from North America.

Fri, 14 Dec 2007: New bridge arrives in Boscastle: Engineers are to lower Boscastle's new bridge, a key part of the flood defence scheme, into place on Tuesday December 18. The installation will depend on the completion of preliminary works in the river and weather conditions on the day.

Thu, 13 Dec 2007: Canadian wild salmon faces extinction threat: Parasites from fish farm are threatening wild salmon, a new study claims.

Thu, 13 Dec 2007: North Pole could defrost in just five years: A new model suggests Arctic summer sea ice could entirely vanish by 2013, possibly even sooner. Until now, climate scientists thought the ice might survive for much of this century.

Wed, 12 Dec 2007: Wooden fish pass is more sustainable: The Environment Agency has just built a fish pass on the River Bran from Welsh oak to reduce environmental impact.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: Happy 10th birthday Kyoto: On the 10th anniversary of the agreement of the Kyoto Protocol, Friends of the Earth International urged industrialised countries to celebrate by announcing a commitment to agree further cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40 per cent by 2020. The environmental group also warned that attempts by some countries to remove reduction targets from the current negotiations here in Bali could pose a serious threat to the future success of the talks.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: Penguins in peril: WWF revealed today in a new report how the Antarctic penguins are under pressure from global warming. "As the ice melts, these icons of the Antarctic will have to face an extremely tough battle to survive," said Emily Lewis-Brown, Marine and Climate Change Officer at WWF-UK.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: Christmas is coming, the drains are getting fat: South West Water says there's 25% more fat flushed down our drains at Christmas. Why not bag it and bin it, feed it to the birds, or turn it into an attractive present for your mother-in-law instead?

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: Fisherman fined for using illegal net in exclusive yachting marina: A Dorset man was today ordered to pay GBP1,307 in fines and costs after he set an illegal gill net at the Royal Motor Yacht Club on the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: New flood defences proposed for River Ness: There's a new exhibition of proposed flood defences for the Ness.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007: River Wensum gets a barbel boost: The River Wensum has long been renowned for its great angling and a recent study by the Environment Agency shows that the river supports sustainable populations of both barbel and roach.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007: Britain cooks climate books: Britain has been been producing hundreds of millions more tonnes of CO2 emissions than official figures admit, according to a new report from a team of economists led by Oxford University's Dieter Helm.

Sun, 9 Dec 2007: Derby's River Derwent could get hydro plant: Derby City Council has plans to build a small hydrolectric plant near its offices.

Fri, 7 Dec 2007: River Wey gets an early stocking this Christmas: Christmas came early on the River Wey this year as the Environment Agency delivered a stocking packed with 100 barbel. The batch of 12-month-old fish were released at a site near Godalming in Surrey as part of an Environment Agency project to give the barbel population a boost.

Wed, 5 Dec 2007: Natural England shows support for a 21st century South Downs National Park: Nearly a quarter of the original South Downs National Park, proposed by Natural England as worthy of designation, could be left unprotected if a revised boundary is accepted by Government.

Wed, 5 Dec 2007: 13,000 fish kill costs Tredegar company over £30,000: A Tredegar company has had to pay over £30,000 after pleading guilty to polluting the Nant y Bwch and River Sirhowy in June 2007, which killed 13,000 fish, aquatic insects and a kingfisher. After polluting both rivers with glycerine and fatty acids.

Tue, 4 Dec 2007: Environment Agency gives nature a helping hand on the Wandle: Environment Agency fisheries officers will release nearly 5,000 juvenile fish into the River Wandle on Thursday 6 December 2007, in an attempt to rejuvenate the river devastated by a pollution incident earlier this year.

Tue, 4 Dec 2007: Insurers call for 25-year flood management strategy: Insurers have called on the Government to develop a 25-year strategy to manage Britain's growing flood risk. (Link to PDF of the new ABI report)

Tue, 4 Dec 2007: Bangladesh: Shelter boxes bring hope: Photographer Mark Pearson has reported back on the work of the Shelterbox charity in this BBC report.

Tue, 4 Dec 2007: Falkirk reservoir drained for safety: Little Denny Reservoir has been drained followed safety fears.

Mon, 3 Dec 2007: WWF: Record-breaking year for climate is nothing to celebrate: A new report from the WWF global conservation organization, "Breaking Records in 2007: Climate Change", shows record lows for sea ice cover in the Arctic, some of the worst forest fires ever seen and record floods.

Mon, 3 Dec 2007: Breich Water foot bridge to be demolished: A footbridge over Breich Water in West Lothian is to be demolished for public safety.

November 2007

Fri, 30 Nov 2007: Airlines go the extra mile to harm the climate: A BBC investigation has revealed air firms including Thomas Cook and Monarch flying extra distances to dodge air traffic control charges, regardless of the climate damage they do.

Fri, 30 Nov 2007: Migrants warned against poaching: John Roberts, from the Shropshire Angling Federation, has welcomed new signs warning eastern Europeans against poaching fish.

Fri, 30 Nov 2007: How Riverford cuts food miles and emissions: In this interesting little piece, Riverford Organic's Guy Watson explains how the company takes pains to cut emissions when it's forced to buy food from abroad.

Fri, 30 Nov 2007: China: Three Gorges dam concerns mount: The BBC's Michael Bristow looks at fears that the new dam will have disastrous environmental consequences.

Thu, 29 Nov 2007: Brazilian bishop goes on hunger strike to stop Sao Francisco river diversion: Far from benefiting 12 million poor people, as the government claims, Bishop Luiz Flavio Cappio says Brazil's proposed river diversion will cause major environmental damage and benefit mainly large agribusiness interests and builders.

Thu, 29 Nov 2007: Housing plans based on uncertain evidence: Countryside campaigners, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), fear the increase in new housing proposed by the Government for Yorkshire and the Humber based on unproven, aspirational economic growth forecasts will put a huge strain on the region, posing a threat to the environment and quality of life.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007: Government 'must try harder' on water: According to RSPB: "Government must try harder to tackle problems such as flooding, pollution and waste, with the coming year offering a real opportunity to change the way we value, manage and invest in water. It is a year since the Blueprint for Water coalition (supported by more than six million people) handed Ministers a 10-step plan for improving the water environment for people and wildlife by 2015."

Wed, 28 Nov 2007: UK Government: appalling on sewage, waste and water: WWF-UK is less kind about the blueprint for water. It says: "sewage, water pollution and the restoration of rivers and floodplains over the last 12 months have seen little or no progress".

Wed, 28 Nov 2007: Bard of Barking Billy Bragg joins Stone Walk ceremony: Poet, punk and protester Billy Bragg joined members of the Creekmouth Preservation Society as they put the finishing touches to the £290,000 Environment Agency project. The regeneration work (which started in 2005) has seen the Environment Agency work in partnership with local charity the Creekmouth Preservation Society to transform disused land at the Barking Barrier into a green space.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007: Is eczema linked to hard water?: More than 300 homes in eastern England will take part in a new study.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007: Thames barrier closes for third time in a month: In future, the Environment Agency says the barrier will close more often and a new flooding plan for the Thames Estuary is set to be announced in 2008.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007: New Harnham flood plan for Salisbury rivers: There's a new consultation about flood defences measures in the Salisbury suburbs.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007: North Sea gets new fisheries protection boat: A new fisheries protection boat will soon be patrolling off the east coast of northern England.

Thu, 22 Nov 2007: Rossport: Another Season of Resistance: Since 2000 the small rural community of Rossport, County Mayo, Ireland have been engaged in an epic battle trying to prevent Shell from building a potentially devastating onshore gas refinery and high pressure pipeline in their remote and environmentally sensitive region. Despite Shell's status as one of the world's largest multinationals and its enjoyment of the full support of the Irish state, the spirited and effective resistance of the local community means that four years after the refinery was intended to be fully operational, the project is still in its infancy.

Wed, 21 Nov 2007: Brown rivers are natural: A new study says the trend toward browner rivers is a sign that they're returning to a pre-industrial state, thanks to cuts in acid rain pollution.

Wed, 21 Nov 2007: Giant sea scorpion was bigger than a man: A newly discovered prehistoric bug would certainly have put you off going near rivers.

Wed, 21 Nov 2007: Rare lampreys found in Manx waters: Brook lampreys have turned up in the Isle of Man.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007: Fisheries must stop discarding dead: According to WWF: "Fishermen, ministers, and scientists agreed today that the current practice of dumping thousands of tonnes of dead fish back into the sea is immoral and must stop."

Tue, 20 Nov 2007: Local stores can be greenest grocers: Independent local shops and street markets have the potential to be the UK's greenest grocers, despite intensive PR from supermarkets highlighting their environmental credentials, delegates at a Friends of the Earth sustainable food seminar will be told today.

Mon, 19 Nov 2007: Better bogs create carbon sinks" says Natural England: "We must protect and enhance our upland peat bogs - they are the UK's most important and vulnerable carbon store" is the message from Natural England at this year's Moors for the Future conference in the Peak District on Monday 19 November. Over 10 billion tonnes of carbon is estimated to be stored in UK soils, over half of which is in peat, equivalent to around a year and a half of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Mon, 19 Nov 2007: Cruising for a Crucian: Over 800 Rare Crucian Carp are being stocked in three fisheries in Cheshire and Tameside this week to help revive this endangered species in the wild. Paul Bennett, Environment Agency Fisheries Officer, said: "By stocking these fish we hope that their numbers will once again begin to thrive in the wild."

Mon, 19 Nov 2007: Lincolnshire rivers get ready for winter: Work teams from the Environment Agency are out in force across Lincolnshire repairing, dredging and weed cutting in watercourses hit by the summer floods.

Mon, 19 Nov 2007: Falling bathing water quality is a sign of things to come: The Environment Agency has been putting a brave face on declining bathing water quality caused by summer storms and floods, but the problem seems certain to get worse as climate change bites.

Mon, 19 Nov 2007: It's world toilet day!: Monday 19th November is World Toilet Day, when we remember that 2.6 billion people (40 per cent of Earth's population) still lack proper sanitation. Find out some things you can do to help WaterAid in their quest to tackle the problem. How about, for example, skipping lunch and sending them a donation for the amount you save?.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007: River Taff Salmon under threat from poachers: Poachers are threatening a resurgence of salmon in the Taff.

Fri, 16 Nov 2007: 14,000 more fish for Staffordshire rivers: Great news for Midlands anglers! The Environment Agency has been topping up the rivers Churnet, Sow, and Trent with thousands of baby salmon, chub, dace, barbel, and roach.

Fri, 16 Nov 2007: Government must find flooding cash: Local authorities tell the government it must increase funding in flood defences.

Wed, 13 Nov 2007: Shell pump toxic aluminium into Mayo water: You must watch this great little 10-minute video from County Mayo's Shell to Sea campaign. Marvel as the police batons crunch against the helpless locals. Watch toxic aluminium seep from Shell's Corrib gas refinery and pipeline into local watercourses at up to 8.5 times the permitted WHO limit.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007: Booming barn owls in Shropshire: Barn owls along rivers and wetlands in the West of the Shropshire have received a timely boost this year with 21 chicks fledging from nest boxes installed by the Environment Agency in the Baggy Moor area of the River Perry. But this year’s bumper crop of chicks led to a barn owl housing shortage.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007: West Midlands: Environment Agency seeks summer flood information: Week commencing 12 November 2007, the Environment Agency will be visiting or writing to a thousand West Midlands households asking them for help in putting together information about this summer’s flooding.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007: Belfast river project scoops lottery jackpot: A new riverside park in east Belfast has scooped £23.5 million from the lottery.

Tue, 13 Nov 2007: China: Flood season kills 600 in Yangtze River reaches: If you think our flooding was bad, spare a thought for the Chinese. Floods and other natural disasters killed 600 people in the reaches of the Yangtze River in its May-October flood season, according to water authorities. About 90 million people in 812 counties along the country's longest river were affected and 440,000 houses were brought down by disasters, said Hu Jiajun, spokesman for the Yangtze River Water Resources Commission.

Tue, 13 Nov 2007: Welsh Water has "decade of failures": Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) has been heavily criticized for almost ten years of failures including an outbreak of cryptospiridium that left 231 people ill.

Tue, 13 Nov 2007: WWF: Eyewitness to climate change: WWF has launched a Climate Witness Programme for people to share how climate change is directly affecting them. "Climate change is still viewed by some as an abstract and distant threat," said Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme. "But the Climate Witness Programme shows that it's something that's happening now and affecting the lives of people around the globe," he added.

Mon, 12 Nov 2007: IPCC forget hurricanes, glaciers and ocean warming: WWF believe that key scientific findings about global warming have been forgotten in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest policy report. "There is a contrast between the immense wealth of the IPCC's work and the politically inspired trimming back in this report," says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme.

Mon, 12 Nov 2007: World toilet day is almost upon us: Next Monday is World Toilet Day! Once again, those fine folk at WaterAid will be highlighting the appalling fact that 2.6 billion people (40% of the world's population) still lack access to decent sanitation. Find out what you can do to help..

Fri, 9 Nov 2007: Surfers Against Sewage wins two campaigning awards: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is celebrating this week having picked up two high profile awards that celebrates its campaigns for clean, safe recreational water for everyone.

Fri, 9 Nov 2007: Action needed to help wetland birds weather the storm: The breeding grounds for some of the UK's rarest birds narrowly escaped the storm surge that swept down the coast of East Anglia last week. In the wake of the surge, the RSPB has called for urgent Government action to create large areas of important habitat like reedbeds further inland to prepare for the day when the sea claims large areas of the English coast.

Fri, 9 Nov 2007: Aliens in the Thames: Scientists are studying invasive alien species in the Thames in London, including the notorious mitten crabs from China.

Thu, 8 Nov 2007: Major tidal surge threatens eastern England flooding: Residents along the east coast of England may be at grave risk from a storm tide, high winds, and spring tides.

Wed, 7 Nov 2007: Third time lucky for River Slea?: The Environment Agency is restocking the Slea with thousands of rudd, roach, bream and dace in an attempt to reverse damage from a pollution spill.

Wed, 7 Nov 2007: All the fun of the (flood) fair: Following the recent flooding in Oxfordshire, at the request of local residents, the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum have organised two Flood Protection Products Fairs in Oxford and Witney. The events will bring together a variety of flood protection ideas, products and services as well as help and information for those people who have been affected by, or are at risk of flooding. The first Flood Fair is being held at the Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, between 3-8pm on 15 November 2007 and entrance is free.

Tue, 6 Nov 2007: 30 years since the great North West flood: On the 11 November 1977 the North West coast experienced its worst coastal flooding event. Over 5000 properties and 7900 acres of agricultural land was flooded. The flooding was caused by a Force 10 storm, gusting to Force 12, over the Irish sea which caused tides to reach a level of 24ft. The flooding was extensive with homes, businesses, public buildings, water treatment works, roads and electricity all affected. Thankfully, there was no loss of life and no serious injury despite flooding reaching ceiling levels in some basements flats.

Tue, 6 Nov 2007: Grants available for Cotswold conservation work: Community projects that benefit Cotswold Water Park could earn grants of £500.

Mon, 5 Nov 2007: Minister praises Tweed river group's alien-invader flight: Giant Hogweed has been successfully tackled by the Tweed Forum, earning them the praise of environment minister Michael Russell.

Mon, 5 Nov 2007: UK can meet an 80 per cent CO2 target: The UK can cut its CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr), WWF and the RSPB.

Sat, 3 Nov 2007: High praise for Manx rivers: The Isle of Man's rivers are among the cleanest in Britain, a new survey finds.

Sat, 3 Nov 2007: SAS Surf Zombies come within a whisker of seeing full sewage treatment in Guernsey: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners came within a whisker yesterday of seeing the States of Guernsey pledge to bring full sewage treatment to the island. Keep going SAS—victory is certain!

Fri, 2 Nov 2007: Tyneside river development turned down: Plans by George Wimpey to develop land close to the Free Trade Inn have been thwarted.

Fri, 2 Nov 2007: Easy access fishing platforms recognized by top angling charity: Brand new angling platforms built by the Environment Agency at Wyberton High Bridge, Boston have been recognised for their excellence by a top angling charity. The accessible platforms, which were officially opened in August this year, are managed by Boston and District Angling Association, who were given a Gold Award by the British Disabled Angling Association at the Dreamstore Active Awards.

Sat, 3 Nov 2007: National Trust to fight wholesale housing plans: Britain's landscape and history conservation charity is going to the front lines to tackle unacceptable new housing developments.

Thu, 1 Nov 2007: World's "poor people are getting trampled" in biofuels rush: Oxfam has hit out against biofuels in a new report.

October 2007

Wed, 31 Oct 2007: Award for Glasgow's "squinty" bridge: A £20 million skew bridge over the River Clyde has won an award from The Saltire Society.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007: Water butts in every garden by 2010: More distracting double-think from the government: "Water butts to collect rainwater and patios with permeable surfaces must become standard features of gardens within a few years, Environment Minister Phil Woolas said today, noting that the impacts of increased development and climate change demanded a shift in thinking." Of course saving water is important, but enough trivia and greenwash. What about a shift in thinking on expanding airports, building roads, and constructing nuclear power stations?

Wed, 31 Oct 2007: Local authorities make big steps in cutting biodegradable waste: England is making good progress towards meeting its first tough EU targets to send less biodegradable household waste to landfill, according to a report on the second year of the Landfill Allowances and Trading Scheme (LATS) published today (Wednesday) by the Environment Agency.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007: Dorset Stour fish stocks to get a boost: Local angling clubs, the Barbel Society and the Environment Agency are coming together to improve the river habitat and fish stocks in the Dorset Stour. The Stour between Blandford Forum and Wimborne has long been considered to have poor fish stocks mainly as a result of extensive river dredging that occurred in the 1970's and 80's.

Tue, 30 Oct 2007: Eco-towns: greenwash or real solution?: Government plans for a series of "eco-towns" will fail unless they are well integrated with existing settlements and agreed with, not imposed on, local communities, say countryside campaigners, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Tue, 30 Oct 2007: Londoners keen on fictional flood: The DVD of fictional movie "Flood", starring Robert Carlyle, launches this week.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007: Waterways are the way to transport: According to Amy Reed, writing on BBC News, London's waterways could make a big difference to the Olympics.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007: Surfers air concerns over water quality before Lowestoft sewage treatment turnoff: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are concerned that there will be an inevitable reduction in water quality after Lowestoft's secondary level treatment process is turned off next week, posing an increased health risk for recreational water users over the winter months.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007: Climate change on the rivers of Bangladesh: BBC journalist Ben Sutherland is writing a daily diary of his trip along Bangladeshi rivers to monitor global warming impacts.

Sun, 28 Oct 2007: River Twyver gets an autumn clean: The Environment Agency is working on a major cleanup of the Gloucestershire river this week.

Fri, 26 Oct 2007: Planet's Tougher Problems Persist, UN Report Warns: The United Nations Environment Programme says that major threats to the planet such as climate change, the rate of extinction of species, and the challenge of feeding a growing population are among the many that remain unresolved, and all of them put humanity at risk.

Wed, 24 Oct 2007: Waste vegetable oil to stimulate biodiesel industry: With almost 75,000 tonnes of waste vegetable oil being transformed into biodiesel each year, proposals launched today by the Environment Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) are aiming to cut regulatory red-tape so that waste vegetable oil from places like chip shops can be processed and used in engines more easily.

Wed, 24 Oct 2007: Driving down pollution from car washes: Car washing businesses will now have no excuse for allowing run-off to pollute waterways after the Environment Agency published new good-practice guidance.

Wed, 24 Oct 2007: Fishing: from hunting to farming: BBC correspondent Richard Black looks at the transformation of fishing into a kind of farming: aquaculture.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007: Bleak future for Baltic cod: According to WWF: "European Fisheries Ministers have seriously hindered the prospect of recovery for cod in the Baltic Sea, by agreeing fishing quotas that are too high. Instead of taking a responsible stance and closing the fishery for 2008, Ministers agreed on a compromise that will effectively end up removing 19,221 tonnes of cod from the western stock and 38,765 tonnes from the eastern stock, the most threatened population. The Council of Ministers has surrendered to the pressure of the fishing industry lobby and agreed on a quota that is far too high, against scientific advice... The future for Baltic cod looks bleak."

Tue, 23 Oct 2007: New Canvey Island group fights for Essex river: The recently formed Canvey Island Wildlife Conservation Group is trying to tackle problems from pollution and jet skis in Tewkes and Benfleet Creeks.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007: Anger at Government change on direction on renewable energy: Friends of the Earth reacted with anger today to a leaked Government document revealing that the Government is planning to effectively abolish its EU commitments to the expansion of renewable energy.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007: UK minister "presents priorities" at EU fishing meeting: UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw said: "It is essential to seek fishing opportunities for next year that are consistent with the scientific advice that stocks are improving, and that reflect the reality of what fishermen are finding. We want to work to improve genuine fishing opportunities but also to reduce discards. That is the way to achieve a sustainable fishery."

Mon, 22 Oct 2007: Getting families hooked on fishing: Bob McMahon of Fun2Fish is working hard to get the local community hooked on fishing. For his latest event he is encouraging the whole family to give angling a go at a week of free angling days at Orchard Lakes in the New Forest starting on 22 October 2007.

Mon, 22 Oct 2007: Get into fishing and out of trouble: A BBC review of the superb Get Hooked on Fishing scheme, which aims to keep young people out of trouble.

Sat, 20 Oct 2007: Protesters disrupt biofuels conference: This week Europe's largest Biofuels event took place in Nottinghamshire amid growing concerns about severe impacts on climate, biodiversity and food production. The exhibition was quickly thrown into chaos when a number of people dressed in suits marched onto the stage to protest at the catastrophic effects of replacing climate-stabilising ecosystems with arable crops for biofuel feedstocks.

Fri, 19 Oct 2007: Ships produce "twice as much CO2 as planes": A new report suggests tankers, freighters, and other ships have produced a sharp rise in emissions in the last six years.

Fri, 19 Oct 2007: Suprise otter sighting in Edinburgh river: A student has taken important video evidence of otter activity in the Water of Leith, in the heart of Edinburgh.

Thu, 18 Oct 2007: Farmland birds reach their lowest point in England: According to RSPB, the latest figures published by the UK government on wild bird populations in the UK show that the index of birds counted breeding on England's farmland has tumbled to its lowest point since recording began in the 1960s.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007: 300,000 people call for a marine bill: The call for a Marine Act (giving greater protection to the UK's marine wildlife) came to London today when a 300,000-strong petition (comprising supporters from The RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Marine Conservation Society and WWF) was delivered to Downing Street by four children representing future generations.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007: Severn Trent Water fined for polluting Lydney Canal: Severn Trent has been fined for polluting yet another inland waterway with raw sewage in October last year.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007: Trout in the classroom: The Environment Agency is looking for three primary schools in Bolton to take part in the free Trout in the Classroom project, which gives pupils the opportunity to learn about life-cycles, food chains, habitat and conservation as they rear fish from eggs to young fish in specially designed tanks within the school.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007: WWF calls for support to protect Antarctic wilderness: WWF has gathered international diplomats, environmentalists and scientists to seek global support in identifying and designating a network of marine protected areas to safeguard one of the world's last great wildernesses: Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007: Blue-fin tuna heading for extinction?: BBC environment correspondent Richard Black asks whether it's time to read the last rites.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007: Monster salmon disqualified from record books: A fish thought to be the biggest salmon ever caught has been disqualified from the record books because it wasn't weighed properly.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007: Europe will help to clean up Chinese rivers: A lucrative new deal between China and the European Union aims to clean up parts of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers.

Tue, 16 Oct 2007: River Tay fishing rights: a snap at £1.55 million: Your chance to own a set of exclusive fishing rights in Perthshire, but it doesn't come cheap!

Mon, 15 Oct 2007: Monster salmon caught in River Ness: It may not be the Loch Ness Monster, but it could break the 64lb (29kg) record set 85 years ago.

Sat, 13 Oct 2007: Rivertime Boat Trust seeks £20,000 to take disabled children up the river: Please help this wonderful charity find the last chunk of money it needs to help disabled and disadvantaged children to enjoy the River Thames.

Fri, 12 Oct 2007: New government biodiversity strategy launched: A new approach to conserving the UK's wildlife and habitats has been published today by the Government. The new framework called "Conserving Biodiversity: The UK Approach", calls for joined up working across the public, voluntary and business sectors in the UK on a variety of agreed goals and priorities for the greater good of biodiversity.

Thu, 11 Oct 2007: River Frome fish pass scheme on hold: A project to help fish such as salmon migrate up the River Frome has been delayed due to poor weather and difficult ground conditions. The project is to construct a fish pass on a weir at Louds Mill in Dorchester. At the moment fish have extreme difficulty in jumping over the weir to reach better spawning grounds, important for their survival in the Frome.

Wed, 10 Oct 2007: New fishing website for Lincolnshire anglers: A new website launched by the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership is helping local and visiting anglers to find the best places to fish in Lincolnshire. The website has been developed by the REEL (Recreation and Environmental Enhancements in Lincolnshire) project and aims to provide anglers with a comprehensive guide to fishing in the county, from where to catch the biggest pike to where to buy tackle and bait.

Wed, 10 Oct 2007: Sailing through the Northwest passage: BBC correspondent David Shukman is posting a day-by-day diary of his voyage through the newly opened (melted!) Northwest passage.

Wed, 10 Oct 2007: County Durham river crossing to be closed for safety: Stanhope Ford will be closed to prevent a danger to motorists this winter.

Wed, 10 Oct 2007: Time for a greener green belt, says Natural England : Natural England's Board today agreed the need for a housing policy that puts green space at the heart of all new development. Sir Martin Doughty, Natural England’s Chair, said: "The time has come for a greener green belt. We need a 21st century solution to England's housing needs which puts in place a network of green wedges, gaps and corridors, linking the natural environment and people."

Tue, 9 Oct 2007: USA: Develop Tulsa's river? No thanks: This interesting polemic argues against a major river development in Tulsa.

Mon, 8 Oct 2007: Prehistoric sea monster fossil found in Northern Ireland river: A 144-million-year-old fossil has been found in a river in west Belfast.

Mon, 8 Oct 2007: Digital CCTV technology used to monitor fish migration: Experts from the Environment Agency are making use of CCTV technology in a bid to monitor migrating fish numbers in a Cambridgeshire river. At Dog in a Doublet Fish pass on the River Nene near Peterborough, fisheries staff have mounted a small digital camera underwater, which monitors all the fish travelling through the pass. The data is then recorded and hours of footage can be downloaded from the computer on site. Environment Agency staff then have the laborious task of watching the footage and noting down each fish that goes past.

Mon, 8 Oct 2007: Oil spill exercise in River Teifi: A day-long oil spill practice has just been held in Wales.

Thu, 4 Oct 2007: Surfers take a tearful message to the British Plastic Federation: Campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have attended a British Plastics Federation (BPF) seminar in London, calling on delegates attending a BPF biopolymer and biodegradable plastics seminar to urgently address the problems of plastics littering UK beaches.

Thu, 4 Oct 2007: Surf Nation by Alex Wade: A great new review of British and Irish surf spots is available now at The Surfing Museum (a website and touring exhibition that aims to open a real-life surfing museum in the UK by 2010).

Wed, 3 Oct 2007: Growing more rice with less water: A new method of growing rice that could save hundreds of billions of cubic metres of water and increase food security, was released in a report by WWF today. The 'rice intensification' method (SRI) has helped increase yields by over 30 per cent while using 40 per cent less water than conventional methods.

Wed, 3 Oct 2007: Trent Rivers Trust launches appeal for salmon ladders: A Midlands rivers trust is launching a £300,000 fundraising appeal to bring salmon back to East Midlands rivers, including the Trent and Derwent.

Wed, 3 Oct 2007: Work starts on Coleham Head flood defences: This week, the Environment Agency begins work on a new flood alleviation scheme at Coleham Head in Shrewsbury.

Tue, 2 Oct 2007: Scuba divers join Essex river cleanup: Chelmsford Council is organizing a major river cleanup for 13 October.

Tue, 2 Oct 2007: Government launches 20-year vision for sustainable fisheries: A 20-year vision to help fishing communities and businesses prosper, safeguard fish stocks and protect the marine environment has been unveiled. Fisheries 2027 is the government's long-term vision for a sustainable fisheries sector, which will optimise economic and social benefits for society from commercial fishing and recreational angling while protecting marine life and habitats.

Mon, 1 Oct 2007: 10,000 baby salmon find new home in River Chrnet: The Environment Agency has just released another 10,000 baby salmon into the River Churnet at Consall Forge, near Leek and Cheadle, following evidence that fish now thrive in the once-polluted river.

Mon, 1 Oct 2007: Green groups fall out over Severn Barrage: Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth has expressed alarm at pro-Severn Barrage recommendations published by the Sustainable Development Commission.

Mon, 1 Oct 2007: Guernsey sewage plans disappoint: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) say they are disappointed by Guernsey's failure to recommend a future policy of full sewage treatment.

Mon, 1 Oct 2007: What is the call of the wild?: Tim Egan asks why we feel drawn to wilderness areas.

September 2007

Fri, 28 Sep 2007: Lundy lobsters are thriving: Following the news that lobsters are thriving in the marine protection zone around Lundy, Natural England has renewed its call for "a Marine Bill to deliver a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas and much-needed better protection for our precious marine environment".

Thu, 27 Sep 2007: Thames recreational water users at risk from sewage: Yes folks, we still have sewage entering rivers and putting anglers, rowers, canoeists, swimmers, and others at risk.

Thu, 27 Sep 2007: CPRE: South East could face massive water shortages: South East England could be short of water by up to a billion litres a day within 20 years, the countryside campaign group have claimed.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007: Warming world? Cool the oceans, says Lovelock: James Lovelock, one of Britain's best-known environmental scientists, has proposed a new ocean-cooling invention to tackle global warming.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007: Chinese admit Yangtze dam is disaster waiting to happen: Officials in China have issued an unprecedented warning about the possible future environmental impacts of the highly controversial Three Gorges dam.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007: New York: Team work is the way to boost river health: The U.S. Forest Service has been working with a river watchdog group to improve the health of Eagle River. This article includes a case study about their work to tackle sediment pollution that may interest British river groups.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007: Autumn spring clean for Birmingham brook: Washwood Heath Brook, once one of the most polluted brooks in Birmingham, has been given a facelift. The clean up is part of the Misconnections Project, run in partnership by the Environment Agency, Birmingham City Council, Severn Trent Water and CSV Environment, who are working together to clean up the brook and make sure it does not get into that state again.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007: WWF: Ban Ki-Moon shows real climate leadership: The UN high-level climate change meeting in New York has declared that an ambitious comprehensive climate agreement will be negotiated within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, building on the Kyoto Protocol, by no later than 2009.

Tue, 25 Sep 2007: RSPB attacks new interest in River Severn barrage: According to RSPB: "Thousands of birds, spawning salmon and other fish will be put at risk if a huge and costly barrage is built across the Severn, despite the claim of government minister John Hutton that the proposal would be 'truly visionary'."

Mon, 24 Sep 2007: Pink salmon caught in River Camel!: The Environment Agency is investigating what is believed to be the first record of a rod-caught Pacific pink salmon in England. The 4 lb fish, with its distinctive humpback, was landed by a local angler, Ivan Harris, on the River Camel near Wadebridge who, using his mobile phone, photographed his unusual-looking catch before returning it to the water.

Mon, 24 Sep 2007: Youngsters find fishing REEL good fun: Children from two special needs schools in Lincoln have been invited to a "have a go" fishing day at Fen Lake Fisheries, Metheringham, on 28th September.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007: Bugs from the River Cam can beat infections: Medical researchers are using bacteria-killing viruses hauled from the famous Cambridge river in a new effort to tackle diseases such as MRSA.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007: Africa: 1.5 million now affected by floods: People in a swathe of countries across Africa are struggling to cope with the worst flooding for decades.

Thu, 20 Sep 2007: Environment Agency assesses pollution damage to River Wandle: Following the recent devastating fish kill on the River Wandle, officers from the Environment Agency's fisheries and ecology team will be electrofishing to investigate the effects of a recent pollution incident. The spillage has killed at least 2,000 fish along a 5km stretch of the River Wandle.

Thu, 20 Sep 2007: RSPB reports Bittern "boom": Britain's leading bird charity reports: "The recovery of the bittern (one of Britain's most threatened birds) has taken a tentative step forward in 2007 as male bitterns were recorded at more sites than any other year since 1990."

Wed, 19 Sep 2007: Europe's fragmented landscapes need rebuilding say researchers: In the UK, Hampshire's coastline will be squeezed by rising sea levels while butterflies like the Adonis blue will run out of space in Kent and may become extinct.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007: China: Urgent action needed to save the Yangtze: It's official: China's great river could be in terminal decline and needs swift action to turn it around.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007: Welsh Water fined for pollution of River Ewenny tributary in Bridgend: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has been fined £6,000 after pleading guilty to causing polluting matter (raw untreated sewage and sewage debris) to enter the Nant Crymlyn, a tributary of the River Ewenny in Bridgend.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007: River Wandle pollution kills over 2000 fish: Officers from the Environment Agency are investigating reports of a pollution incident that has killed at least 2,000 fish along a 5km stretch of the River Wandle in south London.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007: "Hotter than I should be": It's fashion-aid time again. WWF has launched an exclusive, limited edition t-shirt to highlight its global campaign to combat climate change.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007: Cornish wave farm to go ahead: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has welcomed the news that Wave hub has received its planning approval from the Government and look forward to the prospect of clean and safe energy being generated from Cornwall's waves in 2009.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007: Australia: Calls to protect sharks in the Coral Sea: Conservationists want the Coral Sea to become a marine park to save its hugely abundant population of sharks.

Mon, 17 Sep 2007: Massive new port on River Tees moves nearer: A huge new terminal on Teeside looks likely to go ahead with another objection being dropped.

Sun, 16 Sep 2007: Water-cleaning bottle offers hope to disaster victims: A British inventor has developed a mini-filtration system built in a bottle.

Sun, 16 Sep 2007: 10th Thames Festival a great success: The 10th annual festival on London's Thames has been another stunning celebration of rivers and their importance to the life of great cities.

Sat, 15 Sep 2007: Africa: More rain brings flood misery to a million Africans: Many have died, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless in the latest floods.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007: Consultation on changes to abstraction licence charges: A new charging scheme for licence holders who take water from rivers or underground sources will help reduce unsustainable levels of abstraction, prevent the loss of certain river and wetland habitats and protect rare and endangered species from extinction, such as the native white-clawed crayfish, according to the Environment Agency.

Thu, 13 Sep 2007: Cod: huge catches thrown back: The problems of our unsustainable fishing industry continue to intensify. In this article, Anne-Marie Bullock of the BBC's Costing the Earth looks at the huge quantities of cod that are caught and returned to the sea because they don't meet fishing criteria.

Thu, 13 Sep 2007: River Thames cleaning boats set sail: Two expensive new Dutch boats are being deployed to skim rubbish from the Thames.

Wed, 12 Sep 2007: Micro-camera set to unveil the mystery of the elver: The Environment Agency is using microscopic CCTV cameras to study how elvers migrate on the River Parrett.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007: Friends of the Earth highlights biofuels concern: Friends of the Earth has called on the EU to scrap its ten per cent target for using plant-based bio-fuels for transport, after a leaked paper revealed that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD's has grave concerns about their social and environmental effects.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007: South Asia: Flood problems in South Asia get worse: The number of people made homeless by the recent South Asian floods has risen to 1.5 million.

Mon, 10 Sep 2007: 100,000 homes at risk of flooding in Scotland: The Scottish government has published an alarming map of properties at risk of flooding.

Mon, 10 Sep 2007: SAS Remind Beach Users to 'Think Before You Flush': This Saturday on Porthtowan beach, SAS campaigners will unveil a toilet filled with sanitary products including tampon applicators, sanitary towels and even syringes found on Porthtowan to highlight the link between flushing these products down the toilet and finding these products on our beaches.

Mon, 10 Sep 2007: Undisturbed countryside could be lost within a lifetime: At current rates of loss, countryside free from major disturbance could all but disappear in most regions of England well before the end of the century. Startling new maps published by countryside campaigners CPRE show that currently 50% of England is disturbed by the sight and sound of nearby roads, urban areas and other major infrastructure.

Sat, 8 Sep 2007: Severn Trent pollutes River Teme SSSI with sewage: The Midlands water company has been fined £34,000 for polluting another river.

Sat, 8 Sep 2007: Thames anglers asked to stay alert for ailing carp sightings: The Environment Agency has received a number of reports from anglers and the public in recent weeks regarding large dead carp in the Thames between Molesey and Tower Bridge.

Sat, 8 Sep 2007: Volunteers shift rubbish from the River Medway: Teams of volunteers have removed lots of rubbish from Kent's main river.

Fri, 7 Sep 2007: British seas 'a wasteland compared with 100 years ago': The Telegraph's Charles Clover reviews "The Unnatural History of the Sea: The Past and Future of Humanity and Fishing". There's also a long sample extract from the book here you can read.

Fri, 7 Sep 2007: Red-throated divers on the rise: RSPB is "delighted" but puzzled by sudden increases in a rare wetland bird in Scotland.

Thu, 6 Sep 2007: India: Arsenic is 50 times over safe level: New measurements of arsenic in drinking water in the Indian state of Bihar have revealed levels of 500 parts per billion (ppb), which exceeds the World Health Organisation's safe level by more than 50 times.

Thu, 6 Sep 2007: USA: River restocking used the wrong trout for 20 years: Attempts to restock the waterways of Colorado with trout have failed for 20 years because conservationists have been using the wrong fish.

Wed, 5 Sep 2007: Residents take on Thames Water over sewage smell: Residents in Isleworth, London are taking Thames Water to court in an attempt to stop odour and mosquito problems at its Mogden sewage works. Over 1000 people have made a claim against the water company so far.

Wed, 5 Sep 2007: BBC drops climate special: Environmental groups are outraged by the BBC's decision to axe a telethon-style special on climate change. Friends of the Earth's Tony Juniper said: "This is a very disappointing decision considering the huge potential for the BBC in helping us more quickly make the shift toward a low carbon society. The science of climate change is very clear and if approached in the right way taking up this very serious issue would not compromise the BBC's impartiality. After all, the corporation has worked in a similar manner to that intended for Planet Relief on child welfare, international development and wildlife protection. We urge the BBC to press ahead with a major feature on climate change and to think through how best it can serve its public interest purpose by encouraging greener behaviour".

Wed, 5 Sep 2007: Talking Rubbish Over Bacon Butties: Jewson's and the Environment Agency are inviting tradespeople in Birkinhead along for a bacon butty and a chat about how they can be environmentally friendly and manage their waste properly. Hmmm, how environmentally friendly are bacon butties? Let's hope it's ethically reared organic bacon...

Wed, 5 Sep 2007: Making clothes sustainable: Defra is trying to persuade the textile industry to go green, though with 90 percent of British-bought clothes now manufactured overseas, they may have a tough time of it.

Wed, 5 Sep 2007: Cornish fisherman catches Caribbean fish: Fisherman Phil Trebilcock has hooked a rare Alamo Jack off the coast of Newquay.

Tue, 4 Sep 2007: Lampreys on the rise in Devon: Record numbers of lampreys have been found in Devon's River Tamar, suggesting water quality is particularly good.

Tue, 4 Sep 2007: Environment Agency clear up flushes out 27,000kg of rubbish from Lewisham stream: A choked waterway in Lewisham has been transformed into a clear-flowing stream after more than 27,000kgs of rubbish were removed from the Chuddley Brook, a small urban channel of water. Restoring the waterway to its former natural state took a six-strong team of Environment Agency staff seven weeks, as years of abuse had seen the channel filled to overflowing with discarded items.

Tue, 4 Sep 2007: No s**t Guernsey: Surfers don't give up!: Campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) today held very visual actions at Weymouth and Poole ports to lobby Guernsey-bound travellers concerning the ongoing discharge of raw sewage around the island's coastline. The actions coincide with the Guernsey Regatta, a 10 day-long sea-themed celebration on the island. Much of the event's activities will be based on the water, but many people will be surprised to learn that the raw sewage from 60,000 people on the island is each day, routinely dumped in the sea off Guernsey, primarily in the very area where people are to compete throughout the Festival.

Sat, 1 Sep 2007: Peatlands face stress in warming world: Bogs and peatlands in northern Britain store over 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon but severe erosion and climate change are in danger of releasing this into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming, according to the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British Geographers.

August 2007

Thu, 30 Aug 2007: Arsenic poisoning threatens 137 million: Arsenic in drinking water is a global threat to health affecting more than 70 countries and 137 million people, according to new research presented to the annual conference at the Royal Geographical Society. Bangladesh is the country worst affected, where hundreds of thousands of people are likely to die from arsenic causing fatal cancers of the lung, bladder and skin.

Thu, 30 Aug 2007: USA: Hudson River could become world's largest environmental monitoring site: After 30 years of chronic chemical pollution, New York's Hudson River has become a giant scientific experiment.

Wed, 29 Aug 2007: China: Rare dolphin back from the dead?: Shortly after it was pronounced extinct, a rare river dolphin has apparently been spotted in China's Yangtze river.

Wed, 29 Aug 2007: Full Thames barrier closure in September: The latest disaster movie to hit the big screens, "Flood" starring Robert Carlyle, shows London overwhelmed by a dangerous cocktail of storm conditions and spring tides sweeping over the Thames Barrier. But on Sunday 9 September 2007, Londoners will be able to see just how well protected they are from tidal flooding, as the Thames Barrier performs a full test closure over high spring tides.

Wed, 29 Aug 2007: Traffic returns to River Cart: Regeneration of a river in the west of Scotland has progressed to the extent that barges can now sail down it again.

Tue, 28 Aug 2007: Defra publishes latest river quality results: The annual measurements of British river quality have been published, apparently showing continued improvements in most places. But all is not as it seems.

Tue, 28 Aug 2007: The death of Ratty: England's iconic rivers and lakes being wrecked, says WWF: The iconic river and lakeside scenery that has defined England's beauty through the ages in music, art and literature—from Handel to Turner to Dickens—is being destroyed by our careless use of water and disregard for freshwater habitats. Conservation groups have identified six iconic English waterways that are severely at risk from Britain's lack of care for its rivers and lakes. They have joined forced to call on the government to adopt the Blueprint for Water, which outlines a comprehensive approach to preserving our vital and much-loved water resources.

Tue, 28 Aug 2007: A fifth of all British birds now need conservation help: Teams of experts from a range of organisations, including the RSPB, have compiled an updated list of priority species and habitats that will guide future conservation action across the UK, which comprises 1,149 species and 65 habitats. The list will be the basis for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. According to the bird charity: "The fact that the bird list now includes more than a fifth of all of the UK's regularly occurring birds is a cause of alarm."

Sun, 26 Aug 2007: Festival-goers cause 8-inch drop in River Thames!: The Environment Agency has revealed that it helped the Reading Festival to proceed this year by lowering the Thames to reduce the after-effects of flooding on the Thamesmead site.

Fri, 24 Aug 2007: Louds Mill fish pass on Dorset's River Frome improves the life of the salmon: Work has started on installing a fish pass at the Crump gauging weir at Louds Mill on the Dorset Frome to allow passage of salmon and sea trout. The weir is a serious obstacle to upstream migration of salmon and a complete barrier to upstream movement of smaller fish. The new fish pass will be built adjacent to the main weir which will allow the fish free passage across a wide range of water flows.

Fri, 24 Aug 2007: Fish killed in pollution on the River Stour: The Environment Agency is investigating the death of approximately 15,000 fish on the River Stour following a pollution incident. The Agency first received reports of dead fish last Wednesday and sent officers to investigate the river at Sturminster Mill upsteam of Hinton St Mary where they found several dead and dying fish including roach, chub and pike. Current estimates suggest that more than 15,000 coarse fish (predominantly chub, roach and perch) have died. Work is underway to recover and dispose of these fish.

Thu, 23 Aug 2007: Christo to wrap Arkansas river: Artist Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude have submitted detailed plans to canopy the Arkansas River in Colorado to the US department of interior.

Thu, 23 Aug 2007: Seeds of Change for Sante Fe river rebirth: Organic food company Seeds of Change is helping to restore the Sante Fe river in New Mexico this week.

Wed, 22 Aug 2007: Don't forget the rod licence, Agency says: Environment Agency officers will be out in force over the bank holiday weekend patrolling river banks and lakes looking for anglers trying to slip under the rod licence net. According to a spokesman: "The rod licence fees are essential: all money raised goes back into improving and maintaining our fisheries. We are doing some fantastic work... whether it's the enforcement action that leads to prosecutions, helping teach youngsters to fish or responding to reports of fish in distress. All this is possible because of the money we receive from rod licence sales. Our enforcement officers are out there checking for those who try to cheat the system."

Wed, 22 Aug 2007: River Parrett Trail under threat: South Somerset District Council is reviewing use of the popular 80-km (50-mile) river trail after "external funding" was withdrawn.

Tue, 21 Aug 2007: Impressive new swing bridge for River Hull: Council officials are studying plans for an "iconic" 300-tonne steel swing bridge in Hull.

Tue, 21 Aug 2007: Agency continues to monitor otters: Environment Agency staff are appealing for people to tell them if they find a dead otter so that information can be collected for a national project which is monitoring the health of the population. The Newcastle-based team collect the bodies of dead otters and send them off to Cardiff University for a post-mortem. This confirms how the otter died and reveals how healthy it was, its diet, and the levels of chemicals in the body.

Tue, 21 Aug 2007: Up to 1000 fish killed by soap in River Brett: Soap powder from a tank at a disused Lavenham industrial site in Suffolk has been washed into the Lavenham Brook, a tributary of the River Brett, causing the deaths of a large number of fish. The River Brett was affected for about 2-3km and along this stretch stone loach, sticklebacks and minnows were wiped out. The estimate for the numbers killed is between 100 to 1,000.

Mon, 20 Aug 2007: Carbon offsetting is a red herring, say red herrings: The offices of high-profile carbon offset companies in two different cities (the Carbon Neutral Company in London and Climate Care in Oxford) have been disrupted by environmental protests. According to the protestors, who are colourfully dressed as red herrings: "Carbon offset schemes are corrupting the climate change debate, taking attention away from effective responses to the threat of climate change and conning the general public".

Fri, 17 Aug 2007: New report highlights climate change impact on UK's wintering birds: A new report examining bird population trends has highlighted a doubling of the overall numbers of 39 species of waterbirds, ducks, geese, swans and wading birds spending the winter in the UK in the last three decades. However, the State of the UK's Birds 2006 also shows that the wintering populations of some species are declining, principally, it is suggested, because of climate change.

Fri, 17 Aug 2007: WWF says new rules needed for Arctic: New and better rules are urgently needed to counter the current rush for Arctic territories and resources, according to WWF. Without improved international cooperation between Arctic nations, one of the world's most fragile regions, which also plays a critical role in stabilising the planet's climate, could face irreparable damage.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007: Defra says compulsory watering metering on the cards: Water companies in areas of serious water stress will be able to seek compulsory water metering as part of their 25 year forward plans, Environment Minister Phil Woolas has announced. The proposal, developed by the Water Saving Group, adds metering to the existing raft of options for companies (alongside developing new resources) for ensuring long term security of supply.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007: Huge boating festival heads for St Ives, Cambs: Despite liberal lashings of rain, swollen rivers and a soggy festival site, staff at the Environment Agency are determined to make this year's IWA Festival a success. Some 500 boats and 30,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Cambridgeshire town of St Ives over the August bank holiday weekend, for the largest annual inland waterways event in the country.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007: Low-impact living at the climate camp: Forget the silly stories you read in the news. The reality of the climate camp is about thousands of people wanting to do something positive to stop climate change.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007: RSPB: Last hope for Cambodia's parachuting bird: In a last ditch attempt to save it from extinction, one of the world's rarest birds, the Bengal florican, is to be championed at the British Birdwatching Fair, which takes place 17-19 August. The Bengal florican (the rarest of the globe's 27 bustards) is amongst 189 critically endangered birds being targeted by an initiative to find companies and individuals who will highlight each species' plight and contribute funds towards helping them.

Wed, 15 Jul 2007: Search is on for new Scottish water: Scottish Water is looking for an environmentally friendly source of water for the people of Strathspey, which won't disrupt the superb Cairngorms environment.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007: Boscastle bridge to go ahead: The Environment Agency has permission to press ahead with its £4.6 million flood defence scheme at Boscastle after planners today approved the replacement Lower Bridge which is a key part of the project.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007: Some good news! Amazon deforestation rates significantly down: According to WWF, deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon have dropped by 25 per cent.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007: Indian flood diary: Oxfam's Ian Bray presents his diary of trying to help out during the Indian monsoon floods.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007: River Ouse reopens in Ely: The waterway beneath a damaged bridge near Ely has been reopened after a train rerailment in June.

Mon, 13 Aug 2007: Salmon breeding grounds get makeover on rivers Balder and Lune: Staff at the Environment Agency are using 2,500 tonnes of gravel to increase the number of salmon in Teesdale's rivers by making it easier for them to breed. The rivers Lune and Balder are important tributaries of the Tees but do not contain sufficient amounts, or the right type of gravel for salmon to breed.

Tue, 14 Aug 2007: What do people think about the environment?: The regular government survey of people's attitudes to the environment has just been published and is very interesting, but largely misses the point in terms of directing future government policies. Yes, it's important to know what people think about flying—but why not ask them what they think about huge government plans for airport expansion? Yes, we discover that the "environment and pollution" is people's fourth biggest concern after crime, health, and education—but you didn't ask about "climate change" specifically. How about asking people specifically what they think about environmentally destructive government policies?

Tue, 14 Aug 2007: The homemade homemaker: Do you really need to spend a fortune on polluting household chemicals and cleaning products? A new series in The Guardian will help you make your own: "In this new regular column, we'll bring you recipes for everything from toilet cleaner to toothpaste". Why not give it a go? Let's kick more chemicals out of the water cycle.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007: Coral reefs disappear twice as fast as rainforests: The Indian and Pacific oceans contain 75% of the world's coral reefs, but the reefs are now disappearing faster than ever.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007: Go back to school green: Those dreaded words "back to school" have prompted 10 tips from WWF on the greenest ways to organize your school life.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007: Hampshire and Surrey get new flood warning system: Residents in parts of Hampshire and Surrey will now receive flood warnings targeted more specifically to their community, following developments to the Environment Agency's flood warning service.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007: Anglers: please report cruel and illegal set-lines: Fisheries experts at the Environment Agency are urging people to report in if they notice anyone using, carrying or assembling illegal 'set lines'. Set lines are baited hooks fastened to strong lines or powerful elastic that are tethered to the bank, thrown into the water and left unattended. The line, which can stretch across the width of the water often carries several baited hooks. It takes a few minutes to deploy or recover such lines. The victim fish are frequently found alive, but with no chance of recovery, as the hook has made its way into the fish's stomach. This barbaric practice is widely condemned by the angling community who fish for sport, but is used by some people who want to remove fish for the table.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007: China: Rare river dolphin may be extinct: A six week survey of the Yagntze river has failed to find traces of a rare dolphin, prompting fears that unregulated fishing has driven it to extinction.

Mon, 6 Aug 2007: Businesses get helpful new waste website: Businesses are being encouraged to share their hints, tips and best practice in dealing with waste on a new and improved website relaunched today, which covers issues such as preventing and dealing with fly-tipping, advice on reducing waste and expert advice from regulators like the Environment Agency on waste legislation.

Fri, 3 Aug 2007: Borneo: Local people are the losers in biofuel scramble: This BBC article looks at the plight of local people whose land is being snatched from them to grow biofuels.

Fri, 3 Aug 2007: South Asia: Millions hit by flooding: If you thought flooding in England was bad, spare a thought for the people of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. So far 150 people have died and almost 20 million have been forced from their homes, which puts our own troubles into a bit of perspective.

Fri, 3 Aug 2007: New map highlights new planning battlegrounds: An online map highlighting the location of over one hundred new developments that could be forced through if the Government gets its way over changes to the planning system has been launched. The map was developed by The Planning Disaster Coalition and includes information on new nuclear power stations, incinerators and roads.

Fri, 3 Aug 2007: Pakistan: Over-abstraction threatens Pakistan's deltas: This BBC report looks at how local people in Pakistan are losing their livelihoods as rising tides wipe out low-lying deltas.

Thu, 2 Aug 2007: A year of UK climate action: It's nearly a year since the climate camp at Drax Power Station last year. As plans advance for this year's camp near Heathrow, Indymedia reviews a year of climate actions from around the UK.

Thu, 2 Aug 2007: Tewkesbury fights back from the flood: This optimistic BBC article looks at how quickly and positively the residents of Tewkesbury have responded in the aftermath of last week's devastating floods.

Wed, 1 Aug 2007: Poland: Court threat halts wetland destruction: According to RSPB: "The threat of court action has forced the Polish government to halt work on a controversial highway that would irreparably damage one of Europe's most pristine wildlife sites. Construction workers were due to resume work on the Via Baltica highway through the ancient Rospuda Valley today, but have been ordered to stop by Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski under pressure from the European Commission."

Wed, 1 Aug 2007: Look good, feel good, and help to clean our seas and raise money: The Surfers Against Sewage Autumn range of 100% organic cotton clothes (printed with eco-friendly vegetable inks) is out now. Buy some of their clothes and you'll not only help their campaign for clean seas—you'll be directly keeping pollution out of the ground, because ordinary cotton is one of the world's most polluting products.

Wed, 1 Aug 2007: New crossing for Great Yarmouth's River Yare?: Norfolk County Council is looking for a site for its new river bridge.

Wed, 1 Aug 2007: South West home owners urged to sign up to automatic flood warning system: The South West has so far managed to avoid the worst of the 2007 floods but the Environment Agency has today renewed its appeal for people to sign-up to the free Flood Warnings Direct system. "Flood Warnings Direct automatically alerts people to rising rivers and possible flooding, giving people the vital hours they need to protect their homes and belongings," said Richard Horrocks, Regional Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency in the South West.

Wed, 1 Aug 2007: Indonesia: Fisherman catches "living fossil": An Indonesian fisherman has hooked an incredibly rare coelacanth, only the second ever to have been captured in Asia.

July 2007

Mon, 30 Jul 2007: Have your say on the Humber: Staff from the Environment Agency are urging people to have their say on a consultation which looks at how we can better manage the rivers and coastal waters from the North Yorks Moors to Birmingham. The area, called the Humber River Basin, includes all the rivers, ground water and coastal waters within 26,000 square kilometres—most of which drain into the Humber Estuary.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007: Environment Agency advice for those affected by recent floods: Householders, businesses and farmers have been warned today to be as aware of the actions to take in dealing with the aftermath of flooding, as they should be in preparing for flooding. The warning comes as the Environment Agency issues guidance to help householders, businesses and farmers dealing with the aftermath of last week's flooding incidents.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007: Water slowly restored to flooded homes: People in Gloucestershire affected by last week's flood are slowly having water supplies restored—but the water is still not fit for drinking.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007: Inspector recommends rejection of Thames Gateway Bridge—but Government re-opens inquiry: The Government should have followed the Inspector's recommendation and rejected plans to build a new six lane road bridge across the Thames in London, Friends of the Earth and Transport 2000 said today. The Government announced today that the Public Inquiry into the Thames Gateway bridge should be re-opened. Fudge anyone?

Thu, 26 Jul 2007: Shell to Sea campaign intensifies as work on refinery begins: This summer has seen the Shell to Sea campaign gain increasing momentum as construction of the proposed onshore gas refinery in County Mayo, Ireland, begins. The planned refinery and the high pressure pipeline, which would supply it with unprocessed gas from the offshore Corrib gas field, have been bitterly opposed by local residents and their many national and international supporters, since it was first proposed in 2000. Shell and their partners Statoil and Marathon had hoped to have the facility in operation by 2003, but massive local resistance has meant that four years on, the development is still in its infancy.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007: Humans are affecting global rainfall: A new study reported in Nature shows that human-caused climate change has led to more intense rainfall in northern and southern parts of the world.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007: Floods at a glance: The BBC is maintaining this informal photo/map showing the latest flood situation.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007: Bottled water racketeers take advantage of flood misery: People are selling bottled water at inflated prices in towns hit by flooding and clean water shortages.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007: Natural flood defence is the way forward: In this interesting article, the BBC's Sarah Mukherjee looks at how intelligent use of small-scale systems like reed beds and garden tanks could help to tackle floods in future.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007: Newspapers attack over flooding: As thousands continue to suffer, the press are attacking the lack of preparedness on the part of the government and its agencies.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007: Heathrow 3rd Runway: Flying in the face of public opinion: Are the floods linked to global warming and climate change? If so, why are we planning to expand airports that will make the problem worse, asks this article on Indymedia.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007: People urged to have say on the Northumbria river system: Staff from the Environment Agency are urging people to have their say on a consultation which looks at how we can better manage the rivers, groundwater and coastal waters from North Northumberland to the south of the Tees. The area, called the Northumbria River Basin, includes all the rivers, ground water and coastal waters within 9,000 square kilometres which stretches across the country from the Pennines to the North Sea.

Tue, 24 Jul 2007: Reeling 'em in: free fishing taster days on offer in August: Wannabe anglers are being reeled in to take part in free fly-fishing taster sessions next month in Ponteland and Seaham. As part of its commitment to introduce new anglers to the sport, the Environment Agency has organised two more taster days in August so that people can have a go, supervised by qualified coaches.

Tue, 24 Jul 2007: Floods highlight need for "better freshwater management" says WWF: WWF has issued a statement on the floods: "WWF extends its sympathy to all of those affected and calls on government to take steps to reduce the likelihood and severity of future flooding incidents. This should be done by undertaking a series of important measures to improve Britain's management of its freshwater systems and dramatically reducing its carbon emissions. WWF and a coalition of leading environmental organisations representing some six million people have produced a Blueprint for Water, calling on the government to act now."

Tue, 24 Jul 2007: 1000-mile River Tay survey to improve fishing: A huge stretch of the Tay is to be surveyed by the Tay Ghillies Association, the Tay Liaison Committee and charity Scottish Native Woods to improve the health of the river and the fish it supports.

Tue, 24 Jul 2007: What should flood victims do next?: BBC News has this summary of advice on how to cope with floods—though it's unlikely most flood victims will be sitting at their computers reading it. Our sympathies go to everyone suffering the effects of the flooding.

Thu, 19 Jul 2007: Get hooked on fishing in Berkshire this weekend: Berkshire youngsters will have the chance to get hooked on fishing next weekend, Saturday 21 July 2007, at Maiden Erlegh Lake, off Instow Road in Earley. This is the first family angling day of activities in the town, hosted by The Environment Agency, Earley Town Council and the National Federation of Anglers (NFA). It will offer young people the opportunity to take up angling, as well as increasing their awareness of the environment.

Thu, 19 Jul 2007: Bioenergy: more harm than good?: A new report from RSPB and its partners looks at whether the costs of bioenergy outweigh the benefits. You can download the report "Bioenergy in the UK - turning green promises into environmental reality" from RSPB's website.

Wed, 18 Jul 2007: WWF says London doesn't need desalination plant: The conservation group WWF is extremely disappointed with the government's decision to allow a desalination plant to be built on the Thames: "The plant is a 'sticking plaster' solution to the water crisis in the south-east. It does not address the real problem of the UK's poor water management, and will contribute to climate change." The plant in Beckton, east London, will start producing water sometime in 2009, in times of drought or low rainfall.

Wed, 18 Jul 2007: Save those gardens!: Thinking of paving your garden? Think again! The UK's leading wildlife and horticultural organisations have joined Natural England in signing a wildlife gardening manifesto to save the nation's gardens, particularly those in towns and cities. Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: "The gardens of England are under threat. In London, front gardens with an area 22 times the size of Hyde Park are now paved over and lost, reducing havens for wildlife, increasing the impact of flash flooding and contributing to climate change."

Wed, 18 Jul 2007: Giant flood made Britain: New sonar seabed research suggests Britain may have separated from continental Europe when a rush of flood water cut it free.

Wed, 18 Jul 2007: Swans rescued on River Kennet: Sixty swans have been rescued from a cooking oil spill in Berkshire.

Wed, 18 Jul 2007: USA: Gulf of Mexico dead zone to be biggest ever: Arguably the world's most spectacular demonstration of water pollution is just about to break a new record.

Tue, 17 Jul 2007: Iraq: The grim tale of the Tigris: Let's remember how lucky we are to have (for the most part) fantastically attractive rivers. In this grisly and disturbing story, BBC journalists talk to local Iraqi fishermen who have to cope with finding up to 30 bodies dumped in their river each day, many of them decapitated or showing signs of torture.

Mon, 16 Jul 2007: Up the Swans!: It's that time of year again. The annual Swan Upping (a check on the welfare of the Thames swans) starts today. Richard Morrison of The Times takes a look at the amazing ritual, which dates from the 12th century. Schools can download a beautifully put together and informative photographic brochure from the British Monarchy website.

Sun, 15 Jul 2007: River Clyde celebration a great success in Glasgow: The Glasgow River Festival was attended by thousands of people this weekend.

Thu, 12 Jul 2007: Protecting falling London from the rising Thames: An interesting look at how planners are trying to reconcile a subsiding capital with rising rivers and sea levels.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007: TV vet rows down Thames in dog bowl: Vet Joe Inglis and his dog have successfully rowed the Thames in a dog-bowl coracle to raise money for charity.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007: Agency tries to stop eastern eel decline: The Environment Agency is trying a variety of new techniques to stop the huge decline of eels in East Anglia.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007: 3000 rare crucian carp stocked: The Environment Agency stocked 3000 rare crucian carp into a fishing lake near Lyng on Tuesday, 10th July. The fish were reared at the Environment Agency's fish farm at Calverton and have been stocked into the lake to try to establish a population of the species, which will remain as true crucian carp.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007: Gordon Brown throws marine wildlife a lifeline?: The future of the UK's marine wildlife hangs in the balance as Gordon Brown made a half-hearted commitment to introducing a draft marine bill in his legislative programme, put out for consultation today. According to the RSPB's Martin Harper: "Increasing protection for marine wildlife has been an outstanding commitment for this government over the last decade. We are disappointed, therefore, that the Prime Minister remains to be fully convinced of this need."

Tue, 10 Jul 2007: WWF film supports call for new Marine Act: A sea angler from Hartlepool, an oyster fisherman from Essex, an environmental port manager from Belfast and an offshore renewable expert from Great Yarmouth are some of the stakeholders who feature in A Fair Share of the Sea, a new film produced by WWF to support its campaign for a new Marine Act.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007: Dog walkers lead River Ray cleanup in Swindon: The Environment Agency has joined forces with a group of dog walkers and Swindon Borough Council to clear rubbish from a Swindon river. The volunteers, from Rodbourne, will be clearing rubbish from the River Ray at Mannington Recreation Ground in Swindon to improve the area for dog walkers and the environment. The work will also help wildlife in the river.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007: Girls get a go at fishing: Wannabe women anglers are being reeled in to take part in free fly-fishing taster sessions this month at Kennick Reservoir near Christow, Exeter. As part of its commitment to introduce new anglers to the sport, the Environment Agency, in partnership with South West Lakes Trust, has organised a fishing day on Saturday 14 July so that women can have a go, supervised by qualified coaches.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007: Thames tap water on the rise: Latest measurements of tap water quality in the Thames Region show major improvements, according to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007: New Yorkers urged to shun bottled water: New York City is urging its citizens to give up their wasteful addiction to bottled water.

Fri, 6 Jul 2007: Teifi estuary gets regeneration boost: A £2.5 million regeneration project on the River Teifi in Ceredigion, Wales has created 300 new boat moorings, a new landing stage, and a new visitors area.

Thu, 5 Jul 2007: Hasta la Vista: George Melly (1926-2007): We were very sad to hear that jazz legend George Melly died earlier today. George was an avid fisherman and loved rivers; Gone Fishin' was one of his favourite songs: "I've always said I wanted to die either coming off stage with the applause in my ears or of a terminal stroke on a river bank with two trout by my side." Here's a review of George's fishing book Hooked! Fishing memories, which is still available. Thanks for the pleasure you gave us, George. We're happy to oblige you with these two fine specimens:

Thu, 5 Jul 2007: California has driest year on record: ITN draws a contrast between flood-hit Britain and the dry conditions in California.

Wed, 4 Jul 2007: Wettest June since records began: According to the Met Office, 134.5mm (5.3in) of rain fell in June—more than in any other year since records began in 1914.

Wed, 4 Jul 2007: Biofuels will push up farm prices: A new report from the OECD says biofuel production will have a major economic impact on farming.

Wed, 4 Jul 2007: Northern Ireland: River Faughan is the place to be: According to a report in the Belfast Telegraph: "Angling on the River Faughan is good at present with regular reports of salmon from the lower sections of the river and sea Trout have now been reported on many of the main pools on the middle and lower sections."

Wed, 4 Jul 2007: Will the Planning White Paper put us back 60 years?: As the 60th anniversary of the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act approaches, the Government's recent Planning White Paper threatens to undermine much of what the old system was trying to secure, according to CPRE.

Wed, 4 Jul 2007: New Glasglow plan could improve river paths: Glasgow City Council is asking local people for their help in developing a new plan for the city's rivers and paths.

Tue, 3 Jul 2007: Reeling 'em in—free fishing taster days on offer: Wannabe anglers are being reeled in to take part in free fly-fishing taster sessions this month in Ponteland and Seaham. As part of its commitment to introduce new anglers to the sport, the Environment Agency has organised two taster days in July so that people can have a go, supervised by qualified coaches. Phil Rippon, Newcastle-based fisheries expert, said: "Angling is a sport which is open to anyone no matter how old they are or what their ability is."

Tue, 3 Jul 2007: Worse things happen at sea, Prime Minister Brown: RSPB is urging the new Prime Minister to ensure the first Queen's Speech of his premiership includes protection for the UK's marine wildlife. A recent analysis has shown that UK seas regularly support 18 species of fish, mammal, bird or reptile that are considered at risk of global extinction. This compares with only three such endangered species on land or freshwater: two species of bat and a non-breeding migrant warbler.

Mon, 2 Jul 2007: 'No Butts on the Beach' say crack team of campaigners: A crack team of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and British Naturist campaigners teamed up on Brighton naturist beach at the weekend to promote the "No Butts on the Beach!" campaign, asking smokers to dispose of their cigarette ends responsibly and keep our beaches 'butt-free'.

Mon, 2 Jul 2007: New Study Presents First-Ever Classification of World's Coastal Waters: According to WWF, a new study published today in the journal BioScience presents a first-ever natural classification system of the world's coastal waters that will help improve priority setting and conservation planning for marine habitats.

June 2007

Thu, 28 Jun 2007: More rain heading for flood-hit UK: Floods have caused chaos in Britain, but the media isn't really pointing out that they're affecting numerous countries round the world at the moment.

Wed, 27 Jun 2007: Brazil: Protesters try to stop Brazil river diversion: Hundreds of protesters have invaded a work site in Rio to try to stop a controversial river diversion scheme.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007: Flooding update: Heavy and persistent rainfall of between 70mm to over 100mm fell across Anglian, North East and Midlands Regions on the 25th June, causing the Environment Agency to issue Severe Flood Warnings and Flood Warnings. Over 1,000 properties are reported flooded half of them in the North East Region. The Agency believes that the total number may be higher than this, as we are regularly getting reports of new incidents.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007: Trawling major new threat to albatrosses: According to RSPB, an estimated 100,000 albatrosses die annually in the longline fishing industry, but recent research has highlighted that large numbers of albatrosses are also dying in trawl fisheries.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007: Carbon trading in aviation could encourage more flights: According to WWF: The European Commission's long-awaited decision to include air travel in its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be an important first step in tackling emissions from aviation. However, a new WWF report shows that the proposal has one important flaw: it may encourage people to fly more during specific years, without adequately reducing emissions.

Mon, 25 Jun 2007: Protecting Conwy from the river: A new Environment Agency flood-defence scheme aims to give protection against a one in 200 year flood.

Fri, 22 Jun 2007: Anglers log books help reveal health of trout in the North East: The Environment Agency is launching a new trout angler log book this season to gather information about fisheries in the area and angling participation. The fisheries team, based in Newcastle have set up the log book scheme for trout anglers and are asking participants to note down the location of their fishing trip, and the size and species of fish they catch.

Fri, 22 Jun 2007: Sussex: Water lot of fun you can have at this year's July festival: The Sussex Water Festival, now in its second year, is an exciting summer programme of events all related to water. The festival is organised by the Sussex Water Partnership which consists of local councils, the Environment Agency, water companies and a number of wildlife and countryside organisations and charities. The main event will be held in Arundel, West Sussex on Sunday 1 July with a smaller event taking place at Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex on Saturday 14 July.

Thu, 21 Jun 2007: Why drinking too much water can kill you: Scientific American looks at the dangers of drinking too much and advises to "drink to your thirst".

Fri, 22 Jun 2007: Housing developer Taylor Woodrow fined for damaging Great-crested newts: Taylor Woodrow Developments Limited based in Solihull, were fined £2,000 with £87 costs after pleading guilty to damaging or destroying a resting place of great crested newts at a development site in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

Thu, 21 Jun 2007: UK surf threatened by climate change: On International Surfing Day, Surfers Against Sewage has launched a new report warning surfers that their sport is under threat from a changing climate, which could bring a reduction in water quality, changes in water temperature, and rainfall changes.

Thu, 21 Jun 2007: England's trees key to future well-being: The UK government environment deparment Defra has published a new vision for how England's trees, woods and forests can yield environmental, social and economic benefits for future generations.

Wed, 20 Jun 2007: Carbon calculator no substitute for government action: The Government has launched a carbon calculator this week to enable people to work out how much they are contributing to climate change, but Friends of the Earth argues that "this must not distract from the crucial role that Government must play in cutting carbon dioxide emissions".

Wed, 20 Jun 2007: Leading climate scientist James Hansen talks tough on global warming: One of the world's leading experts on global warming, NASA's Dr James Hansen, has expressed stronger views than usual about the serious threat of climate change.

Wed, 20 Jun 2007: South West water fined for two pollution episodes: Twice in two days: South West Water has been fined for serious pollution episodes in Devon and Cornwall this week and received nearly 2400 complaints about its water.

Wed, 20 Jun 2007: Norfolk households told to boil water: An outbreak of the cryptosporidium parasite in Norfolk has led to 6000 homes being advised to boil their water before drinking.

Tue, 19 Jun 2007: Rivers in great shape for new fishing season—do you have your licence?: This weekend saw the start of the new fishing season for coarse fish and the Environment Agency is reminding all keen anglers in the south to make sure they have a valid rod licence before treading the banks once again.

Tue, 19 Jun 2007: Drinking the oceans is not the solution for a thirsty world: Making drinking water out of sea water is a growing trend but a potentially insidious threat to the environment that could also exacerbate climate change, according to WWF's global review of desalination plants. "Desalinating the sea is an expensive, energy-intensive and greenhouse-gas-emitting way to get water," says Jamie Pittock, Director of WWF's Global Freshwater Programme. "It may have a place in the world's future freshwater supplies but regions still have cheaper, better and complementary ways to supply water that are less risky to the environment."

Mon, 18 Jun 2007: Seasonal algae blooms around Welsh coast: Environment Agency Wales is asking people not to be alarmed if they see large slicks of algae that look like sewage in coastal waters and estuaries around Wales. This follows recent reports to us about odours and water quality issues along the North Wales coast and around Anglesey. The slicks are most likely to be seasonal algae blooms.

Sun, 17 Jun 2007: Canoeists protest over lack of access to River Tywi: Canoeists were out in force at the Welsh Game Fair this week, highlighting a lack of recreational access to Welsh rivers.

Sat, 16 Jun 2007: It's official: the Amazon is longer than the Nile: Scientists have definitively proved that the Amazon is the world's longest river.

Fri, 15 Jun 2007: Homes may be at risk because Agency is failing to maintain flood defences: The Environment Agency is not doing enough to maintain flood defences, according to a new report by the National Audit Office. The report points out that, since 2001, general conditions have not improved significantly, with 50 per cent of linear defences and 61 per cent of flood defence structures in good condition or better in 2007 compared to 64 per cent and 57 per cent respectively at the time of the NAO’s previous report.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007: River blindness threat as worm becomes resistant to drugs: River blindness could break out again now that the parasitic worm that causes it is becoming resistant to drug treatments according to a report in medical journal The Lancet.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007: River Usk study shows need to adapt to climate change: A report on the River Usk published by Environment Agency Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales has found that measures to protect wildlife, woodland and water in Wales need to adapt to the threat of climate change.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007: Water wheel plan for River Mersey: A giant water wheel on the River Mersey could provide clean, green power. A new study claims the Mersey's high tides make it a good site for renewable energy.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007: Are reptiles man's new best friend?: Exotic pets are replacing conventional dogs and cats, according to the RSPCA in Wales.

Wed, 13 Jun 2007: Canada: Mutant lobster saves its skin: A lobster has been saved from the cooking pot by a rare genetic mutation that turned its skin blue.

Wed, 13 Jun 2007: Red, pink and other corals protected: According to WWF, the trade in red, pink and other coral species used to make jewellery will now be regulated under a wildlife trade convention. The corals known as Corallium, which are found throughout the world's tropical and temperate seas, have been protected under the Convention of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Tue, 12 Jun 2007: 11-year study proves otter numbers are healthy: The most comprehensive study to ever be undertaken in Europe into the health of otters has found otter populations are healthy and continue to expand across England and Wales, thanks to decreasing levels of certain pesticides in the environment.

Tue, 12 Jun 2007: Biodiversity indicators in your pocket 2007: A new publication has been launched today to highlight trends and provide an overview of the country's progress in protecting biodiversity. This is the first time that a set of biodiversity indicators for the UK has been published.

Tue, 12 Jun 2007: Faulty flood defences may have flooded Milnathort: A Scottish village may have flooded because the flood defences were badly built, investigators have found.

Tue, 12 Jun 2007: Anger as EU Ministers give green light to GM-contaminated organic food: Friends of the Earth has criticised today's decision by EU Ministers to allow organic food to be contaminated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). EU Agriculture Ministers, including the UK, have adopted a new law which allows organic food containing up to 0.9 percent of GM content to be classed (and labelled) as organic.

Thu, 31 May 2007: EU is top importer of wildlife products: The EU is the biggest global importer of many wildlife products, including tropical timber, caviar and live birds, according to a new report by WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

Wed, 6 Jun 2007: How Much Longer Must We Wait for England's 10th National Park?: The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is calling for speedy confirmation of the South Downs National Park which was promised by the Government eight years ago.

Tue, 5 Jun 2007: USA: Young Ohio angler hooks piranha!: A 10-year old boy out fishing for catfish caught more than he bargained for this week when he reeled in a 10-pound Pacu, an Amazonian cousin of the Piranha.

Tue, 5 Jun 2007: Found litter on the beach? Send it back where it came from: Surfers Against Sewage continues its ballsy "Return to Offender" campaign by encouraging people to send the litter they find back to the companies who made it in the first place with a note asking them to take their environmental responsibilities more seriously.

Tue, 5 Jun 2007: South West has "cleanest beaches in Europe": The latest bathing water figures suggest things have improved drastically on the South West's beaches in recent years.

Tue, 5 Jun 2007: Global explorer must swim Nile: Dorset's Jason Lewis must swim across the Nile to complete his circumnavigation of the globe using only human power. He says he's counting on the crocodiles "feeling lazy"!

Tue, 5 Jun 2007: Glaciers have no time for World Environment Day: A new report released by UNEP to mark World Environment Day finds 90% of the world's glaciers in retreat.

Mon, 4 Jun 2007: Change one thing on World Environment Day, says government: According to a news release from Defra, "Climate Change and Environment Minister Ian Pearson will today ask people to mark World Environment Day by identifying the one change they can make in their everyday lives to protect the environment and fight climate change."

Mon, 4 Jun 2007: Severn Trent fined for Shropshire sewage spill: The Midlands water company has been fined for illegally discharging sewage effluent into a tributary of the Borle Brook in Highley, Shropshire and onto local agricultural land.

Fri, 1 Jun 2007: Revamped fishing lake for the disabled to open in Bingley: A revamped fishing lake designed to accommodate people with disabilities will be officially opened this week in Bingley. The site, at Cottingley New Road, has been loaned by Cannons Health Club. to help the local adoption and fostering unit find somewhere for youngsters and adults to fish.

Fri, 1 Jun 2007: RSPB says: give a little time to the environment: The RSPB is hoping that national Volunteers' Week (June 1-7) will encourage even more people to help save our rich, diverse environment by offering a little bit of their time. The UK's largest conservation charity currently has over 12,200 volunteers offering their time to help protect birds and other wildlife and the places they live.

Fri, 1 Jun 2007: China: Diversion of Yangtze River to tackle wuxi water crisis: China has stepped up the diversion of the Yangtze River to dilute water polluted by blue-green algae in a lake that provides drinking water for millions of people in the eastern Chinese city of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

May 2007

Thu, 31 May 2007: Learn how to fish at Bawburgh Lakes, Norfolk: An Angling Open Day is being organised by Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association (NACA) and sponsored by the Environment Agency to encourage newcomers to try angling and lapsed anglers to return to the sport.

Thu, 31 May 2007: EU is top importer of wildlife products: The EU is the biggest global importer of many wildlife products, including tropical timber, caviar and live birds, according to a new report by WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

Thu, 31 May 2007: Warblers advance on all fronts: Britain's most colourful warbler is spreading its territorial wings because warmer winters and better heathland management have increased its chances of survival. The latest UK survey of Dartford warblers, by Natural England, RSPB, BTO, and Forestry Commission England, shows that numbers have soared by 70 per cent since the last count in 1994. But numbers are down in places like Berkshire, thanks to housing developments and new roads.

Thu, 31 May 2007: Birmingham's River Cole gets makeover on World Environment Day: On World Environment Day, 5 June 2007, the River Cole at Shard End will get its third good seeing to this year. This spring cleaning operation at Stechford, Birmingham, aims to remove large scale litter from the river bed and land nearby. The operation will start at 10am. A team of volunteers, including Environment Agency staff will be pulling out debris that could include old bikes, general litter and mattresses in an effort to 'do their bit' for World Environment Day 2007.

Thu, 31 May 2007: Seabed scan to reveal secrets of Glasgow's River Clyde: A Royal Navy sonar scanning is being used to study the murky depths of the Firth of Clyde for the first time.

Thu, 31 May 2007: UK beaches are better than ever: The latest EU bathing water measurements found only two of the UK's 567 coastal bathing areas (Aberafan in south Wales and Staithes in Scarborough) failed to meet the standard. So is the standard high enough?

Wed, 30 May 2007: Cambridge gets first new river bridge for 30 years: Work has started on a new £3 million cycle and foot bridge in the east of the city.

Wed, 30 May 2007: River Soar volunteers struggle with trash: Regular river cleanups in Leicester are struggling to cope with a tide of trash from passers-by.

Mon, 28 May 2007: Crowds flock to see ospreys at Rutland Water: A project to reintroduce ospreys to central England has drawn bank holiday crowds to Anglian Water's reservoir in Rutland.

Thu, 24 May 2007: FoE: Government war on waste is "very welcome": Friends of the Earth has praised the new English Waste Strategy's emphasis on recycling and composting, but campaigner Michael Warhust argues: "We are very disappointed that the Government has set a recycling target of just 50 percent by 2020—tackling climate change requires more ambitious targets. The Government's own analysis has shown that a rate of 60% by 2020 would be much better for the climate."

Thu, 24 May 2007: China: Major Yangtze flood possible this summer: Rapidly melting glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau could cause a major flood on the Yangtze River this summer, says Cai Qihua, director of Yangtze River Water Resources Committee. "We should be vigilant for a comparatively big flood on the Yangtze," said Cai, emphasizing that meteorological conditions are similar to those of 1998 when a major flood killed more than 1,000 people.

Wed, 23 May 2007: RSPB: Severn barrage is a price too high: RSPB is fighting renewed interest in a Severn barrage tidal power scheme. Dr Mark Avery, Conservation Director at the RSPB, said: 'The Severn barrage was a bad idea in 2003 and is an even worse proposal now, not least because there are better, less damaging alternatives.' The government ruled out the scheme in 2003 because of its huge cost and the environmental harm it would cause. The estuary boasts seven Sites of Special Scientific Interest protected by UK law. It is also safeguarded by international law.

Wed, 23 May 2007: Climate Camp To Target Heathrow: Last summer, over 600 people converged outside Drax coal-fired power station for 10 days of sustainable living and collective education, culminating in a day of mass action against Drax. This year, the Camp for Climate Action will pitch its tents near Heathrow airport. There will be a day of mass direct action aiming to disrupt the activities of the airport and the aviation industry, but in the interests of public safety there will be no attempt to blockade runways.

Wed, 23 May 2007: New plan for Atlantic salmon in Galloway: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have published a new plan to help guide the conservation of one of south Scotland's most threatened species—the Atlantic salmon, also known as the 'King of Fish'. The plan has been drawn up for the River Bladnoch in west Galloway, one of a network of Scottish rivers developing such plans.

Wed, 23 May 2007: "Nuclear energy consultation a sham" say countryside campaigners: CPRE have condemned the consultation on the future of nuclear power published alongside the Government's Energy White Paper as an empty gesture. CPRE said that asking whether the UK needs new nuclear plants is 'out of sync' with the need for immediate action to reduce energy demand and climate change effects, and places too much faith in nuclear power. Read more about this issue on our No New Nukes! minisite.

Wed, 23 May 2007: Half-term fishing for free in Bedfordshire: Looking for something different to do with the family over half-term that doesn't cost a packet? How about having a go at fishing? The Environment Agency in conjunction with Browning Tingrith Fishery near Flitwick is offering free fishing for young and old alike on Wednesday 30 May.

Wed, 23 May 2007: Have your say on the future of the River Severn: The Environment Agency in the Midlands is appealing for more people to tell us what they think about a document called 'River Basin Planning: Working Together' for the River Severn. Mark Scott, Programme Manager for the Severn River Basin District, said: "We are pleased with the interest shown so far but we would like to see more responses."

Wed, 23 May 2007: How fish crawled from the sea: New genetic research reveals more of how fish moved from water to land millions of years ago.

Tue, 22 May 2007: Survival of UK plants and wildlife in a changing climate: Action is needed now to prevent the loss of some of the UK?s most valued plants and wildlife as a result of climate change, according to the new MONARCH report.

Tue, 22 May 2007: Climate change increases threats to whales and dolphins: Whales, dolphins and porpoises face increasing threats from climate change, according to a new report from WWF and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS). It outlines the threats, including changes in sea temperature, sea level rise and, critically, the loss of icy polar habitats and the decline in key populations of krill (tiny shrimp-like marine animals that are the main food source for many great whales).

Mon, 21 May 2007: Recovering fish in the Clyde: BBC correspondent Nick Higham reports on efforts to restock fish in the Firth of Clyde.

Fri, 18 May 2007: North West: Reducing the risk of carp deaths: Carp fisheries across Cheshire, Manchester and Liverpool are being advised to prepare for the predicted hot summer to ensure their stocks stay fit and healthy. The Environment Agency has sent letters to all fisheries in the area reminding clubs to manage their waters carefully.

Thu, 17 May 2007: Polar ocean soaks up less carbon dioxide: New research suggests the South Ocean in Antarctica is mopping up less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, raising the prospect of even earlier global warming.

Thu, 17 May 2007: Planning white paper: major developments may be forced through: Major new developments including nuclear power stations and airport runways could be forced through as part of a major overhaul of planning in the UK Friends of the Earth has said. The proposals, details of which will be published in a Government White Paper expected next week, will leave affected communities with little or no say in how their area is developed. Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to rethink its plans and introduce a planning system which allows people a say on the decisions that affect them.

Wed, 16 May 2007: USA: California: Stranded whales to be rescued with whale sounds: Whale experts are trying to rescue two whales stranded in the Port of Sacramento by playing them whale sounds, in the hope that they can be lured to safety.

Wed, 16 May 2007: Fish species on top-10 most traded list: WWF has released its latest list of the 10 species under most threat from being bought, sold, smuggled, killed or captured for the global market place. The list runs: Tiger, Porbeagle, Sawfish, Spiny dogfish, Red and pink coral, Asian rhinos, European eel, Elephants, Great apes, and Bigleaf mahogany.

Wed, 16 May 2007: Study reveals climate change impacts on salmon: Salmon populations may be adversely affected by climate change because of changes in their river habitat—unless action is taken to help river ecosystems adapt to unavoidable climate change, according to findings just released. The Environment Agency study, based on detailed climate modelling in three example catchments, found that salmon in the upper River Wharfe in Yorkshire may be forced to find new homes by the 2050s because of increased temperatures and less rainfall.

Tue, 15 May 2007: Complaints about water firms on the increase: There has been a 10% increase in complaints about water firms in the last year alone.

Tue, 15 May 2007: Environment Agency probes pollution on River Calder: Staff at the Environment Agency will be working with Yorkshire Water to improve water quality close to a waste water treatment works after pollution escaped into the River Calder.

Tue, 15 May 2007: Eels reveal better water in Sussex rivers: The Environment Agency has found lower levels of heavy metals and pesticides in eels in Sussex rivers, suggesting a marked improvement in water quality.

Tue, 15 May 2007: New Somerset alliance will tackle floods: A new group of organizations called the Water Management Partnership will help Somerset plan for and tackle increased flooding on on the rivers Parrett, Axe and Brue.

Tue, 15 May 2007: UK "failing" to protect key habitats: The UK is still failing to protect many vulnerable habitats and species. According to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 90% of key habitats and 50% of species at risk are affected.

Thu, 10 May 2007: Blair's green record "disappointing": Tony Blair's green record as Prime Minister has been disappointing, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental campaign group said that despite some notable and important successes—such as putting climate change on the international agenda—Tony Blair's governments have failed to keep the 1997 pledge to be "the first truly green Government ever".

Thu, 10 May 2007: Europe must save bluefin tuna from disaster: Fisheries minister Ben Bradshaw has called for an immediate ban on bluefin tuna fishing in the Mediterranean.

Thu, 10 May 2007: USA: Save the steelhead, save ourselves: Seattle Times columnist Ron Judd asks how the steelhead comes to be theatened in Puget Sound and concludes the fish must be saved: "We should pursue it for the same reason we pursue the fish in the first place: because they're out there, they are part and parcel with who we are, and we've got to try."

Wed, 9 May 2007: MPs attack weak water watchdog: The Commons Public Accounts Committee has savaged Ofwat in a new report: "Ofwat has been passive in its regulation of the water industry. At the same time it has paid little heed to the interests of water users. Nowhere is its limp attitude towards the industry demonstrated more clearly than in the case of the serious wastage of water by Thames Water. Thames missed its annual leakage targets for six years in a row without so much as a slap on the wrist. In future, such a wanton waste of water by a company must be rewarded with the maximum possible fine."

Wed, 9 May 2007: Houseboats pump raw sewage into river: Moves are underway to protect rivers in Sussex from house-boat sewage discharges.

Tue, 8 May 2007: Replace your old toilet with a low flow loo and save water: Significant water savings could be made in the south east of England if all existing homes had water meters and financial incentives were offered to householders to switch to water efficient bathrooms, according to an Environment Agency report released today. But even bigger savings could be made if water companies made more effort to stop leaks.

Tue, 8 May 2007: Galway County Council fined for Clarin River pollution: Galway County Council has admitted causing two pollution incidents last year, which resulted in hundreds of fish deaths.

Tue, 8 May 2007: Looking to improve water quality on the Conwy: Environment Agency Wales have been trying to find out where a number of diffuse pollution problems affecting the Afon Conwy in Betws y Coed may be coming from. A Diffuse Pollution Campaign Day took place in the town last week.

Mon, 7 May 2007: Thumbs down for new Boscastle bridge: 600 residents of Boscastle have objected to the design of a new bridge proposed as part of flood relief mesaures in the village.

Sun, 6 May 2007: Cod is in hot water as climate change compounds the effects of over-fishing: Cod stocks in the North East Atlantic, already at risk from over-fishing are also facing a very real threat from climate change. The current over-fishing by UK and European fleets has led to the decline of many commercial fish stocks in the North East Atlantic.

Sun, 6 May 2007: End to bottom trawling in South Pacific: Nations in the South Pacific have agreed to ban trawling with nets on the ocean floor, potentially protecting a quarter of the world's oceans from this destructive and wasteful practice.

Fri, 4 May 2007: Wales water life hit by climate: Climate change is warming Welsh streams and rivers, affecting the number and variety of some of their smallest animals. A twenty-five year study at Llyn Brianne in central Wales, led by Professor Steve Ormerod and Dr Isabelle Durance of the Cardiff School of Biosciences, has examined for the first time the effects of climate change on stream species.

Fri, 4 May 2007: Clownfish have homing instinct: Scientists have found that clownfish will return to the coral reefs where they were born, even after months in the open sea.

Fri, 4 May 2007: Climate change 'can be tackled': Optimism on climate change, at last. The latest IPCC conference concludes climate change can be tackled without severe economic impacts. But, after years of procrastination, is the carbon-hungry world finally ready to take that step?

Thu, 3 May 2007: Toad found deep in Loch Ness: US researchers have found a common toad 324ft (98m) down in Loch Ness.

Thu, 3 May 2007: USA: Return of river tubing?: River tubing is making a comeback as a timeless leisure activity. Are people once again discovering that rivers are the place to be?

Tue, 2 May 2007: Swindon fun-day aims to hook new anglers: Youngsters from Swindon are being encouraged to kick off their Bank Holiday weekend this Saturday by going fishing. The event, which is being held at Shaftesbury Lake, Shaftesbury Avenue, in Swindon this Saturday, 5 May, will launch the town's new Swindon Angling Development Project.

Tue, 2 May 2007: Historic lock cottage to be restored in Northern Ireland: A lock-keeper's cottage next to the River Lagan, which featured in the BBC Restoration programme, is about to enter a new phase of its history.

Tue, 2 May 2007: RSPB annoys Lydd Airport management: According to RSPB: "We have today annoyed the management at Lydd Airport in south-east Kent. An official complained in the Guardian that we have a policy against aviation and that we are mobilising support against an expansion proposal for Lydd, to cater for more passengers—nearly two million more. He is right. We are campaigning vigorously against the plan because it seriously threatens our Dungeness reserve which is next to the airport. We also believe that all action possible should be taken to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change."

Tue, 2 May 2007: Schools receive climate change pack: Every secondary school in Britain is receiving a climate change information pack, including a copy of Al Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth.

April 2007

Mon, 30 April 2007: Helping hand for Hampshire eels: In a bid to protect the vulnerable eel, the Environment Agency in Hampshire are installing special devices at various locations across Hampshire that will help make their journey up stream easier. Environment Agency Officers are installing individually made bristle mats to the walls of weirs to help eels and elvers (baby eels) swim up stream. The work is being carried out in time for the run of eels migrating up through the catchments.

Mon, 30 April 2007: SAS challenges Forth oil transfers: Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners have been challenging a proposal that could lead to ship-to-ship oil transfers taking place in Scotland's Firth of Forth. According to SAS: "The Firth of Forth is an exceptional marine environment and is highly valued by its many recreational water users who use the water all year round. It is therefore vital that its future is safeguarded against potential dangers such as ship-to-ship oil transfers."

Sun, 29 April 2007: Beaches are not safe for watersports: Safety watchdogs claim British beaches lack proper safety equipment and lifeguards.

Sun, 29 April 2007: Supermarket planning rules must not be weakened, says new report: Supermarkets are using their power and resources to manipulate the planning system in order to build or expand their stores, a new report by Friends of the Earth reveals.

Sun, 29 Apr 2007: UK urges action on illegal fishing: Fisheries minister Ben Bradshaw is calling for tougher, cross-European action on illegal fish catches.

Thu, 26 April 2007: New project aims to restore Newbury's Lambourn: The River Lambourn Fun Day was organised last week by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Environment Agency to raise awareness about the River Lambourn Urban Restoration Project. The aim of the project is to improve the nature conservation value of the river through Newbury and encourage and improve access to the river, degraded by developments such as the notorious Newbury bypass.

Thu, 26 Mar 2007: Waterford still pumping barely treated sewage into Blackwater: A new investigation by RTE Ireland alleges Waterford County Council is happily allowing new housing development, but hasn't developed new sewage facilities to cope with it.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007: River Taff gets an injection of salmon: Thousands of young salmon are to be released into the Taff in an attempt to restore the fish to the Welsh valleys.

Wed, 25 Apr 2007: Oxford councillors express doubts over plans to destroy tranquil meadow: Campaigner Flora Botsford fears that: "The decision to defer permission to 'develop' the Meadow is really only a reprieve."

Wed, 25 Apr 2007: Recycling: putting the bins out over Europe: Do fewer waste collections encourage more recycling, as local authorities are claiming? The BBC looks at how other European countries manage their waste.

Wed, 25 Apr 2007: Minsmere reserve celebrates 60 years of conservation: The RSPB's flagship nature reserve, Minsmere on the Suffolk coast, is celebrating 60 years of saving some of the country's most endangered birds from extinction. The site, which is a haven for a stunning array of plants and animals, was first leased to the RSPB in April 1947.

Tue, 24 Apr 2007: New research could reduce plastic pollution: Dr Cris Arnold of Swansea University's School of Engineering is examining methods of recycling plastics from electrical equipment, including computers, for the benefit of the environment.

Tue, 24 Apr 2007: Farmers reminded to get ready for new hazardous agricultural waste rules: The Environment Agency has reminded all farmers and growers who produce hazardous waste, such as fuel oil and pesticides, to make sure they are ready for the new rules that come into play from 15 May 2007.

Tue, 24 Apr 2007: Fish, fish, fish: get hooked on fishing this weekend in Winchester: The Environment Agency are calling on novice anglers to come and learn or improve their fishing skills at "Fish, Fish, Fish", the Festival of Fishing and Fishkeeping, on Saturday 28 April 2007. The event is being hosted by and held at the country's Centre of Excellence for Fishery Studies, Sparsholt College, near Winchester, in Hampshire.

Mon, 23 Apr 2007: Government backs new campaign to slash CO2 emissions—or does it?: The environment department, Defra reports that: "A major new campaign that aims to help individuals cut their personal CO2 emissions has today been backed by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Environment Secretary David Miliband. The Climate Group's We're In This Together Campaign brings businesses, Government and communities together, and provides practical ideas for how individuals can reduce their CO2 footprint." Great, but with the other hand, the government is still funding disastrous road-building, airport building, and nuclear power projects that will fuel CO2 emissions.

Mon, 23 Apr 2007: Anglers warn over low levels in Port Talbot's Afan river: Anglers have alerted the Environment Agency to a problem with a weir that threatens salmon and sea trout stocks in the Afan.

Sun, 22 Apr 2007: Anger over Forth sewage spill: Work continues trying to stem the tide of sewage pumping into Scotland's Firth of Forth after a major failure at a sewage treatment works.

Sat, 21 Apr 2007: Honey fears may scupper GM potato trial: Friends of the Earth reports that the farmer due to grow an experimental GM potato trial in East Yorkshire may pull out because of the impact that the trial might have on neighbouring crops.

Fri, 20 Apr 2007: UK beach litter has increased by 90% since 1994: The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) reports that beach litter on UK beaches has increased by 90.3% since 1994. Welsh beaches recorded the highest overall litter density (2,524.8 items/km) of all UK regions in the Beachwatch 2006 litter survey and clean up organised by MCS. This is a massive 44% increase compared to levels recorded for Wales in Beachwatch 2005.

Thu, 19 Apr 2007: Rediscover Britain's glory—and cut those emissions: Want to do your bit to help tackle global warming? How about cutting your CO2 emissions by taking your next vacation in the UK instead of jetting abroad? This website contains lots of ideas for holidays in southwest England, Wales, and Ireland.

Thu, 19 Apr 2007: USA: Florida: Jumping sturgeon seriously injures PWC rider: A woman riding a personal watercraft down Florida's Suwannee River suffered a ruptured spleen and lost three fingers and a tooth when a sturgeon leapt out of the water at her.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007: And today's lession is... rearing trout!: Thame school children are helping increase the number of trout in Oxfordshire river's by breeding fish in the classroom. Pupils from Lord Williams's School, Thame, are planning to stock over 100 Brown Trout into the Cuttle Brook, a tributary of the River Thame as part of a project called Trout in the Classroom.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007: Trolley art helps to raise river awareness: Environment Agency staff in Leeds are hoping that an artful use of rubbish will help to raise people's awareness of their impact on our region's rivers and streams. They plan to use shopping trolleys which have been dredged from rivers and transformed into a water vole, bittern and a white-clawed crayfish to remind people that our behaviour has a major effect on wildlife living near water.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007: Rally against the return of "Frankenfoods" on 21st April in Hull: Indymedia reports: "Campaigners are calling for a rally against plans to plant genetically modified potatoes in Humberside. On Saturday, 21st April there will be a rally in Hull to highlight the issue by demonstrating there is still considerable strength of feeling against the introduction of GM crops to the UK. It starts at 1pm in the Preston Road Community Centre, Marfleet, Hull, with speakers and music. This will be followed by a stroll to the field (where the potatoes are due to be planted) for a picnic and general harrumphing around. Afterwards there will be further entertainment and refreshments (including tea & cakes) back at the Community Centre."

Wed, 18 Apr 2007: British rush for wooden floors is damaging Amazonian forests: According to this article from The Independent, British shoppers are still buying endangered wood, threatening one of the last great wildlife habitats on Earth.

Tue, 17 Apr 2007: New system leads the way on how to get rid of household waste: Do you know the difference between the environmental impacts of burning 20,000 tonnes of household waste in a local power station or sending it 50 miles for composting? Well that is exactly the sort of question waste managers will be able to answer with new software launched by the Environment Agency.

Tue, 17 Apr 2007: EU treating Britain and Ireland fishermen unfairly: Fisheries minister Ben Bradshaw is to complain about the European Commission's policy of punishing the British and Irish for overfishing, but not punishing the French.

Mon, 16 Apr 2007: China: Too late to reverse Yangtze pollution: Chinese environmental experts say it is already too late to save polluted parts of the Yangtze River.

Sun, 15 Apr 2007: M4 road expansion threatens Gwent Levels "wetland wonderland"—again: More than a decade after the M4 threat to the Gwent Levels first surfaced, it's back again. According to Julian Branscombe from the Gwent Wildlife Trust: "We have got a wetland wonderland at the moment and the impact on the environment will be severe if the road goes ahead." Warm words on tackling climate change from the government seem so much hot air when it emerges that Whitehall and local councils have sneakily approved (or are considering approving) almost 200 traffic- and CO2-generating roads, worth more than double the Tory programme that sparked mass protests in the early 1990s.

Fri, 13 Apr 2007: Yorkshire Water fined for sewage pollution: Yorkshire Water has been fined £6,000 after pleading guilty to polluting Clifton Beck in Brighouse. Ben Reid, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, told Halifax Magistrates' Court that a combined sewer overflow (CSO) at Wyke Old Lane has blocked a number of times in recent years and has repeatedly sent sewerage into Clifton Beck. This has had a serious impact on the aquatic life that lives there.

Wed, 11 Apr 2007: Bad news for water voles in the North East: Water voles are struggling to survive in the North East, on the Tees river catchment, according to a new Environment Agency survey.

Tue, 10 Apr 2007: 'Green fuels' could be bad for the environment: A misjudged push for 'green' fuels could instead damage the climate and trash rainforests, according to the UK's largest environmental groups today. Biofuels—which are similar to petrol but less environmentally damaging because they are made from crops and wastes—could play an important role in tackling global warming. But, say bosses from the RSPB, WWF, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, the Government's dash for biofuels is ill thought out, lacks appropriate safeguards and could be creating more problems than it solves.

Tue, 10 Apr 2007: Climate Activists Bring Powerstation Operations To A Halt: Climate activists from around the East Midlands managed to stop some operations at Radcliffe on Soar Power Station after climbing onto convear belts and dumper trucks inside the plant yesterday. The power station is located just outside Nottingham and is the 3rd biggest producer of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK.

Sun, 8 Apr 2007: Right-to-roam opens up 2000 km (1250 miles) of coast to walkers: It'll soon be easier to walk right round the UK coastline, thanks to radical new government plans.

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: New dam threatens people and environment in Myanmar: A deal signed between Thailand and Myanmar would clear the way for the first large-scale hydropower plant on the Salween River in north-eastern Myanmar. The project could displace and harm the lives of tens of thousands of poor and marginalized people from ethnic minorities in that country, warns WWF.

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: Coracling on the River Ness: A nice little photo story from BBC news shows that coracles are alive and well—and living in Scotland.

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: Climate change: IPCC's devastating outlook for environment and economy: According to this news release from WWF, the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents a devastating outlook for the world's environment and economy, unless action is taken to stop climate change.

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: Champion swimmer completes Amazon river swim: Fifty-two year-old Martin Strel from Slovenia has completed his 5,265-km (3,272-mile) swim of the world's longest river in just 66 days!

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: 100-year-old fish caught in Alaska: If you like your fish fresh, how about this story of how an ancient shortraker rock-fish was hauled up in the by-catch of a commercial trawler from Seattle?

Fri, 6 Apr 2007: Billions at risk from climate change: The scientific consensus on climate change, agreed in a new IPCC report, makes grim reading for the world's poorest people.

Thu, 5 Apr 2007: Environment Agency issues waste warning: Companies that illegally export recyclable waste have been warned by the Environment Agency that they risk prosecution.

Thu, 5 Apr 2007: Top garden centre to ban patio heaters: Friends of the Earth reports that leading garden chain Wyevale is to stop selling patio heaters following concerns about the impact that these products have on climate change.

Wed, 4 Apr 2007: Climate change: don't dumb down, the science spells it out: According to WWF, the science is clear, climate change is threatening our livelihoods and destroying the future of many species. Governments should stop questioning the facts and watering down the science. They must act now and reduce emissions to rescue us from the worst effects of climate change, such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves.

Wed, 4 Apr 2007: Comments invited on updated groundwater protection policy: The Environment Agency has unveiled proposals to encourage the sustainable operation of ground source heat pumps, which will help prevent the pollution of groundwater.

Wed, 4 Apr 2007: Sewage failure leaves Southern Water with fine: The Environment Agency has prosecuted Southern Water Services after a fault at a pumping station in Beltinge, Kent caused sewage to leak into the Bishopstone Glen whilst a fishing competition was underway nearby.

Tue, 3 Apr 2007: Good fisheries management is the best way to prevent and control fish disease: Fishery managers and angling clubs can protect their waters from disease outbreaks by practising good fisheries management. That is the message from a workshop on fish disease and fisheries management held on 29th March at the Environment Agency's National Fisheries Laboratory at Brampton, Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire.

Tue, 3 Apr 2007: Ballot called on airport plan: A referendum on plans to expand a tiny airport bordering one of the country's oldest and most unusual nature reserves is being held tomorrow. Lydd and New Romney town councils in south-east Kent are staging the vote on development plans for Lydd Airport because the strength of opposition is so great. The RSPB's Dungeness nature reserve lies next to the airport where around 60 species of bird are now preparing to breed including peregrine falcons, avocets and Cetti's warblers. In winter, up to 120,000 birds use the reserve and surrounding area every day.

Tue, 3 Apr 2007: Walruses tagged by satellite: GPS satellite navigation is being used to track migrating walruses in Greenland.

Mon, 2 Apr 2007: Impact of flooding is more than financial: A new Scottish study has found that the loss of sentimental items, the need to move to temporary accommodation, and stress exacerbate the final losses caused when homes are flooded.

Mon, 2 Apr 2007: River Usk water management: the next six years: Environment Agency Wales has launched the Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) for the River Usk catchment. CAMS are being developed across England and Wales making more information on water resources and abstraction licensing publicly available.

Mon, 2 Apr 2007: Island of Sark gains new Ramsar status as a wetland of international importance: An area of Sark, the smallest of the Channel Islands, has for the first time been recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the international Ramsar Convention. The site covers four hectares, from the west coast of Sark stretching across the renowned Gouliot Headland to the famous Gouliot Caves.

Sun, 1 Apr 2007: New laws to improve boat safety on the Noroflk Broads: The Broads Authority is introducing new safety laws today, including spot safety checks.

March 2007

Thu, 29 Mar 2007: "Pathetic" attempts to cut UK carbon emissions criticized: UK carbon dioxide emissions rose again in 2006 and are now higher than they have ever been since Labour came to power, provisional Government figures released today reveal. Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said: "These pathetic figures highlight the need for tougher action to tackle climate change. Government proposals for a new climate change law must include annual targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent each year. This would force successive governments to put climate change at the core of all their policies and ensure that the UK move towards a low carbon economy. Most of the solutions to climate change already exist. It is the political will that's lacking."

Thu, 29 Mar 2007: Galway mayor wants water help: Galway's mayor is asking for government help to upgrade water treatment facilities in Galway city and county, following a major stomach bug that infected at least 125 people.

Thu, 29 Mar 2007: Germany: Race to clean River Rhine: Salvagers are trying to clear containers that blocked the river after a recent barge accident.

Thu, 29 Mar 2007: Hydroelectric—no green solution?: The Guardian's David Adam asks why carbon dioxide emissions are soaring at supposedly green hydro plants.

Wed, 28 Mar 2007: Disabled water taxi wins award: An Environment Agency-backed initiative that allows people with disabilities the chance to enjoy the fun of boating has been awarded second place in the Waterways Renaissance Awards 2007.

Wed, 28 Mar 2007: Cheshire rivers stocked for summer: The River Weaver and Wheelock look set to delight south Cheshire anglers this summer thanks to the generosity of Lymm Angling Club who have donated 6000 fish through the Environment Agency. Earlier this week the Environment Agency released 5000 roach, bream and perch into the River Weaver above Beam Bridge, Nantwich, an area whose fish stocks were severely affected by a pollution incident last year.

Tue, 27 Mar 2007: Agency probes Somerset oil spill: The Environment Agency is investigating how oil came to contaminate the River Brue. No fish reported dead.

Mon, 26 Mar 2007: Thames is clean enough for salmon after 200 years: A new phase in the history of the River Thames has begun, with young salmon released into the river from its tributary, the River Lambourne in Newbury, Berkshire.

Tue, 27 Mar 2007: Dog-sized toad found in Australia: An alien invader species, the Cane Toad, has been rife in Queensland for years. Now a Cane Toad the size of a dog has been discovered.

Mon, 26 Mar 2007: New eels for Yorkshire's River Aire: The Environment Agency has just released 63,000 elvers into the Aire at Rodley near Leeds.

Fri, 23 Mar 2007: 'Unpluggit' - Kaiser Chiefs do it every night before they go to bed: According to WWF, Rock superstars the Kaiser Chiefs were the first to sign an online petition putting pressure on the mobile phone industry to abolish energy wasting phone chargers - which fritter away enough electricity to power 65,000 homes every year in the UK alone.

Fri, 23 Mar 2007: Climate change could bring more droughts to the Amazon: The Amazon river, hit by spectacular fish kills in 2005, could be the victim of more droughts in future.

Thu, 22 Mar 2007: World Water Day 2007: In the annual worldwide celebration of water, we remember than one sixth of the world's population (over 1.1 billion people) still don't have access to clean, safe water supplies.

Thu, 22 Mar 2007: New £2 billion Thames tunnel to cut sewage pollution: A new 32 km (20 mile) tunnel is designed to catch rainwater and sewage discharges.

Thu, 22 Mar 2007: Icelandic hydroelectric dam creates environmental uproar: A plan to build a new aluminium smelter powered by a hydroelectric dam in Karahnjukar, Iceland has unleased a storm of protest from environmentalists.

Wed, 21 Mar 2007: Miliband welcomes Budget as next steps to low-carbon economy: Environment secretary David Miliband is highlighting the carbon-dioxide-cutting measures in the lastest budget. But...

Wed, 21 Mar 2007: Budget moves in right direction—but not far enough: The welcome green measures included in today's Budget are still insufficient to deal with environmental challenges, Friends of the Earth said following Gordon Brown's Budget. The environmental campaign group acknowledged that the Budget had produced a number of positive initiatives, but set against the urgency and scale of what is required to substantially reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions, these fell a long way short of what is required.

Tue, 20 Mar 2007: Four-star Severn bore makes a splash: Surfers enjoy one of the biggest Severn bores this year.

Mon, 19 Mar 2007: Environment Agency sets out four pillars of sustainable housing—but misses point?: Attention must be given to "sustainable housing growth", according to the Environment Agency. But isn't "sustainable... growth" an oxymoron? Is the Environment Agency tinkering at the edges instead of questioning fundamentally unsustainable, massive government house-building plans in areas like the South East? As Friends of the Earth have pointed out, "sustainable" housing means going very much further.

Mon, 19 Mar 2007: "Exinct" Devon beetle makes a comeback: The short-necked oil beetle, last spotted in 1948 and thought to be extinct, has been found by an amateur entomologist in Devon.

Mon, 19 Mar 2007: WWF says: see EU in court over fisheries quotas: WWF has announced that it is taking the Council of the European Union to the European Court of Justice for failing to follow their own rules regarding cod fisheries, and therefore breaching EU environmental law. The Council of the European Union has been repeatedly warned by WWF about the consequences of ignoring scientific advice on fishing quotas.

Tue, 20 Mar 2007: World's top 10 rivers at risk: The WWF report, World's Top 10 Rivers at Risk, names the world's rivers that are facing widespread degradation while millions of people depend on them for survival. Five of the ten rivers listed in the report are in Asia: Yangtze, Mekong, Salween, Ganges and Indus. Europe's Danube, South Americas' La Plata, Africa's Nile-Lake Victoria and Australia's Murray-Darling also make the list. The Rio Grande on the Mexico-US border is included too.

Fri, 16 Mar 2007: Arctic ice hits tipping point: The Daily Telegraph's Roger Highfield looks at whether the Arctic has tipped into a new ice-free era.

Thu, 15 Mar 2007: Complexity of regulating the sea: BBC correspondent Sarah Mukherjee analyzes the background to the new government marine bill, published today.

Thu, 15 Mar 2007: Government publishes Marine Bill White Paper: Here's the official announcement of the new bill.

Thu, 15 Mar 2007: Fish kill successfully averted after incident on M6: Environment Agency Officers helped to prevent a major environmental incident on the M6 near Coventry when a lorry carrying a container of glycerine sprung a leak on Monday.

Wed, 14 Mar 2007: Cambridge to get new £3 million river bridge: The river Cam will soon be crossed by a new bridge for cyclists, the first river crossing built in the city for 36 years.

Wed, 14 Mar 2007: Environment Agency board looks at water management along the River Thames: Water management in and around the River Thames will be on the agenda at an Environment Agency national board meeting being held in Oxford next week. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to meet the board during a 45-minute question and answer session, which begins at 9.30am. Environment Agency chairman Sir John Harman, chief executive Barbara Young, and board members and directors will be available to take questions and discuss local issues.

Wed, 14 Mar 2007: Environment Agency says check your flood risk using our flood maps: On the 60 year anniversary of the 1947 floods—some of the most devastating floods to hit the Thames Valley in living memory—the Environment Agency is urging those at risk to take the necessary action to reduce the impact flooding can cause.

Tue, 13 Mar 2007: Inquiry into angler's river death in Perth: An inquiry has begun into how an angler died after a hydroelectric station in Perth opened its gates.

Tue, 13 Mar 2007: Aberdeen fish kill investigation: Experts are trying to find out how 100 fish died in an Aberdeenshire river.

Mon, 12 Mar 2007: Swans shot on River Nene in Wellingborough: Police are trying to find three men thought to be responsible for the deaths of two swans in Northamptonshire.

Mon, 12 Mar 2007: Disabled anglers get a boost: The almost three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a half price fishing licence from April 1, 2007.

Sat, 10 Mar 2007: Volunteers help to clean up debris from wreck of the Napoli: Shipwrecked items from the MSC Napoli, which was grounded near Devon in January, are being cleaned off local beaches by an army of volunteers.

Wed, 7 Mar 2007: Australia's biggest river is drying up: A new study of the Murray Darling River Basin reports that the 2,739km Darling River and its tributaries have lost 20-50 percent of their average annual flows to water storages and irrigation since the 1960s.

Wed, 7 Mar 2007: Indian wetland warbler "lost" for 139 years makes spectacular return in Thailand and the UK: Ornithologists across the world are celebrating with the news that the Large-billed Reed-warbler, a wetland bird that has eluded scientists ever since its discovery in India in 1867 has been refound. Twice.

Wed, 7 Mar 2007: "Urban policy too timid": A new report from The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution says the government is not doing enough to tackle problems in the urban environment. Sir John Lawton, Chair of the UK's Commission says "Commissioners are astonished that... we lack an over-arching urban environment policy to coordinate the provision of housing, transport, energy and other vital services. Tinkering with any one of these issues in isolation is bound to fail. We can and must do better if we are to meet environmental challenges and improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens."

Tue, 6 Mar 2007: Thames boatman laws have been "dumbed down", MPs hear: In the continuing battle over new boat licensing laws on the Thames, a House of Commons committee has been told that EU laws are reducing standards.

Tue, 6 Mar 2007: A boost for Salmon stocks in Devon's River Torridge: The Environment Agency is releasing 22,000 young salmon into the River Torridge next week to boost the salmon population in one of Devon's best known rivers. Famous as the setting for Henry Williamson's wildlife classic 'Tarka the Otter', the Torridge once had a thriving salmon population. But a combination of over-fishing, farm pollution, loss of spawning beds and climatic factors has seen a dramatic drop in fish numbers in recent years.

Tue, 6 Mar 2007: Tree planting helps to get to the root of climate change—or does it?: The National Trust and the Environment Agency are planting 12 trees to help offset their carbon dioxide emissions. Do feel-good green gestures serve any purpose at all—or distract from the really big problems we still have to tackle?

Tue, 6 Mar 2007: Green and pleasant land?: Jeremy Paxman takes a pot-shot at the litter-strewn wastelands of unloved Britain... but conveniently ignores just how many people are already tackling the problem with positive community cleanups of our streets, rivers, and beaches. Read some responses in The Guardian letters page.

Mon, 5 Mar 2007: Jack Charlton speaks up for Scottish salmon: Champion footballer Jack Charlton has lent his support to a campaign to prevent the parasite gyrodactylus salaris from destroying Scottish salmon stocks. The serious fish disease has previously wiped out stocks in Norwegian rivers.

Mon, 5 Mar 2007: How Dartmoor brook became a killer: Babbling Walla Brook on Dartmoor, which claimed the life of a teenaged girl at the weekend, can become a killer torrent "in seconds".

Mon, 5 Mar 2007: North East anglers urged to return catch logbooks: Anglers in the North East are being urged to return their coarse anglers logbooks which will help the Environment Agency's research of fish stocks in the region's rivers. Anglers were asked to fill in a log of their fishing during the season to help the Environment Agency understand more about the size and diversity of fish populations, and the extent of fishing in the area.

Fri, 2 Mar 2007: Environment Agency has Abingdon reservoir reservations: The Environment Agency remains to be convinced that Thames Water needs to build a new reservoir to the south west of Abingdon.

Thu, 1 Mar 2007: Dumping waste is a crime. Report it.: "Fly tipping is a crime", "Don't let them get away with it", "Don't give your waste to a waster!"—these are some of the key messages that we'll be seeing on our buses and in railway stations across South Wales over the next month. These hard-hitting slogans form part of a co-ordinated campaign to crack down on the illegal dumping of waste.

February 2007

Wed, 28 Feb 2007: Tackling the threat of invasive non-native species: The government's environment department, Defra, along with the devolved administrations of Great Britain (the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Executive) is today launching a consultation to help tackle invasive non-native species. Invasive non-native species pose a very serious threat to our native plants and animals throughout Great Britain, and have been identified as the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide.

Wed, 28 Feb 2007: Stopping the invasion of non-native species: More news on the invasive species plan. The Environment Agency is joining a coalition of government bodies aiming to protect UK plants and animals from invasive species such as Floating Pennywort and Topmouth Gudgeon.

Wed, 28 Feb 2007: UK retailers sign up to cut the environmental impact of carrier bags: UK retailers have agreed to reduce the overall environmental impact of their carrier bags by 25% by the end of 2008, by recycling, encouraging customers to reuse old bags, and using recycled plastic in new bags.

Wed, 28 Feb 2007: Rivers in East End of London to be upgraded: Olympic preparations in London include a £19 million river upgrade.

Tue, 27 Feb 2007: Construction industry must adapt to climate change: The UK construction industry faces commercial extinction if it does not come up with building designs that help people adapt to climate change. That is the stark message delegates at the ECOBUILD conference heard from Environment Agency Chairman Sir John Harman.

Tue, 27 Feb 2007: Urban land wasted says new research: Countryside campaigners CPRE are calling on the Government to increase its target for the proportion of new homes built on brownfield land from 60% to 85%, as new research reveals the huge scale of wasted and neglected land.

Fri, 23 Feb 2007: Centuries-old law may grant right to row on southern rivers: Campaigning kayakers are hoping a law from 1664 could give them new access to rivers.

Fri, 23 Feb 2007: Anglers hope to buy Scottish river Ugie: Aberdeen anglers are trying to buy the country's last, privately owned river

Fri, 23 Feb 2007: Scottish salmon under threat from invasive crayfish: Those alien invaders are back again, this time threatening the £18 million Scottish salmon industry.

Thu, 22 Feb 2007: Thames snail habitat to be protected: The habitat of rare snails at Isleworth Ait island on the River Thames will be protected.

Thu, 22 Feb 2007: Sharks under growing threat: Expert findings show even the fastest, widest ranging sharks are threatened by overfishing as more species are added to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Thu, 22 Feb 2007: Householders will no longer bear responsibility for private sewers: The UK government's environment department Defra has announced that "private sewers and lateral drains which are currently the responsibility of the owners of the properties they serve are to be transferred into the ownership of the nine statutory water and sewerage companies (WaSCs) in England."

Wed, 21 Feb 2007: New countryside map of UK seas: The UKSeaMap project, partly funded by the WWF conservation group, has for the first time provided an insight into the broad pattern of marine habitats around the UK. A brand new map of our seas and the first of its kind in Europe has now been published.

Wed, 21 Feb 2007: People will gain new access to 4500km of British coast: Natural England has agreed new proposals for a 4,500 km continuous corridor of clear and well managed public access along the entire length of England?s coast.

Wed, 21 Feb 2007: Sheep dippers help to protect the environment: The Environment Agency and the Northumberland National Park Authority are working together with local vets and agricultural consultancy LSSC to help farmers identify the risks posed by sheep dipping operations on their farms.

Tue, 20 Feb 2007: BP Oil fined equivalent of 2p for putting groundwater at risk: Oil-giant BP has been fined £8,000 for allowing an unknown amount of fuel to leak from a Luton service station—putting valuable groundwater resources at risk. To put that fine in context, BP's profit for the last three months of 2006 was about £2 billion. That's equivalent to fining an individual who earns £20,000 a year just 2p.

Tue, 20 Feb 2007: Call to save fish by cutting subsidies: Scientists have told a US conference that cutting fuel subsidies is the way to tackle unsustainable fishing practices.

Mon, 19 Feb 2007: North West UK plagued by wrong kind of rain: High rainfall in the North West doesn't mean there's no need to save water, according to the Environment Agency.

Mon, 19 Feb 2007: Rare sponges found off Irish coast: Scientists have discovered 28 new species of sponge in the seas around Rathlin Island off the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland.

Sun, 18 Feb 2007: Cotsworld rivers restocked with brown trout: The Environment Agency has released thousands of fish eggs into the River Churn, River Dikler and Ampney Brook to reverse a decline in the native trout population.

Wed, 14 Feb 2007: Wind shifts devastate ocean life: New research into ocean dead zones has found a link with changing coastal winds and climate change.

Thu, 15 Feb 2007: Cornish river pollution prompts fish fears: Anglers in Cornwall are worried a pollution incident in a tributary of the River Camel could have wiped out countless salmon and trout spawn.

Thu, 15 Feb 2007: Yorkshire Water fined for polluting River Rother: Yorkshire Water has been fined £3,000 by Rotherham magistrates for polluting the River Rother. The company admitted breaching its permit to discharge into the river in February, 2006, and was ordered to pay £1303.17 costs following the court hearing yesterday. Yorkshire's parent company Kelda Group made £315.4 million last year (up 15% on 2005), so these paltry sums aren't likely to worry them too much.

Thu, 15 Feb 2007: River Itchen sewage discharge plan under fire: Newater plc has asked the Environment Agency for permission to discharge 27,000 cubic meters of treated sewage effluent into Hampshire's River Itchen. The local Test and Itchen Association is objecting to the plan.

Wed, 14 Feb 2007: Natural England proposes legislation to improve access to England's coastline: Natural England has unveiled proposals for improving access to the English coast. Subject to the approval of its Board on 21 February, Natural England looks set to advise the Government to introduce legislation to create a new right of public access to England's coastline along a continuous access corridor.

Wed, 14 Feb 2007: End to climate deadlock?: BBC environment specialist Roger Harrabin analyses the likelihood of global agreement on emissions reductions to tackle climate change.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007: Farmers' workshops being held on waste management: Farmers in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex could benefit from a series of waste management workshops being held in February and March by the Environment Agency. The drop-in sessions have been set up to help farmers understand the new Agricultural Waste Regulations, which came into force in May 2006. These regulations prohibit the burning, tipping and burial of waste on farms, as well as control the storage and use of waste.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007: River Petteril bridge to reopen: A bridge that was washed away in the Cumbrian floods of 2005 is to be officially re-opened. The Newbiggin footbridge across the River Petteril, near Carlisle, was badly damaged after being hit by a tree swept along in the swollen river.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007: MEPs vote to increase recycling and cut waste: Friends of the Earth welcomed a vote in the European Parliament today (13 February) which backed waste prevention and recycling as the key elements for dealing with waste in Europe. The environmental group also congratulated MEPs for rejecting a misguided proposal to re-brand incineration which would have led to an increase in the burning of waste across Europe.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007: Offices and pubs may face responsibility for clean-up of workers' litter: Good news for rivers plagued with rubbish. Proposals by Defra (the government's environment department), published for consultation today, would widen the range of premises which face Street Litter Control Notices to include all types of eating and drinking venues and office buildings. This would give local authorities the power to require the occupiers or owners to clear up litter in the immediate area of their premises, including that created by their customers, and to install disposal facilities or risk a fixed penalty notice of up to £110.

Tue, 13 Feb 2007: Wales must act on disappearing coastline: Wales has been urged to take "urgent action" to prepare for the impact of coastal erosion and flooding.

Thu, 8 Feb 2007: River Cole at Shard End gets another good going over: The second of three spring cleaning operations at Colehall Lane, Shard End on 13 February will attempt to remove large scale litter from the river bed and land nearby. The operation will start at 10am. A team of volunteers, including 30 young people from educational charity Envision, will be pulling out debris that could include old bikes, general litter and mattresses between Colehall Lane and the Raven in Hodge Hill Road.

Thu, 8 Feb 2007: Defra publishes research on the implications of managing GM crop herbicide-tolerant weeds: Today Defra published a report that gives a better understanding of the potential impact of GM herbicide tolerant crops on farming practices and the environment. It looks in particular at how farmers might deal with 'volunteer' weeds that are herbicide tolerant.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007: A new 'countryside' map of UK seas: Surveying our seas is difficult. This means we know far less about it than we do about the land. Until now we have not had a comprehensive picture of its habitats, as existing maps are restricted to small, detailed areas that are few and far between. Now for the first time a more complete, broader picture has emerged following a two-year project to produce a new map of the sea that shows 44 large-scale 'marine landscapes'.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007: Lobby groups unite to demand urgent action over rural housing: The National Housing Federation and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), two bodies often seen as being on opposite sides of the housing debate, will unite to warn that future generations will be priced out of the countryside unless the Government addresses our chronic shortage of affordable rural homes.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007: EU targets for greener cars too weak: New European mandatory standards aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions from new cars do not go far enough, Friends of the Earth has said. The European announcement follows fierce lobbying from the motor industry.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007: MPs fail to block boatmen changes on River Thames: Attempts to revoke new laws governing the way boatmen on the River Thames work have been defeated in the Commons.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007: Otters return to Bedfordshire: Otter numbers are on the increase in Bedfordshire because river habitats are improving, a new study by the Greensand Trust has shown.

Tue, 6 Feb 2007: Restoration of historic lock resumes: South Ferriby Lock is located at the confluence of the River Ancholme and the River Humber and provides access between the two waterways. It was designed by the famous British civil engineer Sir John Rennie and built in 1842 and, because it is a Scheduled Monument, the upgrade has to be approved by English Heritage.

Mon, 5 Feb 2007: Environment Agency allows Cemex to use tyres as fuel: The Environment Agency has announced that it will allow Cemex to use tyres as a substitute fuel at its cement plant in Rugby.

Mon, 5 Feb 2007: Winter weather 'confuses salmon': Irish salmon stocks are being hit by the effects of climate change with scientists on the river Bush in north Antrim discovering warmer winters are triggering a false start to the annual migration with disastrous consequences.

Fri, 2 Feb 2007: Humans blamed for climate change: The latest IPCC report has been released, summarizing the scientific consensus that the world will warm up by 1.8-4C (3.2-7.2F) by the end of the century.

Thu, 1 February 2007: Scottish salmon fishers warned about deadly new invasive species: According to BBC news, Scotland's river managers fear that anglers will accidentally import a deadly parasite which has already devastated stocks in 20 Norwegian rivers.

Thu, 1 Feb 2007: Japan and EU in bid to save tuna: In The Times, Richard Lloyd Parry reports: Japan and the European Union agreed yesterday to cut their annual tuna catch by almost a quarter, after warnings by environmentalists that international hunger for the fish is driving it towards extinction."

Thu, 1 Feb 2007: Captain Watson takes on Japanese whalers: Veteran anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson has vowed to do "whatever it takes" to stop a new Japanese whaling mission near Antarctica.

Thu, 1 Feb 2007: Who owns the River Churn sluice gates?: Seeking the owners of old sluice gates on the River Churn in Cirencester! 500 homes are threatened with flooding unless the gates can be modified.

Thu, 1 Feb 2007: The wonder of seaweed: Writing in The Independent, Julia Stuart reports that seaweed could be a new source of sustainable energy.

January 2007

Wed, 31 Jan 2007: New figures show huge rise in aviation emissions: Commenting on the latest emissions statistics, Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns, Mike Childs said: "Aviation is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide in the UK. Emissions have more than doubled since 1990. The Government must do more to ensure that the cost of flying reflects the environmental damage that aviation causes. And it should abandon plans to allow new runways to be built." .

Tue, 30 Jan 2007: Help save the whale, Britain urges more nations: An initiative to enlist more countries around the world to the anti-whaling cause has been launched by the government. Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw, launching the initiative, said: "Whaling is inherently cruel and economically unnecessary and we would urge all countries to join the IWC, protect the IWC's moratorium and take up the global responsibility to protect whales for future generations."

Mon, 29 Jan 2007: Marathon man to swim the Amazon: Marathon swimmer Martin Strel, who has taken on the Yangtze, Mississippi and Danube, wants to become the first person to swim the length of the Amazon.

Tue, 30 Jan 2007: Environment Agency maps water stressed areas: Areas of England most at risk of "serious water stress", and the factors used to identify these areas, were unveiled today by the Environment Agency.

Tue, 30 Jan 2007: Persimmon Homes fined £13,000 for beck pollution: The Environment Agency tells us that housing developer Persimmon has been fined a total of £13,000 after the company was accused of polluting a West Yorkshire river. What the Agency neglects to mention is that Persimmon's profit for the six months ended 30th June 2006 was £271.5 million.

Mon, 29 Jan 2007: Glaciers melting three times faster: Mountain glaciers are shrinking three times faster than they were in the 1980s, scientists have announced. The detail is available from the World Glacier Monitoring Service.

Fri, 26 Jan 2007: Protesters fight for Oxford lake: Radley Lakes, near Oxford, is going to be filled with flyash by a power company. A group of activists has now occupied the site to try to stop them—and they're seeking your support.

Fri, 26 Jan 2007: Haddock ask 'your plaice or mine': The British Library has produced Sounds of the Deep: a new CD of animal sounds, including the mating call of the haddock. The sales blurb reads: "Experience the haunting song of the Humpback Whale as it travels through winter breeding grounds in search of a mate, and marvel at the humming courtship calls of the male Haddock. Encounter Dusky Dolphins in the Pacific, Harp Seals in the Arctic and a host of other species including the lovable Bottlenose Dolphin and the mighty Blue Whale." You can buy it from the British Library shop.

Thu, 25 Jan 2007: £18m netted through river angling: Fishing on the River Tweed brings about £18m and 487 jobs into the Borders economy every year, a new study has claimed.

Thu, 25 Jan 2007: Supermarket packaging: how you can fight back: An article in The Independent suggests how we can all become anti-packaging activists.

Wed, 24 Jan 2007: Greater action needed to deliver cleaner air: More needs to done at local, national and European level if cleaner air is to be achieved, Local Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw said today.

Wed, 24 Jan 2007: World waterbirds in decline: A new report from Wetlands International paints a shocking picture of waterbirds in decline. At a global level 44% of populations for which trend data is available are decreasing or have become extinct, 34% are stable, and 17% are increasing. Asia is the continent where concern is greatest.

Wed, 24 Jan 2007: Government must avert "planning disaster": A new campaign has been launched by UK environment groups in response to concerns that proposed changes to the planning system will reduce public involvement in decisions about the development of their communities.

Tue, 23 Jan 2007: Dry me a river: According to WWF: "The announcement today by a leading UN advisor that world's rivers cannot support humanity's long term needs is a wake-up call to the planet. Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the UN's Millennium Project told the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit that there are 'no more rivers to take water from' and that India and China will not be able to feed their growing populations unless urgent action is taken

Tue, 23 Jan 2007: No pollution found in waters near MSC Napoli: Water sample results taken this week by the Environment Agency near the stricken container ship MSC Napoli so far show no signs of pollution from the oil, pesticides, or other chemicals from the ship.

Tue, 23 Jan 2007: Engineers say Wales should back Severn barrage: Wales should commit to large-scale energy projects such as the Severn Barrage, the Institution in Civil Engineers in Wales has said. Hardly an objective assessment. Who makes money from building it? Could it be... civil engineers?

Tue, 23 Jan 2007: "Smoking gun" for human-caused global warming: MSNBC reports on the forthcoming 1600-page IPCC report into climate change.

Mon, 22 Jan 2007: Thames Barrier closed for the third time in four days to protect London from floods: The Environment Agency is closing the Thames Barrier at 12 noon on Monday 22 January 2007 to protect London from high spring tides and tidal surges in the Thames estuary.

Mon, 22 Jan 2007: Tuna conservation talks in Japan: A major effort to try to reverse the decline in tuna stocks worldwide is getting under way in Kobe, Japan.

Sun, 21 January 2007: Global warming report makes chilling reading: The latest in a series of international summaries of climate change science is about to be published and marks stark reading. Impacts are forecast to be far worse than previously supposed.

Sun, 21 January 2007: Skeleton of Thames whale to go on public display: The Guardian and Observer newspapers will be displaying the skeleton of the whale that perished in the River Thames last year.

Sat, 20 January 2007: Pollution watch as ship beaches: Anti-pollution teams are on standby after a massive ship carrying potentially dangerous chemicals beached one mile off the Devon coast.

Thu, 18 Jan 2007: US: Sex-change chemicals in Potomac: An investigation into the cleanliness of rivers feeding Washington's Potomac River has revealed the presence of sex-changing chemicals.

Thu, 18 January 2007: Angling champ wins £17,000 boat: Clive Dunkling, of the Nayland Boat Sea Angling Society, caught 31 fish in five hours to win a fishing prize in Guernsey.

Thu, 18 January 2007: A smoke-screen against action to cut emissions: The promotion of carbon offsetting schemes is discouraging individuals, industry and governments from taking action to cut greenhouse gases Friends of the Earth said today. The warning comes as the UK Government prepares to unveil (on Thursday) standards for "offsetting" schemes which claim to neutralise the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

Wed, 17 January 2007: Ambitious new targets for otter conservation: Ambitious new targets for the recovery of the UK's threatened otter populations have followed confirmation the species has recently been detected in every major city in the country. Just as otters have been discovered in central London for the first time in over a century last year, revised UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets have been produced highlighting the aim to return the aquatic mammal to 85% of its former river habitat by 2015.

Wed, 17 January 2007: India: Ardh Kumbh festival continues: Thousands of bathers have gathered at the Sangam river confluence in Allahabad.

Tue, 16 January 2007: South West Water fined over sewage discharge into River Exe: South West Water was today ordered to pay £7,500 in fines and costs after sewage escaped from an Exeter sewage treatment works into the River Exe. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

Tue, 16 January 2007: Protection urged for UK sea life: Conservation scientists have identified eight "biodiversity hotspots" around Britain's coast which they say ought to be priorities for protection. The Marine Biological Association (MBA) and WWF want these areas to be given protected status under the government's proposed Marine Bill.

Tue, 16 January 2007: Rugby pitches become rowing lake: Flooding isn't always a bad thing. After the River Thames burst its banks, students at Shiplake College, in Henley-on-Thames, have spent the past five days rowing on a 2ft deep "lake", which covers five rugby pitches.

Mon, 15 January 2007: Water framework directive: on the road to improving our water environment: The Environment Agency has kicked off the first consultation of a programme to identify what needs to be done to protect and improve rivers, lakes and groundwater to meet new European guidelines. River Basin Planning: Working Together is the first step in the consultative process of developing a River Basin Management Plan across the Thames region, one of the ten River Basin Districts across England and Wales.

Mon, 15 January 2007: Salmon fishing season delayed: The traditional start to the salmon fishing season is to be delayed by two weeks in parts of Perthshire because anglers have claimed it is too early. The salmon fishing season on the River Tay normally begins in mid-January.

Mon, 15 January 2007: Africa: Lake Chad fishermen pack up their nets: Experts are warning that Nigeria's Lake Chad, once Africa's third largest inland water body, could shrink to a mere pond in two decades.

Sat, 13 January 2007: Alien Alert: Shrimpy invader raises big concerns: In November, an unusual swarm of tiny critters caught the attention of a scientific boat docked in Lake Michigan.

10 January 2007: Growing problem of Giant Hogweed on the River Usk: A giant alien plant is invading riverbanks on the lower River Usk and it's causing a growing problem for landowners, walkers and fishermen. Giant Hogweed on the Usk is mainly found between Crickhowell and the tidal limit downstream at Newbridge-on-Usk. It has also been found in small numbers close to the mouth of the river in Newport. In February a forum has been organised with guest speakers and an open discussion of the work of the project to tackle the problem.

10 January 2007: Six-year-old wins angling Clubs first ever cup!: A newly formed fishing club in Pembrokeshire has just celebrated its six-month anniversary with a special Christmas fishing event, and the biggest catch went to six-year-old Thomas Pratt with a cracking bag of 7lb 14oz.

10 January 2007: USA: Merrimack River, other sites polluted by mercury: Two new studies say mercury pollution in some reservoirs in the Northeast USA are dangerously high and coal-burning power plants are to blame.

10 January 2007: Yorkshire seal finds home 60 miles from sea: A seal has taken up residence in a North Yorkshire river, 60 miles from its usual home in the sea. The seal, which has been nicknamed Sammy, has drawn the crowds since it was spotted in the river Wharfe in the market town of Tadcaster.

10 January 2007: Warning over risk to porpoises: Climate change is causing more harbour porpoises to starve to death in Scotland, according to new research.

9 January 2007: Wessex Water fined for polluting Hampshire Avon: Wessex Water was today ordered to pay £4,966 in fines and costs after a sewer storm overflow in Salisbury polluted the Hampshire Avon which is known as an important salmon spawning area. "These offences could easily have been prevented. Water companies must ensure they carry out regular inspections of sewer storm overflows, especially when it is known that there have been problems there in the past," said Emma Tattersall for the Environment Agency.

9 January 2007: Thames boatmen in licensing row: Ministers have accused London's boatmen on the Thames of trying to protect a "cosy club" following their opposition to a new licensing regime. Unions and river safety campaigners have strongly criticised the licensing structure as being unsafe.

9 January 2007: More fish for the pollution-hit River Don: Thousands of new fish are to be released into South Yorkshire's River Don to restore stocks following a pollution incident last summer.

9 January 2007: Whale sightings increase pressure on Firth of Forth oil transfers: According to The Scotsman, the Scottish Executive is under renewed pressure to stop plans for ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil in the Firth of Forth, amid fears that it will jeopardise the flourishing wildlife in the river estuary.

9 January 2007: UN apologises after Mersey slur: The UN has accidentally listed the River Mersey as a "dead zone", unfit to sustain marine life, after relying on old scientific data.

8 January 2007: West Midlands: The great green field takeaway: Countryside campaigners CPRE are highlighting the dramatic implications of the Government's pressure for much higher house building in the West Midlands. The Government favours 575,000 new dwellings built in the West Midlands over 25 years—more than half as many again as in current plans. CPRE says the great majority of the extra dwellings would be on greenfield sites, and almost 23 square miles of greenfield land could be lost.

7 January 2007: Dustbin UK tops landfill table: The UK dumps more household waste into landfill than any other EU state, according to figures.

5 January 2007: Belfast: 1,500 pollution incidents prompt call for review of Water Service: The Water Service in Northern Ireland has caused more than 1,500 pollution incidents in the five years to 2005— almost one a day.

5 January 2007: Abingdon Reservoir? Case unproven: Thames Water has yet to answer crucial questions in the case for a new reservoir to the south west of Abingdon, the Environment Agency has said.

4 January 2007: Don't give up on soap and water: Who needs antibacterial soap? Health professionals in the Harvard Health Letter remind people than washing with soap and water for 15 seconds, and drying them properly, can remove 90 per cent of bacteria.

3 January 2007: Unique wader faces extinction: The Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus, a charismatic wader (shorebird) with a remarkable, unique spatulate bill, has declined by more than 80% over the last 30 years, and experts are in a race to find out why before the species dwindles to extinction. "Today we believe there are fewer than 400 breeding pairs of Spoon-billed Sandpipers left, and we urgently need to find out why they are disappearing" said Mike Crosby of BirdLife International.

3 January 2007: £1.5m project to reinforce Newcastle river bridge: A new project is strengthening 10 masonry arches on the Grade II Listed King Edward bridge on the Newcastle side of the River Tyne.

3 January 2007: Millions of Hindus gather in holy rivers: Millions of Hindus have gathered in Allahabad in northern India for the six-week-long Ardh Kumbh festival. Hindus believe that bathing at Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers (Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati) can wash away their sins.