The Forestry Commission, in partnership with Defra, has published an updated grey squirrel policy statement setting out the actions government will take over the next 5 years to reduce the impact of grey squirrels on the red squirrel population and on our trees and woodlands.

A long read, but in essence the number of grey squirrels is finally going to be controlled.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grey-squirrel-policy-statement?utm_source=Tree+Council+Community&utm_campaign=d8fb0876b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_21_03_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-504ab88b97-518570630

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grey-squirrel-policy-statement/grey-squirrel-policy-statement-managing-the-impact-of-grey-squirrels

Did anyone watch this docudrama last night on Channel4?
I streamed all three episodes last night. It was a real eye opener. What surprised me was, The Environment Agency were complicit in the cover up of water companies dumping UNTREATED SEWAGE into the environment ie rivers etc even in fine weather. They are disgraceful.
Water companies in England and Wales have been releasing large amounts of untreated or partially treated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and the sea — often far beyond what many people would expect or accept:
In 2024 English water companies collectively discharged untreated sewage for over 3.6 million hours into waterways, a record high.
Some companies have been accused of illegal discharges or operating outside their environmental permits — including through emergency pipes not meant for regular dumping.
In recent years, individual companies such as Yorkshire Water and others have been fined for pollution offences for repeatedly allowing sewage to enter local waters.
Sewage in waterways carries bacteria and pathogens like E. coli and cryptosporidium, harming wildlife and posing health risks to people who swim or recreate in affected rivers and coasts.
Contamination has been linked to swimmers falling ill and aquatic ecosystems suffering from reduced water quality.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy67430wpvo

Science Acumen
A comprehensive study led by Mark Lynas and colleagues examined the vast body of peer-reviewed scientific literature on climate change to assess the level of agreement regarding its primary causes.
Drawing from a dataset of 88,125 English-language climate-related papers published between 2012 and 2020, the researchers analyzed a random sample of 3,000 studies to determine their positions on whether humans are the main driver of contemporary global warming.
They categorized abstracts based on explicit or implicit endorsement, rejection, or neutrality toward human causation. The results revealed overwhelming alignment: only four papers in the sample expressed any skepticism or rejection of anthropogenic climate change, yielding a consensus exceeding 99.9% among those taking a position.
To further validate this, the team searched the entire dataset for keywords associated with skeptical arguments, such as "natural cycles" or "cosmic rays," identifying just 28 such papers overall, all published in lower-impact journals. This scarcity underscores how dissenting views have become virtually nonexistent in rigorous scientific outlets.
The findings build on earlier consensus estimates, like the widely cited 97% figure from prior reviews, showing the agreement has strengthened as evidence accumulates from observations, modeling, and attribution studies.
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities release greenhouse gases that trap heat, altering the climate system in ways natural factors alone cannot explain.
The authors describe this near-unanimity as closing the case for meaningful debate on human causation, emphasizing that the scientific community stands firmly behind the conclusion that human activities are the dominant force behind ongoing climate change.

https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/news/bats-to-benefit-from-new-forest-nature-recovery-project/

Emissions of CO2 from China are expected to reduce by 0.3% for 2025.
Before you get too excited, emissions from China are still over 12 billion tonnes per annum.
This is a small step in the right direction although to make a positive difference, emissions need to be zero.
Many countries have claimed CO2 emissions reductions while Chinese manufacturing has largely replaced the industrial sectors in those countries. Emissions from shipping have been ignored as an inconvenient truth. The USA, in particular, is now starting to take manufacturing back. Emissions from countries other than China could well rise to reflect that change, resulting in an overall increase in emissions.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chinas-co2-emissions-have-now-been-flat-or-falling-for-21-months/

Global CO2 emissions are projected to be 38.1 billion tonnes for 2025.
https://www.worldenergydata.org/fossil-fuel-co%E2%82%82-emissions-hit-record-high-in-2025/

Count the number of pieces of plastic you throw away for one week in March.
The information will be used to estimate how much plastic the UK is throwing away and where it ends up. The evidence will be used to push for change.
https://thebigplasticcount.com/about-us

For information.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/enforcement-cameras-fly-tipping-hotspots

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj0ng7ymlv7o

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security

be eco friendly. I’m Brenda. I live in Ashingdon and have just joined Scooploop today. Here are the things myself and a group of neighbours are committed to doing where possible.
Reduce energy use
1. Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
Switch to LED bulbs.
Use a programmable thermostat.
Wash clothes in cooler water when possible.
2. Cut down on waste
Avoid single-use plastics (bags, bottles, utensils).
Use reusable items—water bottle, coffee cup, shopping bags.
Start composting food scraps if you can. We have food waste boxes now in our area.
Reuse containers and jars instead of throwing them out.
3. Choose greener products
Opt for biodegradable cleaning supplies or make your own (vinegar + baking soda).
Buy items with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Repair before replacing.

Walk, bike, or use public transit as often as possible.
Share car journeys when possible.
Combine errands into a single trip.
If you drive, keep tyres inflated and car maintained for efficiency.
Eat more plant-based meals (even one or two per week helps).
Buy local or seasonal produce.
Reduce food waste—plan meals and store food properly.
Bring your own containers for leftovers or bulk shopping.
Take shorter showers.
Fix leaks quickly.
Use a water-efficient showerhead.
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
Buy higher-quality items that last longer.
Support eco-conscious brands or second-hand shops.
Avoid impulse purchases—ask yourself if you’ll use it more than 20 times.

.....& then falling short. IT`S BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONGTIME.
Thatcher’s inquiring mind demanded a scientific briefing about the dangers of the hole in the ozone layer, and subsequently on another even greater potential catastrophe, climate change! In November 1989, Margaret Thatcher addressed the United Nations about the threat of climate change!!! Thatcher and other European leaders warned that the world was headed for disaster if it did not cut down on the use of fossil fuels.
It was clear from the beginning that Thatcher’s understanding of the science clashed with her ideology. Curbing the free market was not going to happen.
Instead, she did what all politicians do – diverted attention by creating something else. In this case, it was the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, to study the subject better.
BUT...The centre is now one of our world-renowned institutions.

Sadly, grey squirrel numbers are increasing. They strip the bark off and can severely damage or kill even large trees.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gznnl41mxo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2xz8r7egpo

https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environment/the-effects-of-human-activity-on-woodland/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r1de24pdgo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyr1qr9796o?at_campaign=crm&at_medium=emails&at_campaign_type=owned&at_objective=conversion&at_ptr_name=salesforce&at_ptr_type=media&at_creation=[87759_PANUK_DIV_22_NEW_PoliticsEssential230_RET_COHORT]-20250530-[bbcnews_willanyonemissacouncilfloodcommittee_newsengland]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15LqZFWXPp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://observer.co.uk/culture/interviews/article/hanna-bourne-taylor-qa

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/manx-wildlife-trust-restore-largest-area-rainforest-date

https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/swifts-petition?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKLCYRjbGNrAosJfGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeNmisSizWBCbpzxu2_tfet4jC48pjk_o13EBx6mMHHEEwfW35iprDSVwKWsc_aem_yppP1OkmB667ih4CJBQNBQ

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bronte-country-to-become-countrys-newest-national-nature-reserve

Safeguards needed for Environmental Delivery Plans for developers.
https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/169472/petition/1?locale=en-GB

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/02/win-win-farmers-how-rewetting-peatland-boost-crops-cut-co2

Donations to The Tree Council will be matched by The Big Give. Ends Tuesday.
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000002AlFpYAK

https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/blackbirds-gardens/taking-part

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/activate-climate-silent-majority-support-supercharge-action?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Quotes from the article..
1)The global average of those willing to contribute 1% of their income was 69%.
2) People in China, the world’s biggest polluter, were among the most concerned, with 97% saying its government should do more to fight climate and evenb in the US it`s as high as 74%
3)Politicians suffer from serious misperceptions. In the US, almost 80% of congressional staffers underestimated people’s support for limits on carbon emissions.
4)Perception gaps can have real consequences – they could mean that climate policies are not as ambitious as the public sentiment.
5)Substantial evidence exists that correcting mistaken beliefs about the views of others can change people’s views on many subjects, from opinions on immigrants to environmental topics. This is because people are instinctively drawn to majority views and are more likely to do something if they think others are doing it too.

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-04-20/renewables-rollout-making-uk-electricity-supply-more-british-analysis-finds?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ17yxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOamdwOEgzNFRoTHFOUHBlAR4akA2OQitW84rqzNtqalFnfxLqeLyrEctNFamLmn6W-nFEX0eXHtxorCHsaQ_aem_vKnwSy9oubG8Y9WrDwaSDg
Useful article when climate deniers and "we can`t afford to be green"ers on here and elsewhere start whingeing.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/17/revealed-worlds-largest-meat-company-jbs-may-break-amazon-deforestation-pledges-again

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/europe-storms-floods-and-wildfires-in-2024-affected-more-than-400000?CMP=share_btn_url

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewgypewepno

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/716095

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/11/london-development-shows-harmony-between-nature-and-housing

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/27/dying-fish-polluted-water-and-a-terrible-stench-the-french-firm-accused-of-dumping-toxic-waste-in-colombias-wetlands

Was sent this

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Mvh7YctY3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Project by Northumbrian Water.
Work has started on a world-first project which will see poo turned into fuel for aircraft.
A team of research experts from Northumbrian Water are currently developing the ground-breaking project, which will transform algae grown in domestic sewage into sustainable aviation fuel.
Named the “Green Machine”, the innovation will see experts using algae to extract nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater, recover it and then convert it into sustainable fuels.
The project, which has used a £6.5m investment from the water company, will help to reduce environmental impacts of waste treatment and will save up to £1m per year in operational costs.
Northumbrian Water is leading the development of the project to scale up the algal treatment of wastewater and is working with partners at American-based company, BrightWave, and filtration experts at Liqoflux.
It is hoped that the Green Machine will be trialled at Bran Sands Treatment Works, in Teesside, by the summer of 2025.
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water Group, said: “The Green Machine is set to revolutionise the way we treat waste, and we are incredibly excited that we have started work on this brand new project.
“With our ‘Power from Poo’ project, where we create green energy using the sludge that is left over from wastewater treatment, we have already shown that we are leading the industry in pushing the boundaries of innovation – and this is set to be carried forward with this project.
“Not only will this help to develop a value-added product, but it will also help to boost us forward towards our own net zero goals and help us to achieve our net zero ambitions.”
Tim Shaw, President at BrightWave, added: “BrightWave is thrilled to support Northumbrian Water in this innovative and important project. It will be one of Europe's largest indoor algae-based initiatives and a model for future applications.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-03-10/36968

The Chalk Stream Recovery Pack is a DEFRA document outlining the policy roadmap to protect and restore England’s unique chalk streams
It exists. It was set for publication in 2023. The government shelved it
Now there is a petition to publish it.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711368

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/27/pet-fur-found-in-songbird-nests-contains-high-levels-of-pesticides-study-finds

Capturing water from fog - on a large scale - could provide some of the driest cities in the world with drinking water.

This what researchers in Chile have concluded after studying the potential of fog harvesting in the desert city of Alto Hospicio in the north of the country.

Average rainfall in the region is less than 0.19in (5mm) per year.

More here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgw3l7p79po

This isn't really news, but the dishonesty aspect has hit the headlines recently.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnpzzjed1o?twclid=2-7kbh8h541an9c8rn2fxpg3eeg

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/three-men-arrested-in-connection-with-hoads-wood-illegal-waste-dumping

https://globalsolidaritylevies.org/?utm_term=67a4a57095f499be4b3c5715827ebd0f&utm_campaign=DownToEarth&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=greenlight_email

https://www.commondreams.org/news/billionaire-emissions?utm_campaign=en-oil_20220202&utm_content=318489450&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-15193285&s=09

https://www.energylivenews.com/2025/01/06/uk-power-was-cleanest-ever-in-2024/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/04/climate-driven-sea-level-rise-set-to-flood-major-oil-ports?CMP=share_btn_url

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx275510wn8o

CalMac’s emissions analysis shows that the dual-fuel Glen Sannox will emit 10,391 equivalent tonnes of CO2 annually, compared to 7,732 tonnes for MV Caledonian Isles. While the new vessel boasts greater car capacity, its larger engines contribute to the increased emissions, as does the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits methane—a greenhouse gas with a much greater global warming potential than CO2.

https://scottishbusinessnews.net/scotlands-green-ferry-produces-more-emissions-than-diesel-predecessor/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/28/english-wildlife-could-disappearing-dark-lack-scrutiny

Huge deal struck but is it enough? 5 takeaways from a dramatic COP29 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp35rrvv2dpo