Consultation launched on bathing water status for River Wharfe
Today we launched a consultation on designating part of the River Wharfe as bathing waters
Weekly stories
War on plastic bags reaps positive results with 95% reduction since 2014
Broad positive coverage in the press today of our latest data on single-use plastic bags, which shows a 59% drop in sales in the last year alone in main supermarkets.
Agriculture Bill moves another step forward
The Agriculture Bill has completed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords.
DEFRA response to latest microplastic research
Today we look at research by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Commons Seas on the amount of plastic waste expected to be in our oceans by 2040, as well as separate study on the volume of microplastics in the River Thames.
Environment Secretary sets out his vision for our environmental recovery
Environment Secretary George Eustice has set out his vision for a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Natural England celebrates 30-year anniversary of landmark re-introduction of red kites
There has been widespread positive coverage of the successful re-introduction of red kites in the Chiltern Hills 30 years ago.
£100 million rescue package for England’s zoos and aquariums
Coverage of our announcement that zoos and aquariums are set to receive up to £100 million to help them continue to care for their animals following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
BBC investigates plastic waste exports to Turkey
The BBC reported yesterday on plastic waste being exported to Turkey and whether materials are being dumped instead of recycled.
Minister Pow backs calls for UK households to recycle their old electricals
On the blog today, we look at coverage of a new initiative to clamp down on old electricals being thrown away, which could save the economy £370 million
What we are doing about air quality and coronavirus
Following coverage of the possible link between air pollution and the impact of coronavirus, read about what we’re doing to understand it.