20 Nov 2018

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will become mandatory for new property developments in Wales from next year, following regulations introduced by the Welsh Government. As part of the regulations, ‘SuDS Approving Bodies’ or ‘SABs’ will be set up within every local authority to approve drainage plans. The SAB or local planning authorities will have powers to […]

20 Nov 2018

Thanks to Bruce Horton for this report Areas next to rivers hold potential for cost-effective flood protection and improving the health of an entire river ecosystem. According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published today, restoring European floodplains closer to their natural state would contribute to the achievement of several European Union policies. Estimates […]

20 Nov 2018

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has been awarded almost £1 million by Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme to expand its successful PestSmart project which promotes the safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides. PestSmart is a Welsh Water initiative which encourages people to consider a ‘smarter’, more sustainable approach to weed, pest and disease control that […]

20 Nov 2018

We are delighted to announce that a new Catchment Based Approach website has launched this week, to better connect people in collaborative and cross-sector management of the water environment.  With a new look and feel, we hope that the new CaBA website will facilitate more conversations about water management, help you find resources that are useful to […]

19 Nov 2018

The considerable uncertainties of Brexit surfaced with a vengeance last week. At least Michael Gove decided to stay at Defra. He has been the only Conservative Environment Minister who has understood environment and under his direction a considerable amount of work has been done. Given the light weight non entities that preceded him his loss […]

19 Nov 2018

Defra 388 top-rated beaches after scorching summer boosts visitors to seaside Beaches around the country achieved top water quality standards this year as millions flocked to the coast to enjoy the record-breaking hot weather. 97.9% of bathing waters passed tough standards following a programme of water quality testing at 420 bathing spots carried out by […]

19 Nov 2018

Landing Obligation 2019 – Rules and regulations The landing obligation (‘discard ban’) applies to quota species and is being phased in over the period 2015 to 2019. Suite of 15 reports deals with how to address the issues around implementing the landing obligations. Topics range from general guidance to specific gear related topics, e.g. Nephrops. […]

19 Nov 2018

Non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels To understand the interactions between seals and fishing and explore non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels To understand the interactions between seals and fishing and explore non-lethal deterrents suitable for control of seals from fishing vessels Interactions between seals and fishing […]