Could a couple of Thai otters have helped the UK’s otter population recover? Our study provides a hint

Research has revealed how British otters may have been able to recover from species loss in the 1950s with the help of otters from Asia.

Sarah du Plessis, PhD Candidate, Cardiff University • conversation
Feb. 27, 2024 ~6 min

Migratory animals face mass extinction – but as a conservationist I’m optimistic

Nature knows no borders. While decline of threatened migratory animals is alarming, there are reasons to be optimistic about international conservation efforts.

Dan Challender, Research Fellow, Conservation Science and Policy, University of Oxford • conversation
Feb. 15, 2024 ~7 min


Struggling seabirds thrown a lifeline by new commercial fishing ban in the North Sea – but it may not be enough

Many seabird colonies around UK coastlines struggle to breed because the sandeels they feed on have been overfished. The upcoming closure of sandeel fisheries will be good news for marine wildlife.

Ruth Dunn, Senior Research Associate in Marine Ecology, Lancaster University • conversation
Feb. 13, 2024 ~8 min

Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture

New technology could unlock the soil-enriching nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes…and one day apply this to other crops too.

Sebastian Schornack, Senior research group leader in the Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA) project, University of Cambridge • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 ~7 min

Pesticides urgently need reform – the UK’s overdue action plan must make these drastic changes

The six-year-late UK national action plan for the sustainable use of pesticides is finally due but experts doubt it will be radical enough.

Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 5, 2024 ~8 min

How bats ‘leapfrog’ their way home at night - new research

Maths plays a crucial role in new research which finds that bats “leapfrog” their way home at night.

Fiona Mathews, Professor of Environmental Biology, University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 5, 2024 ~7 min

Disposable vape ban: local communities voiced their concerns – and the government has listened

Grassroots activism can drive governments to take action. The recent decision to ban disposable vapes in the UK hinged on creative collaboration between communities, councils and decision-makers.

Laura Young, PhD Researcher, Environmental Sciences, Abertay University • conversation
Jan. 30, 2024 ~7 min

How simple changes can open up Britain’s green spaces so everyone can benefit from them

This initiative could give more disabled and young people the confidence to explore more of Britain’s wild spaces and build a stronger nature connection

Anthony Maher, Professor of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, Leeds Beckett University • conversation
Jan. 29, 2024 ~7 min


Swimming pools could slash bills by harvesting heat from servers – here’s how to make it work

Computer data centres produce vast amounts of heat that often gets wasted - now that’s being harnessed to warm swimming pools and improve overall energy efficiency.

Amin Al-Habaibeh, Professor of Intelligent Engineering Systems, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 25, 2024 ~6 min

The palm tree that lives beneath the rainforest floor

A recently discovered palm tree has an unusual survival strategy - it flowers and fruits beneath the ground

Chungui Lu, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 24, 2024 ~6 min

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