UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

Catch up with our November newsletter! Top stories include: 🌍 Our new five-year science strategy 🌿 England hedgerow survey 🔬 Breaking down #microplastics on our podcast 🐛 Reflections on the recent #biodiversity COP16 Plus more news, blog posts and training courses: https://lnkd.in/eergzyZP #EnvironmentalScience #CountingTheEarth

How can we better understand and address the growing pressures on land use? 🌍 Stakeholders from across the UK and devolved nations came together at the Royal Society in London recently to explore this question. Hosted by the UK-FABLE team—a collaboration between UKCEH and the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), University of Oxford—the workshop focused on how modelling tools like the FABLE Calculator can inform land use and environmental policy. The day featured discussions on balancing climate, food, housing, and nature goals, an introduction to the FABLE Consortium, and insights from the latest UK modelling results published in the Sustainable Development Report 2024. New on our blog, Sarah Sinclair (Jones) tells us more: https://lnkd.in/exsbwp-R #LandUse #FoodSecurity #SustainableDevelopment Paula Harrison Sustainable Development Solutions Network

UKCEH scientists recently showcased the new SCAIL Sweden tool, which will help Swedish agencies assess atmospheric pollution impacts on sensitive natural habitats. Read more ⤵️ #pollution #nitrogen #agriculture

🪱 We're deepening our understanding of how earthworms and their ecosystems thrive! We heard from our Agent for Change Francesca Warren, and her work analysing a mix of samples like earthworms, soils, and sediments. By studying these she unlocks valuable insights into food chains and nutrient cycles. Did you know that earthworms play a crucial role in soil health, improving its structure and fertility? 🌱 Many of our researchers are working to protect vital habitats and species, contributing to our expert science that informs important policy and business decisions. Meet the people behind the science and learn more about their missions ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eAsaxaYZ

We are currently conducting a survey to understand the barriers and enablers to farmers’ adoption of net-zero farming practices. To recognise your time in completing the survey, the project will donate £3 for every response (up to a maximum of £1,200) to the farming charity, RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution). Access the survey here: https://lnkd.in/eMWrBfvs Your participation will help us to understand why and how farmers adopt net-zero farming practices, and the interventions and support needed to better facilitate pathways to net-zero within the farming sector. AgZero+ is a five-year research programme supporting the UK’s transition towards domestic food production that is sustainable, carbon-neutral and has a positive effect on nature. For further information on this project and survey, please contact Hermann Kam at herkam@ceh.ac.uk. #farming #agriculture #NetZero #AgZeroPlus NFU (National Farmers' Union)

🎲 Join one of our Agents for Change as they explore how ‘serious games’ can help support decision-making for climate action! David Philip Green's work explores how innovative ‘research through design’ can deepen our understanding of the environment. Watch how UKCEH makes research accessible, empowering decision-making using the power of creative design methods. 🌱 Discover more about our scientists, their passions, and how they work to raise awareness ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eAsaxaYZ

Microplastics are everywhere—tiny plastic particles that permeate our soil, water, food, drinking supplies, and even our bodies. But how much do we actually understand about their long-term effects on our health and the environment? 🐛 For example, did you know microplastics can cause 'worm constipation'? With negotiations under way this week to agree a Global Plastics Treaty, we break down #microplastics and how science is trying to understand how these tiny fibres enter and move around the environment, and what impacts they cause. 🎙 Listen to the latest episode of Counting the Earth here: https://lnkd.in/eKxSTiTR ...or wherever you get your podcasts! Features interviews with researchers Dr Richard Cross and Dr Gbotemi Abraham Adediran from UKCEH, and Dr Stephanie Wright from Imperial College London. #Microplastics #PlasticPollution #Podcast #INC5 Sue Nelson, Boffin Media Alice Hope Gill Ormrod Rachael Buchanan

Lisa Norton, lead author of the recent report into the state of hedgerows in England, will be speaking at this week's Annual Bunce lecture, which is held in honour of the late Professor Bob Bunce. Join this free event online on Thursday (28 Nov 2024) ⤵️ ialeUK #ecology #hedgerows

📣 #HiringNow: We’re seeking a Land Surface Modeller to join our land surface group in Wallingford for a one-year, fixed-term role. Contribute to a portfolio of projects aiming to increase our understanding of the earth’s physical and biogeochemical systems. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dytmfpbB #UKCEHJobs #ScienceJobs

🌍🔥 How much does fire truly shape tropical ecosystems? A new study challenges the traditional view of fire as a dominant driver of tree cover loss in tropical savannas. The research reveals a more nuanced picture, as lead author Doug Kelley explains ⬇