Podcasts about Natural England

Livestock moving into Wales from England will have to be tested for the disease bluetongue from the first of July, after the Welsh Government decided not to join England in a nationwide restriction zone. Wales and Scotland have no cases of bluetongue so far this year and hope testing and vaccination will keep it out. But livestock organisations say it'll cause chaos at the borders with huge delays and financial losses for farmers. This week the Chancellor unveiled her spending review, which resulted in relief among some farmers, who'd feared big cuts in budgets for environmental projects. In the event, while there is a cut, it's not as big as many had feared - £2.7b will go to sustainable farming and nature recovery in England; there's also investment in flood defences. Defra though is facing cuts to its own budget of 2.7%, which some worry will land on arms length organisations like Natural England and the Environment Agency. All this week we've followed the journey of a loaf of bread from seed to milling into flour. We find out what challenges seed breeders and farmers face in producing the perfect grain of wheat. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.

For many in the environment sector the name Tony Juniper is synonymous with the defence of nature. He has led major organisations, run global campaigns and advised at the highest levels, including co-authoring  ‘Harmony' with His Majesty King Charles II. He was recently re-appointed as the Chair of Natural England and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. In our June episode we explore how we achieve the pace and scale of change that is needed to create a system that meets the needs of people thriving on a living planet - and what still gives Tony hope.Find out more about Just Earth, Tony's latest book hereSubscribe to email alerts to hear first about the latest Planet Possible episodes. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

When it comes to England's environment and our landscape, few people in the country are as important as Tony Juniper. Since 2019, he has been the chairman of Natural England, the public body for ensuring that the country's natural environment is protected and enhanced. Not a small job, as we are sure you'll agree.He is also a recognised authority on parrots. More on that later.• Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts• Listen to Country Life podcast on Spotify• Listen to Country Life podcast on AudibleAs well as managing Natural England, Tony is a prolific public speaker and author. Om Saturday May 17th, 2025, he'll be at London's newest literary festival, Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words, in conversation with former leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett, to discuss their books Just Earth and Change Everything, respectively. Tickets are available here.We spoke to Tony about Just Earth, and it was enlightening to hear his words on how climate degradation is as much a social issue as it is an environmental one. So much has been said about the changing climate, that it was fascinating to talk to someone with so much experience in the sector, and someone who has witnessed so much decline in his own lifetime, as well as someone who has experience and success in putting things right. Experience that he has shared with a wide variety of people and organisations, from Friends of the Earth to The King himself — a man he refers to as 'one of the most influential environmentalists of all time'.We also talk about parrots. Tony worked at BirdLife international and is a formally trained zoologist and conservationist. His book, Spix's Macaw: The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird is a classic; so much so that it was adapted in part to create the animated film Rio.It's a fascinating chat, and it was a real privilege to get the chance to speak to him.Episode creditsHost: James FisherGuest: Tony JuniperEditor and producer: Toby KeelMusic: JuliusH via Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we look at the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive agri-environment scheme. Natural England head of agriculture Peter Craven tells us the scheme will return – and be better for farming and the environment, albeit with a likely smaller budget.We assess the impact of the UK-US trade deal on the beef and arable sectors – and ask whether it is the shape of things to come?MPs debate the future for Britain's small abattoirs – which are often a lifeline for smaller livestock producers serving higher-value niche markets.And, as the silage season hots up, we talk to safety campaigner Jane Gurney about the latest trailer advice on the road and in the field.A wealth of safety advice and daily checks can be downloaded from the Tilly Pass website. Please download the Head to Tow app mentioned in this episode.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Come to the centre of Cambridge to walk along the River Cam with Tony Juniper. Conservationist and chair of Natural England, Tony is one of the world's most influential environmental campaigners and he has written a book, Just Earth, that addresses the critical and drastic change society needs to embrace to counter climate change and biodiversity loss. Listen on to find out more. Fergus Collins is your host. Tony's new book, Just Earth, is published by Bloomsbury. And now you can get in touch with the Plodcast team via: The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast group on Facebook & BBC Countryfile Magazine's Instagram page. UK Plodcast listeners can take advantage of a special subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine where you can receive you first 3 issues for just £6. Head to www.ourmediashop.com/plodcast25 The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textNature Finance – Opportunities, Challenges, and What Comes NextIn this episode, we delve into the fast-evolving world of nature finance — with a focus on schemes emerging in England, and insights relevant to the global shift toward blended finance for nature recovery. As governments increasingly look to private investment to complement public funding, what's working, what's not, and where is this movement headed?We explore the key challenges facing nature finance today, from market design to policy uncertainty, and discuss promising innovations that could shape the future of investment in biodiversity and ecosystems.Hosted by: Raphaella MasciaGuests:Professor Alexander Teytelboym Department of Economics, University of Oxford Alexander Teytelboym is a Professor of Economics whose research focuses on market design—including matching markets, auctions, and network economics. He applies economic theory to pressing policy challenges in areas such as environmental protection, energy systems, and refugee resettlement.Dr Sophus zu Ermgassen Department of Biology, University of Oxford Dr Sophus zu Ermgassen is an ecological economist specialising in biodiversity finance, sustainable infrastructure, and nature-positive policy and investment. His research has been featured in The Guardian, BBC Countryfile, Sky News, The Financial Times, and the ENDS Report. He advises the UK government through roles with Natural England's Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring and Evaluation group, the UK Treasury's Biodiversity Economics working group, and the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits. He has also contributed to UK Parliamentary reports and briefings on biodiversity and just sustainability transitions.Alqayam (Al) Meghji Senior Policy Advisor, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Al Meghji is a Senior Policy Advisor at Defra, bringing together technical engineering expertise and strategic policy insight across water, energy, and land use. His work addresses the intersection of natural resources and climate resilience under demographic and environmental pressures, with a focus on unlocking private investment to complement public funding in nature recovery.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of Defra, the UK Government, or the University of Oxford.The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is interested in promoting a wide variety of views and opinions on nature recovery from researchers and practitioners. The views, opinions and positions expressed within this podcast are those of the speakers alone, they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, or its researchers.The work of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is made possible thanks to the support of the Leverhulme Trust.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, shares with us a powerful thesis: we cannot fight the climate and ecological crisis without first addressing social inequality. Not content with just highlighting these connections, Tony describes the system change necessary to move us all forward; the new political philosophy of Thrivalism. Your HostsTom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.ukPodcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcastGrange Project Contact & Social Media:Email: hello@grangeproject.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeprojectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProjectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Our Guests: Tony's career is devoted to Nature recovery, environmental protection and sustainable development. Working across many activities, including research, campaigning, policy and writing. Involvement with many organisations including Friends of the Earth, Wildlife Trusts, WWF, HRH The Prince of Wales's International Sustainability Unit, CISL Cambridge and Birdlife International. In depth activity on climate change, Nature conservation, circular economy and more. Now the Chair at Natural England.Website: https://tonyjuniper.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-juniper-cbe-a2763b31/?originalSubdomain=ukNew book "Just Earth": https://amzn.eu/d/8cwIaHnListen out for:[00:00:00] Tom provides a brief overview of the Grange Project and they discuss their latest addition: The Market Garden.[00:08:50] Tony introduces himself and his thesis that the environmental crisis cannot be addressed without first considering social inequality. [00:11:40] We discuss examples of the connection between these two concepts including the disproportionate use of resources, the perceived value of limitless economic growth and the differing impacts of environmental decline. [00:17:07] Tom asks about how the book has been received.[00:19:05] Chloe reflects on how cost of living is often given as a justification for environmental inaction, particularly with regards to cheap food, water and energy bills.[00:23:43] We talk about how we need to respond to these challenges and the concept of Thrivalism.[00:29:07] Chloe raises the point about how it's in everyone's interests to work towards a fairer society due to the risks of both environmental and...

Welcome to our March MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Dave Slater, Regional Director for Natural England for the South West of England, and we explore...Whether beavers are a force for good after the news that the UK Government has announced its commitment to reintroducing beavers into the wild. The creation of the Western Forest – the first new national forest in 30 years.How  we ensure nature has an enduring impact and changes – like the ones above – aren't forced on people.Planet Possible is grateful to Atkins Réalis for supporting the podcast.Want to find out more about the topics in the show? Click the links below...https://connectingtheculm.com/https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/our-conservation-work/on-land/penwith-landscape-partnershiphttps://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-foresthttps://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/beaver-wild-release-a-milestone-for-nature-recovery-in-england/https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2024/06/PWS-statsnotice-20jun24-FINAL.pdf  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Many farmers have been dismayed by a clause in the UK Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will give Natural England the power to acquire farmland compulsorily to meet nature recovery objectives. The concern has been heightened further because compulsory purchase prices will exclude 'hope value'.8point9.com's ffinlo Costain is joined by Rob Hindle from Rural Solutions and Gabriel Connor-Streich from Greenshank Environmental.

Tree schemes are an effective way for organisations to get trees established in a wide range of locations, and asking people to invest financially in their trees significantly improves their survival rates, according to new trial results. A trial led by the Trees Outside Woodland research project reveals that subsidised tree planting schemes significantly improve survival rates and cost effectiveness compared to free tree giveaways. This new finding offers insights for local authorities aiming to expand tree cover. Jon Stokes, Director of Science and Research at The Tree Council said: "This research seems to confirm that when people make a small financial contribution toward their trees, they're more likely to care for them properly, increasing their chances of survival. Tree schemes most effective when people pay "It's also encouraging to see the high numbers of surviving trees, showing the potential of these schemes to be a highly cost-effective way to increase our tree cover at scale in our villages, towns, cities and countryside - something that is vitally needed. "All the trees planted through these schemes have been planted in non-woodland settings, an area of tree planting that brings so many benefits to people and the environment, yet has been overlooked for many years." The project, a partnership led by The Tree Council, Defra, and Natural England, with Kent County Council, Chichester District Council, Cornwall Council, Norfolk County Council, and Shropshire Council, seeks to identify cost-effective methods that local authorities could adopt to increase tree canopy cover in England. The Tree Council will host a free online talk at 12.00 on Tuesday 18 March to present the findings of the joint research and answer questions. The study, conducted across four local authorities, compared free tree schemes with subsidised tree schemes, in which recipients contributed 50% of the costs. Over three years, 145,000 trees were planted across 1,200 sites in the pilot, with nearly 90,000 surviving their early years. Results showed that subsidised schemes achieved significantly higher first-year survival rates (88% compared to 83% for free schemes) and reduced cost to the local authority per surviving tree (£1.58 versus £3.59 for free schemes). Natural England Chief Scientist Sallie Bailey said: "As we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, this research offers a practical pathway for effective tree planting. "During the first years after planting, trees are at their most vulnerable, so the survival rates found in these trials through this precarious period of a tree's life is encouraging. "By trialling new methods and schemes, we are continuing to find ways to improve the success and cost efficiency of tree establishment. This all supports our aim of increasing tree cover and boosts progress towards achieving our ambitious tree planting targets." Both free and subsidised schemes attracted a wide range of participants, from farmers to schools, community groups, and individual residents. The trial revealed that applicants' most common motivation was to enhance wildlife and biodiversity, while those using subsidised schemes also cited practical benefits, such as shade, shelter, and natural barriers, often on farms. The tree schemes proved very popular, with the scheme of one of the participating local authorities, Kent County Council, being 400% oversubscribed and allocating all its trees within two days of opening applications. Sophie Hamnett, Trees Outside Woodland Project Officer at Chichester District Council said: "These schemes show how much people care about planting trees outside of woodlands. They create easy opportunities for anyone looking to enhance our national treescape or boost their community's connection with nature. "Our data shows what I experienced first-hand running the scheme - that there is the demand out there, and that if you provide the means, there is an army of people willing to get...

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme.Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser.Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sansome says mistakes were made when drawing up the SFI – but the scheme should be refined rather than redesigned.Why Chancellor Rachel Reeves must avoid targeting red diesel when she unveils the government's Spring Statement.And how big food companies are investing in agriculture – and incentivising farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntaskerContact or follow Louise (X): @louisearableContact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarmFor Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow @farmersweeklyTo contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.

Tulika Gupta, a lawyer at DESNZ interviews Professor Sallie Bailey, Chief Scientist at Natural England on the importance of evidence based decisions while reflecting on her inspiring and empowering journey to bring science, evidence and analysis at the heart of policy making. Sallie has over 30 years' experience of working in the areas of environment, natural resources and agriculture, both in the UK and internationally. She shares her journey in the field of science, the evolution of evidence, decision-making in evidence based policy, the challenges we face today in facilitating and preventing use of scientific evidence, building trust between scientists and policy makers and examples of good and bad policy making.Natural England is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom sponsored by DEFRA. They are the UK government's adviser for the natural environment in England and help to protect and restore our natural world.

This week we will be talking about Natural England. This episode content meets PC3 - Legal Framework & Processes of the Part 3 Criteria.Resources from today's episode:Websites:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england/abouthttps://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201719/ldselect/ldnerc/99/9907.htmhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f252ce5274a2e87db411e/ne-strategic-direction.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62bf03e1d3bf7f163f23dff9/natural-england-framework-document-2022.pdfMaps & data: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-access-natural-englands-maps-and-dataThank you for listening! Please follow me on Instagram @part3withme for weekly content and updates or contact me via email me at part3withme@outlook.com or on LinkedIn. Join me next week for more Part3 With Me time.If you liked this episode please give it a rating to help reach more fellow Part3er's!

In this exciting episode of Talk on the Wild Side, Rob heads to the stunning Pegwell Bay to chat with Adrian Pierssene from National Grid about their ambitious Sea Link Project.This multi-million-pound initiative aims to supercharge the Grid's renewable energy capabilities by connecting Kent and Suffolk with an underwater cable. But there's a twist—plans for a massive converter station at Minster Marshes, a cherished Local Wildlife Site, and a landfall point at Pegwell Bay, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, have Kent Wildlife Trust sounding the alarm.Adrian shares National Grid's vision of boosting biodiversity as part of the project, but can cutting-edge infrastructure truly coexist with nature? Tune in for a candid conversation as we dig into the details, debate the possibilities, and explore the balance between progress and preservation!Update: Since the recording of this episode, the proposed mitigation site has been revised. On this update, National Grid states:“Following ongoing discussions with stakeholders including local authorities and Natural England, we have removed the wetland from our proposals. Instead, we have identified an area of existing arable farmland, approximately 10ha in size. In this new location, it is proposed to adapt existing arable farming practices in a way that is beneficial to important bird species such as golden plover. This will include measure such as maximising the amount of time that bare ground is maintained over winter, so that the foraging environmental is enhanced. We are also proposing skylark plots in these areas, which are unsown areas within arable crops, providing skylarks with access to nesting habitats throughout their breeding season.” Kent Wildlife Trust remains concerned about the suitability of this mitigation, saying: "The new site is situated near a busy A-road, with considerable noise and light pollution from the bustling Discovery Park. Furthermore, it lies outside the flight range of the Golden Plover, a species that thrives in large numbers at Minster Marshes. As a result, the Trust remains doubtful about its suitability as a refuge for wildlife." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact?Today's guest is Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England and one of the UK's most prominent voices in nature conservation.He's been described as ‘the most effective of Britain's eco-warriors' and ‘one of the top ten environmental figures of the last thirty years.From his early days at Friends of the Earth to advising global leaders and now steering Natural England, Tony shares insights from a fascinating career dedicated to protecting our natural world.In this episode, we explore Tony's journey from campaigning to governance, the critical role of partnerships in delivering conservation at scale, and what's needed to reverse biodiversity decline in the UK. Tony also shares his perspective on skills needed in modern conservation careers and why practicality is key to making a lasting impact.It's a thought-provoking, inspiring, and solutions-focused podcast.Enjoy!

England's hedges are in need of urgent revival - that's the conclusion of a survey of hedges, the first in 17 years. The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has been looking at hedges for Natural England and says that while they are in better condition than 2007, when the last survey was done, the overall length remains largely unchanged. That's bad news for the government which aims to restore or plant 45,000 miles of hedgerow by 2050Over the past few years there has been a lot of pressure on pig producers and that's meant change. According to the levy board ADHB , just five abattoirs now control 88% of the throughput of pigs, with three big companies now owning around half of the sows in England. The UK has a reputation for higher welfare standards: 50% of piglets are born outside not in farrowing crates, and more than 70% of pigs are fattened indoors on straw. We visit a pig farm in Lincolnshire that produces 800 pigs a week for a large processor as well as local butchers and the farm's own shop.The campaign group Sustain wants food produced to high welfare standards and in a way that protects nature and tackles climate change as well as providing good jobs. They don't believe intensive farming is the best way of achieving that. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Send me a Text Message hereFULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/620  Emma-Claire Shaw, a dynamic low-code product manager and consultant at Defra in the UK, brings her vibrant personality to our latest discussion. With a bustling family life, including two young daughters and a dog, Emma balances her work with a passion for social activities such as music festivals and fitness through early morning gym sessions and trail running. Her intriguing relationship with food reveals a chocoholic side matched with a deep interest in nutrition and a primarily plant-based diet. We unravel her insights into the latest gut health trends, where she shares her experiences with nutrition and I reveal my experiments with Celtic salt for weight management.Our conversation takes a fascinating twist into the world of Microsoft Power Platform, as Emma shares her journey of implementing transformative low-code solutions in government operations. Her experiences highlight the impact of Power Apps in streamlining processes such as fleet vehicle logs and port inspections at Defra, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency in the public sector. We also reflect on the significant role of Microsoft 365 and the evolution of tech adoption in government, sharing compelling stories from around the world, including innovative uses of similar technology in container inspections in Australia.As we round off our episode, we dive into the digital transformation efforts of environmental agencies in the UK, focusing on initiatives like the Environment Agency's efficient fishing rod license verification via Power App. Emma discusses the ongoing challenges with offline data access in remote areas and shares strategies that have been successfully deployed elsewhere, such as in Western Australia. We also delve into Natural England's modernization of its licensing schemes, marking a shift from paper-based forms to a centralized digital platform, reflecting a broader move towards operational efficiency and innovation in government processes. Join us for this captivating narrative that weaves together technology, lifestyle, and wellness.90 Day Mentoring Challenge 10% off code use MBAP at checkout https://ako.nz365guy.comSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Proposals for abattoirs to take on more of the cost of vets and meat inspectors are 'excessive and dangerous' according to the meat industry. The Association of Independent Meat suppliers or AIMS which represents both big and small slaughterhouses, says the Food Standards Agency's plan to remove or reduce the discount offered to smaller abattoirs risks 'single-handedly destroying the foundations of the British meat industry. The FSA have urged people to take part in their consultation.Farmers are getting the highest price for their beef animals in England and Wales, for ten years. Part of the reason, according to Meat Promotion Wales, is growing domestic demand. We speak to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.Some Welsh farmers claim they're having to choose between the risk of polluting rivers or breaking the law, ahead of a controversial muck-spreading ban. New rules forbid slurry spreading across Wales from mid October to January, in an effort to protect water quality. After a record breaking year of rainfall across many parts of the UK water management has become an ever pressing issue for farmers. In Wales, it's a year since the launch of the Welsh Government's Natural Flood Management Accelerator programme. We visit a natural flood management project that's part of the two-year £4.6 million pound programme.Conservationists in Devon are working with Natural England to see whether there could be some kind of financial support for farmers who make space for beavers on their land as part of natural flood management.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

We cannot achieve food security or climate stability without restoring nature according to a new report from Natural England, which outlines the value of the natural world to our society and our economy. The State of Natural Capital Report says the wildlife and countryside in England should be seen as a 'National Wealth Service' - an economic asset which is vital to national prosperity. It puts a figure on the value of some natural services - for instance it claims pollination is worth around 500 million pounds to agriculture.Thames Water wants to build a new reservoir near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, which could hold 150 billion litres of water! It would cover 4 and half square miles and the company says it would secure future water supply for 15 million people across the South East. But local campaigners say Thames Water should focus on reducing water leakage, before building it. We hear from one farmer facing a compulsory purchase order of some of their land if the plans are approved.And farmers are getting the highest price for their beef animals in England and Wales, for ten years. Part of the reason, according to Meat Promotion Wales (Hybu Cig Cymru), is growing domestic demand.Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

Sara Selwood has worked in the publicly-funded cultural sector for over 40 years in various capacities, including as editor of the cultural policy journal Cultural Trends since it was first published in 1994. Having started out as an artist, she was an art historian and gallery director before becoming a cultural analyst and working as researcher, editor, academic and consultant. Sara Selwood has worked in the cultural sector for over 40 years in various capacities, including as a gallery director, academic, think tank researcher and a consultant. Much of her work in that sector focuses on cultural policy and the relationship between its expectations, funding, delivery, implementation and impact. Her clients have ranged from government agencies and national museums to small, regional organisations. She edited the international, academic journal, Cultural Trends from its inception in 1994 until 2019. Having decided to start again she completed a BSc, majoring in natural sciences and the environment, and now works as a volunteer researcher for the government agency, Natural England. In this episode she talks with Owen Kelly about an as-yet unpublished paper she has written exploring the nature of nature writing, its effects on nature and its effects on culture.

‘Green finance' has become a bit of a buzz word for conservation groups and land managers who want to tap into private money to fund nature recovery. But there are barriers for smaller farmers who want to get involved. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has just been awarded nearly a hundred thousand pounds by Natural England to try and tackle that by working with farmers to help them become “investment ready”.Is this the UK's most romantic field? A farm in Essex has diversified into growing flowers confetti! And we hear how a lack of homes for local people, an ageing population, poor public services and poverty are difficulties shared by many of the UK's rural coastal communities.Presented by Caz Graham Produced by Heather Simons

Helen Mark is in Dorset to investigate the county's ancient sunken roads, known as holloways. They're deep, steep-sided tracks formed when soft rock erodes and are often overtopped by a canopy of trees. The erosion over centuries creates remarkable, often otherworldly spaces, that come with their own unique flora and fauna. On her trip to the Symondsbury estate near Bridport Helen hears about how the cave spider and goblin's gold moss can thrive in the cracks of these unlikely rockfaces. She is joined by Andy Jefferies and Rosie Cummings from Natural England who are behind a project to map Britain's extensive network of holloways. The holloways often come with their own folklore too. Local storyteller Martin Maudsley recounts the legend of the Dorset colpexie - mischievous sprites that can taunt the unwary traveller!Producer: Robin Markwell Presenter: Helen Mark

Wales' new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs says his first job it to listen to farmers. It comes after unrest and large protests in Wales by farmers, angry about the Welsh Government's approach to farming. In particular, the way its tacking TB in cattle, stricter rules on pollution and the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will replace EU subsides in Wales and requires farmers to plant trees on 10% of their land. We put their concerns to Huw Irranca-Davies.The UK Government has admitted that it unlawfully issued some licences for releasing game birds last year. The campaign group Wild Justice challenged the licences granted in the Deben Estuary in Suffolk and Breckland in Norfolk. While DEFRA concedes that it didn't follow Natural England's advice and that the assessment it carried out wasn't in line with the rules – it strongly refutes Wild Justice's claim that the decisions 'were tainted with the appearance of bias'.And we visit a farm in Herefordshire where they rear tens of thousands of worms to sell for live bird feed, for improving the soil, and for composting.Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

The Government has admitted that it unlawfully issued some licences for releasing game birds last year. The campaign group Wild Justice challenged the licences granted in the Deben Estuary in Suffolk and Breckland in Norfolk, saying that ministers had ignored the advice from the wildlife regulator Natural England, and that a proper assessment of the impact hadn't been carried out. By law under the Habitats Directive there must be an assessment of the impact of any release near Special Protected Areas, and advice from Natural England must be taken into account for a licence to be granted. While Defra concedes that it didn't follow Natural England's advice and that the assessment it carried out wasn't in line with the rules, it strongly refutes Wild Justice's claim that the decisions 'were tainted with the appearance of bias'.A new assessment of the UK vegetable oil harvest has been made and found that oilseed rape production this year could be reduced by as much as 38% compared to last year, partly due to less area planted but also because of the wet weather. Added to that, production of olives in Southern Europe is also facing climate challenges, and the price of olive oil has shot up.Some farmers coping with challenging weather will be thankful if they have income from a diversification on the farm. All week we're hearing how farms are running extra businesses alongside their core work. Tens of thousands of worms might not be the first thing you'd think of to help a traditional farm survive. But near Hereford, the Gorringe family have set up a sideline which is helping prop up their arable and beef business. Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Changes have been made to the UK Government's Farming Recovery Fund after the NFU reported "major issues" with the scheme. The Fund was announced back in January, to provide up to £25,000 to farmers affected by Storm Henck to go towards repairs to their land. Four months later, this week the Government opened that fund to applications...and almost immediately some farmers reported problems... We are still in the midst of the worst Avian Flu outbreak we have ever seen - the highly infectious strain of the virus has reached every continent except Australia. Now, dairy cows on several farms in the USA have been infected with bird flu and a farm worker there has also tested positive. We hear from a virologist about what it could mean for farmers here.And who should decide whether an area of land is of such great environmental importance it should be given legal protection? Currently, it's the Government's advisor for the natural environment "Natural England", which has the power to designate Sites of Special Scientific Interest. But a group of Conservative MPs wants that to change - with the final decision being made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs instead.Presented by Caz Graham Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

Who should decide whether an area of land is of such great environmental importance it should be given legal protection? A bill being considered by Parliament at the moment wants the power to designate Sites of Special Scientific Interest transferred from Natural England - the Government's own advisor for the natural environment in England - to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. The Private Member's Bill has the backing of former DEFRA secretary, Thérèse Coffey, and two former DEFRA ministers, but critics say it would turn the process into a subjective, political one rather than one based on the scientific evidence. The Government has opened the Farming Recovery Fund for applications from farmers who were affected by Storm Henck, which brought damaging winds and heavy rain to South and Central parts of England and Wales back in January. And although many sows in the UK have their piglets outside - the majority of those piglets are then taken indoors after they've been weaned, to be reared. Rearing piglets outside can take longer, and it needs more land, but we visit one farm near Wolverhampton where that's exactly what they do.Presented by Caz Graham Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

An independent review has told Natural England it needs to completely change the way it engages with farmers on Dartmoor. It also says more cattle are needed for "conservation grazing" to help tackle the spread of purple moor grass and sheep farmers have been warned they'll need to demonstrate they can control their flocks and not let them overgraze areas of heather and dwarf shrubs. A Scottish nature reserve is training members of the local community to stalk deer at Creag Meagaidh in the Highlands. NatureScot says community models of deer management are common in many European countries, but this is the first time it has been tried on publicly owned land in Scotland.Applications are now open for a new £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund. The fund is to enable abattoirs in England to improve productivity, enhance animal health and welfare, and will allow farmers to add value to their meat and encourage innovation. Abattoirs will be able to apply for funding of up to £60,000. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust welcomed that announcement - they said the network of of small abattoirs had been in sustained serious decline, and the fund offered a lifeline. All this week we've been looking at the future for rare breeds, among them North Ronaldsay sheep from the Orkney Islands and the endangered Welsh Pig.The forestry industry is using drones to drop microscopic worms or nematodes onto trees, to control pests. Foresters say it helps them reach areas that machinery can't.A virtual world is being used to get children interested in conservation. The Crown Estate has teamed up with Microsoft to create a version of the very popular world-building game Minecraft, based on Windsor Great Park. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The government's published an independent review into the management of protected sites on Dartmoor. Earlier this year, there was an almost complete breakdown in the relationship between farmers and commoners on Dartmoor and Natural England, the body that advises the government on the natural environment. Dartmoor National Park, around two thirds the size of Greater London, is classified as a European Special Area of Conservation and 62 percent of the area falls within Sites of Special Scientific Interest, but much land on those sites is in poor condition. We speak to a Dartmoor farmer and the Natural England's director for the south west.We're all starting to think about our Christmas dinner vegetables, but there are warnings that prices could be higher in the shops this year. Storms and heavy rain have contributed to reported record low-yields of cauliflowers and broccolli in some areas. Meanwhile potatoes could be in shorter supply come the Spring. We report from a Cornish potato farm.The government has announced applications are now open for a new£4 million pound Smaller Abattoir Fund. The fund is to enable abattoirs in England to improve productivity, enhance animal health and welfare, and will allow farmers to add value to their meat and encourage innovation. Abattoirs will be able to apply for funding of up to £60,000.We've talking about rare native breeds all this week. Glyn Canol Old Farm near Welshpool in Powys is something of a rare farm because all its animals are rare breeds - from the goats and sheep to the chickens and cows. We find out why the farmers there have chosen rare breeds over commercial stock and whether rare breeds can be commercially viable.Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Anna Hill

Anna speaks to Knight Frank rural surveyor Steph Small and Irwin Mitchell partner Sam Knight to find out more about the nutrient mitigation market, which the government just announced fresh funding for.Natural England has established its own nutrient mitigation scheme; however, this is currently only available to developers in the Tees catchment in the North East of England and there is a limited number of credits available.For those developers unable to access this scheme, the only other option is the embryonic private market or relying on their own mitigation methods from wetlands to sustainable urban drainage.The government is aiming to both expand the Natural England programme and speed up the development of private sector schemes.Steph and Sam explain why mitigation options are not straightforward and highlight that the greatest shift will be when water companies upgrade wastewater treatment works to reduce harmful nutrient pollution.But this is still some way off, with the government proposing the upgrades are completed by 2030. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a challenging few weeks for farmers with Storm Babet and Storm Ciarán bringing exceptional amounts of rainfall to different parts of the UK. The flooding has washed away newly sown crops, and the soil they were in. Farmers are having to decide whether to replant or not. With volatile weather events happening more regularly, do we need to think differently about how land is managed in flood-prone areas? All week we're looking at bird flu. We still have outbreaks occurring, although much less frequently than this time last year. But the devastation for farmers whose flocks died, still hurts. Nancy Nicolson has been to speak to Donald MacSween, a crofter on the Isle of Lewis who, for the past decade, has run a commercial flock of hens supplying eggs to shops across the island. But this summer his remaining birds fell victim to the disease. There is growing evidence that getting out into nature can play an important role in improving mental and physical health - according to NHS England. Green social prescribing activities are being offered as an alternative form of treatment as part of a cross government programme, lead by Natural England. One project at Blenheim Estate, is being supported by research from Oxford University. Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Peter Hall is a third generation Weald of Kent farmer whose passion for growing things is in his blood, hops, top fruit, a full range of vegetables and much more.His interest in using the advantages of a scientific approach means that he harnesses the best technology can offer. He keeps well ahead of pests and diseases with the emphasis on working with Mother Nature and the environment. As he says, "Science and technology rather than muck and magic!"#The Felix Project CharityPlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Farming needs to change to help reverse the ongoing decline in the UK's nature - that's the message in the new State of Nature report published this week by more than 50 research and conservation organisations, from the RSPB to the wildlife trusts and statutory bodies like Natural England. The report warns that 1 in 6 species of British wildlife are under threat of extinction and highlights nature friendly farming as part of the solution. But which approach works better for nature - sharing productive farmland with biodiversity, or farming more intensively so some land can be spared entirely for nature? Young people in rural areas are missing out on "critical" services due to a "postcode lottery", charities have warned. BBC analysis shows that of the seventy million pounds in grants for youth clubs awarded in August, most of it went to venues around big cities. Experts describe children in villages and small towns as ‘the forgotten youths'. And sales of books about nature have been steadily rising over the past few years - we're said to be living in a golden age for nature writing. We hear from writers about what motivates them, and what impact they feel they can have. Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

We're back! Over the summer the Youth Hostel Association announced it was selling off some of its properties in a bid to stay afloat. It seems like a cruel irony at a time when many of us had reconnected with nature over the lockdowns. The charity has long been committed to opening up the outdoors to more people, especially children and young people, says Sally Nutland. But is there a way to save the YHA hostels? We talk about what the loss of these hostels means with Talia Randall and Haroon Mota, and why it's so important that everyone can access nature in rural and urban Britain.Plus: What made one listener throw up in their cornflakes??GuestsSally Nutland, Communications Manager, Youth Hostel Association (@YHAOfficial)Haroon Mota, Founder Muslim Hikers and the Active Inclusion Network (@Haroon_Mota / @Muslim_Hikers)Talia Randall, Writer, performer and podcaster (@TaliaRandall)More informationRead more about the sale of the 20 YHA properties in this John Harris column (Guardian)Support the YHA's No Child Left Behind Campaign for children who are unable to afford a school residentialVisit YHA Boggle HoleLearn more about and support Muslim HikersListen to Talia's podcast 'Blossom Trees and Burnt Out Cars' on BBC SoundsLearn more about the Right To Roam campaign and listen to our episode on it Read more about the benefits of parks and green spaces and research by Natural England on engaging under-represented groups in nature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government says it wants fairness in supply chains and will launch its inquiry into the fruit and veg supply chain later this autumn. Natural England releases details of the controversial licences for badgers to be culled across 19 counties in England. Scientists look at how to develop specific chickpea varieties which can be grown in the UK. And the Scottish nursery that went from having 70 herb species to more than 400. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Rhiannon Fitz-Gerald.

Farmers on a newly designated protected site say they're being forced to sell up. Natural England has designated 3,000 hectares of the Lands End peninsula in Cornwall as a Site of Special Scientific Interest -or SSSI - that brings in more protection for the area, and stricter rules on what farmers can and can't do. Some who work the land affected - West Penwith Moor and Downs - say the impact on their businesses is so bad that they're leaving. After multiple delays, this week the government announced it will be bringing in full post-Brexit border checks for some goods imported from the EU from January next year. British farmers have had their produce checked as it goes across to the continent since we left the EU in 2021. leading to higher costs, and delays for exporters. From January some animal products, plants, food and feed will need certification before entering the UK to make sure they're safe. The news has been welcomed by safety groups and farmers, who said the fact that imported food wasn't being checked was putting animal disease protection at risk. It's harvest time, and arable farmers have been in a race against time to get the crops in during brief dry periods. But it's not just wheat and barley that are being harvested. We also visit farms where blackcurrants are being harvested for a well-known fruit cordial, and report on an experimental harvest of flax in Scotland. And Sarah Swadling heads to a farm in Dorset where they're trialling artificial intelligence as a way of measuring the amount of wildlife on the site. The equipment can distinguish between different species of bee, for example, and the scientists say it could help in our bid to tackle the nature crisis. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner

Farmers in West Penwith, Cornwall say Natural England's designation of 3,000 hectares as a site of special scientific interest in the county will put them out of business. Steam weeding - an alternative form of weed control - is being trialled on an agricultural scale in Scotland. And how the past year's changeable weather has affected the blackcurrant harvest. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Rhiannon Fitz-Gerald.

With temperatures reaching the 40s in some European countries, crop yields and quality look likely to suffer. Natural England and the government announce six new nature recovery projects. And what it's like to be part of a small-scale farming co-operative. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Rhiannon Fitz-Gerald.

Pig farmers across the UK have reduced their use of antibiotics in their herds by 75% over the last eight years. That's according to figures released by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. A 30% reduction target in total antibiotic had been set by a Targets Task Force (TTF) between 2020 and 2024, so this has now been passed. We asked the Pig Veterinary Society, whether the reduction was large, because farmers had been using too much antibiotic in the past. Wales is famous for its lamb, which has protected geographical status and is exported across the world. The same can't be said for its wool however, in fact the fleece from a typical Welsh mountain sheep can fetch less than thirty pence, it costs far more than that to shear the animal. Work has now started to breed a variety of sheep that's good for its lamb and its wool. All week we've been visiting a big country estate, where farming, tourism and conservation have to work hand in hand. The Holkham National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural England and the estate itself. It's an internationally recognised site for breeding birds, but it's also part of the estate's grazing area for their 800 beef cattle. Getting the balance right, on sensitive marshland just behind the dunes on the coast, is crucial. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The shooting organisation BASC says itis taking legal action against the government over gamebird licences in England. Following a legal challenge by campaigners Wild Justice, since 2021 the release of birds like pheasants has been licensed by Natural England. Because of concerns about avian flu, this year the licence doesn't cover protected areas. Anyone wanting to release red legged partridge or pheasants within 500 m of a Special Protection Area, which protects rare, vulnerable and migratory birds, must get permission from Natural England. BASC says there has been no consultation on the change and it was announced too late to give shoots time to adapt. We start our theme for this week: agricultural estates. They are complicated businesses, with farming often at the heart but diversifications from holiday homes to shoots and micro-breweries helping to pay the bills. This week we're going to take a tour round the Holkham Estate in North Norfolk, owned by the Earl of Leicester. The estate covers 3500 hectares, growing salad potatoes, malting barley for beer, wheat and sugar beet, and maize for a biodigester. It includes forestry, a national nature reserve on the coast, grazes 900 beef cattle and 600 breeding ewes. It's also a tourist attraction. And a Leicestershire beekeeper says he has noticed a forty percent increase in honey production from hives near a solar farm. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

There's been a truce in the row over sheep on Dartmoor. Farmers were told they must radically reduce the number of sheep and other livestock on common land if they wanted to remain in government schemes. Natural England wrote to commons associations which cover much of Dartmoor, offering rollovers of existing Higher Level Stewardship Schemes, farmers said the new agreements would not allow winter grazing, and the number of animals on the land in the summer had to be reduced, on some commons by an average of 75 percent. Farmers said that wasn't viable and protested, others called it re-wilding by the backdoor and the Farming Minister agreed to an Independent Review. Now, following a parliamentary debate and some meetings, Natural England is proposing a one-year extension to existing stewardship agreements with no reduction in livestock numbers in most areas and then further four year agreements which will take into account the results of the review. Farmers in the East of England have faced water shortages for some time, but now there's a pilot project to try and tackle shortages in the West. South West Water and the Westcountry Rivers Trust are looking at paying farmers to store water on their land to help reduce demand during droughts. All week we're looking at farming pharma - the pharmaceutical products which are produced on farm, some as by-products and others as a crop in their own right. Poppies were grown here for medicine until the UK's only processing plant was closed back in 2016. Now farmers need a licence to send poppies to be processed for medicine abroad. They say they've been asking the Home Office for one for years, but still can't grow their crops for the medicinal market. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Aardman Animation's world famous animated sheep is being adopted by Natural England to teach children how to behave in the countryside, in a new campaign which aims to teach how to 'respect, protect and enjoy' it. The UK's first indoor salmon farm could be built in Cleethorpes. The company behind it says it's a safe and efficient way to produce fish and avoids the potential problems of sea lice, pollution and escapes faced by farms at sea or in lochs. Opponents say it's factory farming. All week we're looking at growing the ingredients for medicines. Today we hear about animal products in pharmaceuticals. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

A farmer was jailed last week for what the Environment Agency and Natural England describe as the ‘worst case of riverside damage' they'd ever seen. John Price admitted seven charges of damaging a stretch of the River Lugg in Herefordshire. He was sentenced to a year in prison and has to pick up the £600,000 bill for restoring the river. What are the implications of this when it comes to protecting our waterways in future? We speak to Natural England and the Wildlife Trust who raised the alarm. All week we're going to be looking at one of the fundamentals of farming: seeds - from seed banks to seed breeding and the work being done agricultural seed companies. We start off with a seed expert and professor of crop production from the University of Reading. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

From November all fishermen will have to get a medical fitness certificate to continue fishing, even those on boats that are under 10 metres long. The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations says livelihoods will be lost and that fishermen will have to prove a higher standard of fitness than ambulance and HGV drivers. The government says the certificates are required by international law and aim to save lives. The West Wales coastline has been well known for its shellfish and traditional fishing pots since the 19th century, and many boats have been passed down through families, but there now seems to be a shortage of the next generation of shell fishers. We visit Solva in Pembrokeshire to find out more. A Herefordshire farmer has been sentenced to a year in prison for what the judge described as ‘ecological vandalism on an industrial scale' of the River Lugg. The river, a site of special scientific interest, was dredged, woodland cut down and the banks flattened destroying otter, kingsfisher and salmon habitats. Natural England and the Enviroment Agency welcomed the sentence and said the damage was the worst case of riverside destruction they'd ever seen. John Price admitted seven charges of damaging a stretch of the River Lugg in Herefordshire, including failing to stop pollution entering the water. All this week we're talking about our land - who owns it, what they're doing with it, and how that's changing. One idea that's taken hold is for polluting companies to pay for trees to be planted in their name - to 'offset' their carbon footprint. One Somerset removals company has gone a step further: they've bought land which they're rewilding with native trees. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Despite the joy at seeing free-range poultry allowed back outdoors again, the country's leading free-range chicken producer has told Farming Today that he is unable to re-stock any of the thousands of sheds which had been infected, because there is no agreement on a disinfection protocol, six months after the disease swept through the free-range poultry industry. Millions of free-range poultry are now allowed out once more after an unprecedented lock-down because of avian flu. We speak to Mark Gorton from Traditional Norfolk Poultry, which produces free-range and organic chicken and turkeys on more than fifty farm sites. The Government has agreed to set up an independent review into the management of Dartmoor.  It follows pressure from a group of MPs representing areas of Dartmoor alarmed at recent proposals from Natural England to significantly reduce grazing levels on the moor.  All week we're looking at land ownership, the idea of community land has taken root in Scotland, with more than 500,000 acres of the country now owned by local community groups, and a Scottish Government fund of ten million pounds a year has been made available for community land buyouts. The majority of the community-owned land is in the Outer Hebrides, with 70 per cent of the people there now participating. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Incidents like the food fraud allegations that hit the headlines last week can make shoppers really question the value of labels on food. What's the point in believing a label that says meat is British, if it might not be? All this week we're going to be looking into labelling and how well it serves us. Natural England has launched a new 18 million pound Species Recovery Grant Scheme. It aims to help protect rare and endangered species like the Ladies Slipper Orchid and water voles through things like habitat restoration and by relocating some species to new areas. From next year consumers won't be able to buy bags of compost that contain peat. Now the government has confirmed that it is phasing out peat for the professional growing sector from 2026 - with a complete ban from 2030. Conservationists say that's not soon enough, but the horticultural industry says it needs more time to find alternatives. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Dartmoor MPs are calling for an 'independent process' to work out the balance between farming and conservation on the moors. This follows what some called 'rewilding by the back door' - Natural England's recent decision not to renew some farmers' Countryside Stewardship agreements on the moor, unless the number of livestock was significantly reduced, to try to improve the condition of some protected areas. The three conservative MPs for the area say that despite a working group being set up last year to achieve consensus, Natural England has gone ahead without talking to either the Commoners Association, the National Park or the Dartmoor Owners Association. From plastic bale wrap to out of date agrochemicals - what happens to the waste from farms? We'll be finding out all this week. And more than a quarter of urban air pollution starts on farms. A team from University College London looked at particulate pollution in cities, and found that agriculture created, for instance, 38% of Leicester's and 25% of London's in 2019. Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

This week sheep have been causing a bit of a stir, with those both pro and anti trading arguments on social media. We discuss the tensions between where sheep are, should be, should not be and who decides, with environmentalist Ben Goldsmith and the National Sheep Association's Phil Stocker. Farmers on Dartmoor say they've been told they must radically reduce the number of sheep and other livestock on common land if they want to remain in government schemes. Natural England has written to commons associations offering rollovers of existing Higher Level Stewardship Schemes, but farmers say these new agreements require the number of animals on the land in the summer must be reduced, on some commons by an average of 75%. Many farmers here are watching what's happening in the Netherlands, where a farmers' party has stunned Dutch politics, and is set to be the biggest party in the upper house of parliament after provincial elections. The Farmer-citizen movement (BBB) was only set up in 2019 in the wake of widespread farmers' protests. As we reported last month, the Dutch government wants to reduce livestock numbers near protected countryside, to reduce emissions. It has said it will force buyouts of the 3,000 worst polluting farms, if voluntary measures fail. The Dutch PM described the result as a ‘clear message from voters'. An investigation by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the GLAA, has fund that hundreds of workers in meat processing, recruited from Nepal, were exploited and found to have paid £12,000 to find a job. Such fees are illegal in the UK. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Farmers on Dartmoor say they've been told they must radically reduce the number of livestock on common land if they want to remain in government schemes. Natural England has written to commons associations, which cover much of Dartmoor, offering rollovers of existing Higher Level Stewardship Schemes, but only if they stop winter grazing, and drastically reduce the number of animals on the land in the summer - on some commons by an average of 75 percent. We speak to a farmer who's got to reduce his livestock by 91 per cent and the area manager for Natural England. Who should pay to restore biodiversity in the UK? Governments are keen to encourage private money to work alongside their schemes and Scotland's government nature agency, NatureScot, has announced a £2 billion private finance pilot designed to secure landscape scale restoration of native woodlands. Critics are concerned that carbon credit markets are unregulated and don't incentivise companies to reduce emissions. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Helen Scales is a British marine biologist, writer, and broadcaster. Her passion for underwater exploration started when she learned to scuba dive as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program. She has worked with the World Wide Fund for Nature, TRAFFIC International, and Natural England throughout her illustrious career. Helen is also the author of The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean and the Looming Threat That Imperils It, which explores the majesty and mystery of an underwater world few are privileged to see. Helen joins me today to discuss her passion for ocean exploration and the inspiration behind her books. She shares how being in love with the ocean shaped her hobbies and career interests. You'll hear about the dives she did in various tropical countries and the marine conservation programs she and her team helped fund along the way. She explains her concern about marine wildlife welfare and why people should take marine conservation seriously. You'll also gain insight into Helen's thoughts on deep diving and the books she has planned for the future.   "What I would love to see is more people celebrating the joyous wonder of the ocean and what lives there—not how we can conquer it or make money out of it." - Helen Scales   This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores: Where Helen's passion for sea exploration started Collecting shells, painting them, and other ocean-related hobbies Marine-related careers that run in Helen's family The rise of green awareness in the '90s How to earn the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Helen's personal rating of her writing skills Doing dives in Belize and other countries, finishing her Ph.D., and helping kids along the way Exploring tropical countries and helping them refine their tourism programs Helen's first encounter with a seahorse Helen's thoughts on the lack of marine conservation awareness Why Helen looks forward to blackwater diving Deep diving in the abyss and overcoming claustrophobia Helen answers lightning-round questions The one thing Helen wants people to know about the ocean The books Helen intends to write in the future Connect with Helen Scales: Helen Scales Official Website Book: The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean and the Looming Threat That Imperils It Book: The Great Barrier Reef Helen Scales on Instagram Helen Scales on Twitter Spaceship Not Required I'm Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I'm an explorer, and that doesn't always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required. Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores. Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead! Don't forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts! Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn | Google | Amazon Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone will live within 15 minutes' walk of a green space or water under new government plans to restore nature. The "blueprint" sets out how ministers intend to clean up air and water, boost nature and reduce waste over the next five years in England. Today's Martha Kearney spoke to Joan Edwards, director of policy at the Wildlife Trust, and Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, about how it'll work and what more could be done. (Image: Hedgehog, Credit: Ola Jennersten /WWF-Sweden/ PA)