Podcasts about Natural England

Clare joins Marian Spain and Paula Brunt as they explore a stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path in West Sussex. After more than forty years working in environment and conservation, Marian is retiring later this year from her role as CEO of Natural England, the organisation responsible for creating and delivering this route which, at almost 2,700 miles, is the longest managed coastal walking path in the world. She says that overseeing its completion is her proudest achievement.Marian's lifelong connection to nature goes back to childhood walks with her mum, who taught her the folklore of flowers. She also recalls an inspiring biology teacher who opened her eyes to the science of the natural world. Growing up, walking was central to family life and a way of keeping up with older siblings. In her working life she enjoys taking colleagues on walking meetings, where conversations flow more freely.They began their walk in Bosham and walked to West Itchenor, via the Itchenor Ferry which crossses Chichester Harbour. Paula Brunt, a campaigner with Disabled Ramblers, joined them midway to test a section of the route for accessibility. Tree roots prove an issue and cut the walk a little short.Presenter: Clare Balding Producer: Karen Gregor Ramblings is a BBC Studios Audio Production

The owner of one of the last remaining abattoirs in the south east of England has said he's furious after a court ruled that the food regulator has been over charging for its hygiene and animal welfare checks. A number of abattoirs have been forced to close recently due to rising financial pressures. Earlier this month, a High Court judge said some of these costs, enforced by the Food Standards Agency, should never have been charged.A new study by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, published by Natural England, suggests that the release of millions of pheasant and partridge into the countryside for shooting does not have a significant impact on the insect population in the wider environment. However, campaigners claim the releases do have a detrimental impact. As Scotland's farmers get ready for the Royal Highland Show, we're taking a closer look at how the country has designed its own farming and rural policy post-Brexit, under its devolved powers. The changes won't be fully implemented until 2030. Like the policy of 'public money for public goods' in England, many of the changes in Scotland centre around including payments for enhancing the environment. Not all farmers have embraced the idea of including wildlife alongside food production, but farmer and writer Tom Bowser has done more than most, including releasing beavers on his farmland.Presenter: Anna Hill Producer: Rebecca Rooney

James is the Group Director of Strategy and Planning at leading Master Developer, Urban & Civic.  The company was specifically created 15 years ago to disrupt the established approach to the promotion and delivery of large scale residential led Strategic Sites. James qualified as a barrister before advising the Government on planning issues and cross-qualifying as a solicitor.  Prior to being one of the founder members of Urban&Civic, James was part of the senior executive team of Lend Lease Europe with responsibility for town planning and risk management.  Within Urban&Civic, James heads up strategy, planning and communications.  Having previously served as a non-executive director of East Thames Housing association and sat on the Development Committee of L&Q, James is currently a senior advisor to Dorrington PLC and a non-executive of Natural England. 

Episode five of our long-term series, The Far Reaches, features ornithologist, environmentalist, writer, and sustainability advisor, Tony Juniper CBE. Tony is the Chair of Natural England, the former president of The Wildlife Trusts, and has devoted over four decades to nature recovery and environmental protection. In this episode, Matt sits down with Tony in his greenhouse for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of the natural world. They start with the scale of what's happening: climate change, collapsing ecosystems, soil loss, freshwater depletion, and how it's all driven by the same forces shaping modern society. Tony explains why many of the biggest environmental debates are framed incorrectly - not as trade-offs between nature and food, or economy and environment, but as problems that can be solved together if approached differently. They talk about farming, land use, and how mindsets are already beginning to shift. This episode is rooted in cautious optimism as Tony shares stories of species already returning to the UK. It emphasises that restoration isn't theoretical, it's already happening. Throughout the episode, Matt and Tony keep coming back to the idea of connection. People and nature. Policy and reality. And how the future depends on whether more people engage with it. While this is a stark reminder of what's going wrong, it's also strongly hopeful and shows what's already being quietly put back together.The Far Reaches is a long-term series where we speak to guests about subjects related to our planet and our place on it. These episodes will dig a little deeper, perhaps enter the realm of armchair philosophy, and will tackle some more existential questions surrounding adventure and exploration.For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @‌theadventurepodcast.Chapter Breakdown00:00-05:00: Why climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion are deeply tied to how society functions.05:00-15:00: How different lifestyles drive vastly different environmental footprints, and consequences.15:00-25:00: Why framing issues as “nature vs food” or “economy vs environment” is misleading, and what a better approach looks like.25:00-35:00: How farmers are responding to climate pressures, and why the conversation is shifting on the ground.35:00-45:00: Examples of restoring ecosystems and improving biodiversity through smarter land use.45:00-55:00: Beavers, white-tailed eagles, cranes, spoonbills - real stories of recovery across the UK.55:00-End: Why this isn't hopeless - and how reconnecting people with nature is key to change.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are talking about the once-in-a-generation reckoning currently facing the British water industry. Following the publication of the final report from Sir Jon Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission last summer - and most recently the landmark January 2026 White Paper, "A New Vision for Water," the regulatory landscape across the sector is being completely redrawn. To discuss these changes and the implications for the supply chain, I am joined today by Chris Taylor-Dawson, Senior Director for Major Water Infrastructure at regulator Ofwat, someone who is, without question, at the heart of this transition. And there is certainly a huge amount for Chris to get across. To start with Ofwat itself will be reborn via a merger with the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and some functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England, to create a new single integrated regulator.And there is a huge amount of work to do on the ground following the latest AMP8 price review. Water companies are committed over the next five years to at least 30 major infrastructure projects, including perhaps nine new reservoirs, as part of a complex £50 billion pound major projects pipeline.And with Ofwat's recent Economic Impact of Water Supply Infrastructure report highlighting that continued water scarcity could significantly stifle economic growth, the urgency is certainly growing.Fortunately, Chris is a calm head when it comes to meeting this kind of challenge and brings a wealth of experience from his previous career delivering major projects for National Highways.I last spoke to him in November at the Transforming Infrastructure Performance Summit in London and it's fair to say the challenges have become clearer since then. ResourcesOfwat website Sir John Cunliffe Independent Commission final reportJanuary 2026 White Paper "A New Vision for Water" Ofwat's Economic Impact of Water Supply Infrastructure reportPR24 price reviewOfwat Major Water Infrastructure Programme (MWIP)RAPID (Regulators' Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development) programme Transforming Infrastructure Performance Summit London 2025

Its length isn't what makes the path special, says Natural England's Neil Constable, who led the project. For him, the important thing is it means you can now reach the coast anywhere in England, turn left or right, and follow the sea for as long as you like.这条步道的长度并非它最特别的地方，这是该项目负责人、英格兰自然署官员尼尔·康斯特布尔的看法。对他而言，最重要的一点是这条步道的建成意味着现在你可以来到英格兰海岸线上的任何一个地方，向左或向右转，便能沿着海岸随心所欲地想走多远就走多远。Creating the route has taken 18 years, an act of parliament, andextensiveplanning and construction. More than a thousand miles of new path have been built, withupgradessuch asboardwalksand bridges. Newlegal provisionsmean the route can also adapt to climate change,shiftinginlandaserosionand rising seasreshape the coastline.这条路线的建成历时 18 年，期间通过了一项议会法案，并进行了大量的规划和建设。其中新建的步道超过 1000 英里，并增设了木栈道和桥梁等升级设施。新的法律条文确保了该路线能够应对气候变化，随着海水侵蚀和海平面升高不断重塑海岸线，步道位置可随之向内陆迁移。

In this special edition of the CSCEN podcast, CSCEN's Simon Salvi sat down with Dr Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, shortly before he took to the stage at the Network's 2026 Annual Conference.They discussed his route to becoming the (record!) third-time Chair of Natural, the scale and purpose of the organisation's work, how their new strategy integrates security, health and economic growth, and why he's still relentlessly optimistic that we can tackle the climate crisis. Guest BioDr Tony Juniper CBE has been the Chair of Natural England since 2019. He has worked in many environmental organisations, in a multitude of roles, for more than 35 years, including senior positions at Friends of the Earth, WWF UK, BirdLife International and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Tony is also a best-selling author - even having written with His Majesty King Charles III - whose books cover topics ranging from species conservation, to climate change, and the value of ecosystems to Britain and the world.  Connect With UsJoin the conversation: environment.network@energysecurity.gov.ukCSCEN website: Civil Service Climate + Environment Network | CSCEN Online DisclaimerThe views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent those of the Civil Service Climate and Environment Network or the Civil Service. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we discuss the new approach to bat licensing in England; an overview of the upcoming national elections in Wales and Scotland, which could potentially be pretty seismic; a short piece on Northern Ireland's Nature Recovery Strategy; we'll cover the Westminster Government's response to the Fingleton Review; and, as always, we'll end with some positive news from the last month. Visit our website: https://cieem.net/We'd love your feedback on Nature In A Nutshell. This short survey will take 2-3 minutes to complete and will help us shape future episodes.Show notes:Natural England exploring new approaches to bat licensingCIEEM Manifesto for the Senedd Election 2026CIEEM Manifesto for the Scottish Election 2026Nuclear Regulatory Review 2025: Major Gaps in Understanding of Environmental Law and EcologyGovernment responds to the Fingleton ReviewThe Government's Response to the Fingleton Review: Progress and Continuing Concerns – by Sally Hayns CEcol FCIEEMPublic Accounts Committee publishes report saying Defra does not have necessary resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2,700 mile-long trail around the shore of England is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world. It gives unprecedented access to the shoreline, thanks to many years of painstaking work by today's guest – Neil Constable, who led the project for Natural England. We caught up on a breezy day...This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Chisholm is CIWEM's Director of Policy, though he will be soon be leaving to take on a new role at a different organisation.  In his last appearance on the podcast in his current role, he gives his thoughts on 3 big current nature, climate and water news stories. Niki and Alastair discuss:  The new strategic policy statement for the Environment Agency and Natural England. How citizen science is being carried out in one of London's rivers. The National Emergency briefing. Find out more about the stories Niki and Al discussed here... Strategic Policy Statement Citizen Science Project National Emergency Briefing   Join the Planet Possible mailing list to hear first about new episode releases… Click here to subscribe  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

MPs on the Public Accounts Committee have called for the merger of the Environment Agency and Natural England. In a new report the committee criticises both organisations - saying that environmental regulators are 'spread too thin to protect nature while delivering reforms'. We speak to Wildlife and Countryside Link which represents dozens of conservation groups to see if they think a merger would work. Farmers and crofters are calling for more help to control geese. Warmer winters mean more geese are staying in Scotland over the winter and farmers say they're ruining crops and soiling grazing. Some species can be shot, but others are protected. NFU Scotland is calling for urgent action to help reduce their numbers. This week we've been taking a look back through history, to discover the foundations of our farming and landscape. If you've ever wondered why we have so many hedges or why rural Britain looks like it does today you have to go back to one of the most seismic events which happened over 200 years ago - The Enclosure Act. It not only shaped what we see in the countryside but also changed rural communities forever. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

UK cereal farmers earn less than the minimum wage, according to the latest government figures. Why environmental payments aren’t delivering for growers and livestock producers. And Reform leader Nigel Farage is under fire after saying we shouldn’t worry about cheap imports of chlorinated chicken. Farm business income figures for England are published by Defra based on information collected from farmers by the annual Farm Business Survey. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To 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. We'd love to hear from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Juniper is an environmentalist who has worn many hats, over the course of his career. After developing a passion for birds in childhood, his first job saw him working to save endangered parrots - including a successful effort to bring back the Spix's macaw from the edge of extinction. Tony went on to hold leading campaigning roles with some of the world's best known environmental organisations, from Friends of The Earth to the World Wildlife Fund. He also acted as an advisor to King Charles's International Sustainability Unit and co-authored three books with the monarch. Today, Tony has swapped lobbying and campaigning for advising the government, as head of the advisory body Natural England: not without its challenges, but he says they are still outweighed by the positives. Talking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili about his enduring love for nature and hopes for the future, Tony explains his optimism that we can and will recognise the urgent need to protect and restore our planet; and why ultimately, that means saving ourselves.

As we look for ways to spend more time in nature, how can we build a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the natural world? What does it mean to connect with nature, why does it matter and how have we drifted away from it? Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper is one of the UK's most influential environmental thinkers and campaigners. Combining scientific insight, policy expertise, and a passion for the natural world, he'll discuss how reconnecting can change not just the way we live, but the world we're shaping for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, as concern grows about funding for the government's flagship agri-environment scheme, we look at ways to farm profitably without subsidies. Farmers who are doing just that share their secrets at the Norfolk Farming Conference and the BASE UK conference in Huntingdon. They include Nottinghamshire farmer Joe Howard, of Howard Farms and Grassroots Farming; and Cotswolds farmer Henry Astor, of Bruern Farms, who is supplying Gails bakeries. We also talk to Cambridgeshire farmer David Wheatley, of Petite Peonies; and Lancashire farmer Martin Caunce, of Brow Farm. We also discuss the LinkedIn article about future funding for the Sustainable Farming Incentive by Geoff Sansome, former head of agriculture at Natural England. We find out how to add extreme value to farm output – and how to harness the power of social media as a valuable marketing tool to consumers. And we meet Sam Stables – the Herefordshire farmer who raised more than £40,000 for charity by walking 142 miles to London during Mind Your Head Week. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so via Sam's fundraising page. This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To 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. We'd love to hear from you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin's Farm: February. ffinlo Costain finds out about integrated pest management and a hedge-laying competition run by Martin Lines at Papley Grove. Martin and ffinlo are also joined by Peter Craven, head of agriculture at Natural England, who's talks through Natural England's new strategy and what it means for farmers and food production. ffinlo Costain is the editor of 8point9.com and producer of the Farm Gate podcast.Martin Lines is Chief Executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

Tony Juniper is an environmentalist who has worn many hats, over the course of his career.After developing a passion for birds in childhood, his first job saw him working to save endangered parrots - including a successful effort to bring back the Spix's macaw from the edge of extinction. Tony went on to hold leading campaigning roles with some of the world's best known environmental organisations, from Friends of The Earth to the World Wildlife Fund. He also acted as an advisor to King Charles's International Sustainability Unit and co-authored three books with the monarch.Today, Tony has swapped lobbying and campaigning for advising the government, as head of the advisory body Natural England: not without its challenges, but he says they are still outweighed by the positives.Talking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili about his enduring love for nature and hopes for the future, Tony explains his optimism that we can and will recognise the urgent need to protect and restore our planet; and why ultimately, that means saving ourselves.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor for BBC Studios

This week two watchdogs published reports on the Government's performance on the environment. The Office for Environmental Protection warned that, unless swift action is taken, the Government could miss 21 out of 43 legally set targets on biodiversity and protecting land and sea. Meanwhile, the National Audit Office published a report saying that substantial reform is needed in the way DEFRA, the Environment Agency, and Natural England operate. Our sister programme, Farming Today, has been exploring the UK cheese industry. We visit a Somerset cheddar maker, a goat's cheese maker in Carmarthenshire, and an exporter making the most of growing demand for UK cheese around the world.It may be more than a week since Storm Goretti unleashed hurricane force winds on Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly but rural businesses are still clearing up the wreckage.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

The National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, has published a report looking at efficiency and effectiveness in England's environmental regulation. It found that complexity, outdated IT systems, skills shortages, and a risk averse culture were affecting how well DEFRA and the regulators Natural England and the Environment Agency are working. The NAO says that substantial reform is needed, but that it's optimistic there is the impetus and political will for change. The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland outlines progress on the Sustainable Farming Programme, and on efforts to cut pollution in Lough Neagh. The lough supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water and is facing what the Minister calls a 'biodiversity and ecological crisis'.Continuing our exploration of the UK cheese industry, we visit a Somerset cheesemaker whose products are found on the shelves of several major supermarkets.Presenter: Caz Graham Producer: Sarah Swadling

In this pre‑Christmas episode, hosts Chloe and Tom sit down with Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby from the National Trust at Purbeck.Purbeck is one of the UK's most biodiverse areas, yet many residents remain disconnected from the nature on their doorstep. Tom and Alex explain how varied geology; including Pool Harbour, chalk ridges and heathlands, creates an incredible range of habitats.They describe how the Purbeck Heaths, the UK's first super national nature reserve, unites 3500hectares of heathland owned by NGOs, statutory bodies and private landowners. The conversation explores why connecting local communities to this landscape is as important as ecological restoration, highlighting systemic barriers like work pressures and lack of time.Key topics & chapter markers:Each bullet below begins with the approximate start time for that segment:[00:05] Welcome & purpose of the Wilder Podcast. Chloe and Tom explain that the podcast has evolved from documenting their family's rewilding journey to exploring wider systemic challenges—education, community, economy and eco‑entrepreneurship.[04:20] Conservation sheep and lessons in rewilding. Chloe and Tom recount borrowing six conservation sheep, difficulties moving them between fields and why most commercial sheep aren't suited to rewilding. Conservation breeds like the Castlemilk Moorit nibble less and promote diverse grasslands.[16:55] Introducing Purbeck's biodiversity. Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby describe Purbeck as one of the most biodiverse parts of the UK because of its varied geology—harbours, chalk ridges, heathlands and limestone cliffs. They note the long‑standing presence of organisations like Natural England, the National Trust and RSPB.[19:17] Super National Nature Reserve. The guests explain that the Purbeck Heaths are the UK's first super national nature reserve. The reserve unites several smaller reserves into a continuous 3500 hectare landscape that includes private landowners, demonstrating collaboration beyond NGOs.[20:54] – Experiences on the Isle of Purbeck. Visitors can see snakes, lizards, puffins, eagles, beavers and butterflies; picnic in flower‑rich meadows; explore sheltered beaches with seahorses; wander ancient woodlands; watch sunsets; or go coasteering along the Jurassic Coast. Four million people visit each year because the region offers so many ways to connect with nature.[22:55] – Why local people aren't more connected to nature. Despite living in a biodiverse landscape, Purbeck residents aren't any more nature‑connected than people elsewhere. Nearly 40 % of local children start school without ever having been to the beach. Tom and Alex discuss building trust with schools, community groups and businesses and reflect on the need for community‑led approaches, rather than top‑down conservation.[27:19] – Systemic barriers & opportunities. Modern lifestyles—commuting, low‑paid seasonal work, high numbers of second homes—leave little time for nature connection. Society is structured around nine‑to‑five routines rather than natural rhythms. The guests urge listeners to co‑create solutions that make time in nature accessible to everyone.About the guests:Tom Clark Land & Outdoors Manager for the National Trust's Purbeck portfolio. He leads teams responsible for nature conservation, habitat restoration and visitor engagement across the Purbeck Heaths. Tom is passionate about collaborative, community‑led rewilding and believes the future of conservation depends on partnerships between NGOs and local people.Alex Brocklesby Community & Volunteering Manager for the National Trust at Purbeck. With a background in...

Why are we failing to make progress on climate change and biodiversity loss despite fifty years of environmental campaigning? What changed in recent years that made it so difficult to rally support for nature? Could social inequality be the root cause undermining all our conservation efforts? These are the questions Tony Juniper addresses in his latest book 'Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet' and in our conversation today.Tony has been campaigning for nature for nearly forty years. He has led major organisations including BirdLife International, Friends of the Earth, and WWF UK. He is a multi-award winning author whose books include 'What Has Nature Ever Done For Us?' and 'Harmony', co-authored with King Charles III. Currently, he chairs Natural England, the British Government's official conservation agency. During our conversation, Tony reflects on the progress made over the past five decades and explains why the last fifteen years have seen a dramatic shift. He describes how political volatility, misinformation, media fragmentation, and rising inequality have created an environment where environmental progress has stalled.We discuss how obscene levels of wealth concentration, declining living standards for ordinary people, and the manipulation of public debate by vested interests have made it nearly impossible to build the broad coalition needed to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Tony makes a compelling case that we cannot solve environmental problems without addressing social inequality. He offers practical advice on what each of us can do, starting today, to be part of the solution. This conversation challenges us to think differently about conservation and recognise the deeper societal issues we must confront.Buy Tony's Book: https://amzn.to/4ptIfs4Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and FacebookTommy's Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk

As part of our 'Community' series, we're launching the Emerging Leadership Management (ELM) Network, hosted by Rob Brooker, Thorunn Helgason, and Pen Holland.This is the podcast for people who love to lead or one day might emerge as a leader. This episode features Professor Sallie Bailey, Chief Scientist at Natural England and inaugural BES Fellow. Sallie shares insights from her leadership journey, from shaping strategy and managing expectations to driving cultural change across organisations. We discuss what makes communication effective, how leaders can bring clarity and energy to their teams, and why strong leadership is vital for lasting impact.

This series will be discussing four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities. In this episode, Clare will be discussing the barriers to inclusion for ethnic minorities, and how we might be able to overcome them. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Whose Values, Whose Benefits? by Dr. Bridget Snaith - https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/19291/ 9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher by J. Drew Lanham - https://orionmagazine.org/article/9-rules-for-the-black-birdwatcher/ Applied Ecology Resources Report: Ethnic Minorities - https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436860/

This series discussed four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities. Clare ends the series by discussing her current and future research focus, as well as future reports for Natural England. Young People Act - https://treescapes-voices.mmu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/454/2024/11/Young-People-Act-Nature-Climate.pdf Informal Sport and Social Inclusion - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/02614367.2022.2162109?needAccess=true Clare's Sheffield Links - https://sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape/people/academic/clare-rishbeth

This series will be discussing four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities. In this episode, Clare will be discussing the barriers to inclusion for older people, and how we might be able to overcome them. Wild at Heart, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust - https://www.wildsheffield.com/discover/your-community/wild-at-heart/?srsltid=AfmBOooBDMSVIiz51JkVIAN2lotY4qAD5uogVfGTUXRPAOWbK6BOnBs8 Welcome to DalesBus - https://www.dalesbus.org/ Applied Ecology Resources Report: Older People - https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436863/

This series will be discussing four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities. In this episode, Clare will be discussing the barriers to inclusion for those in low-income areas, and how we might be able to overcome them. Applied Ecology Resources Report: Low Income Areas - https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436862/

This series will be discussing four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities. In this episode, Clare will be discussing the barriers to inclusion for those with disabilities, and how we might be able to overcome them. PEDALL Inclusive Cycling | New Forest National Park - https://www.pedall.org.uk/ Sensing Nature - https://sensing-nature.com/ Applied Ecology Resources Report: People with Disabilities - https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436861/

This series will be discussing four evidence reports commissioned by Natural England which were deposited on Applied Ecology Resources and explored the importance of nature inclusion across various communities; people with disabilities, older people, ethnic minorities, and those in low-income areas. This series will be deep diving into the importance of nature connection, the potential barriers to inclusion for four specific groups of individuals, and strategies to overcome them. Our guest is Clare Rishbeth, who is a professor in Landscape Architecture from the University of Sheffield and co-authored the reports. Clare explains the reason for the reports and for the focus on four specific groups of people. The reports are linked below: People with Disabilities https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436861/ Low Income Areas https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436862/ Older People https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436863/ Ethnic Minorities https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/applied-ecology-resources/document/20220436860/

Welcome to the fifth series in the annual podcast programme from Academic Archers, bringing you papers from our 2024 conference.This episode looks at the connections between nature, gardening, and wellbeing, through research and the experiences of Ambridge residents.“If listening to the birds for five minutes makes you feel better, good for you”: Wellbeing, Gardens and Environmental Activity - Camilla Royle and Lily WhittleWhen Ambridge's local police officer Harrison took part in the Wildlife Trust's 30 Days Wild Challenge, he reflected a wider truth: many people turn to nature to cope with stress. Natural England reports that 90% of adults in England consider green and natural spaces to be good for mental health. But the relationship between gardening, environmental practice, and wellbeing is more complex.Drawing on interviews and surveys with gardeners, this paper explores how practices such as composting, water use and encouraging wildlife connect to wellbeing. Like Kirsty in The Archers, many gardeners find joy in sustainable approaches and in feeling they can do something in response to climate change. For others, the limits of gardening's impact can dampen the sense of control and reduce its mental health benefits.About the speakersDr Camilla Royle is a political ecologist and Teaching Fellow at Durham University. Her research explores how societies shape the environment and how environmental change in turn shapes human life.Lily Whittle is an undergraduate student at the London School of Economics, currently spending a year abroad in Social and Behavioural Sciences at IE University, Madrid. With a personal love of gardening, she is particularly interested in the links between gardening and mental health.If you enjoy our work and would like to support Academic Archers, you can Buy Us a Coffee – buymeacoffee.com/academicarchers.

You can't talk about climate action without discussing inequality. Afterall, the effects of climate change are distributed incredibly unequaly. Furthermore, it's the people who are responsible for the least amount of carbon emissions that most often face the deadliest and most damaging consequences of the crisis.  On today's episode, we sit down with Tony Juniper, renowned environmentalist and author of Just Earth to explore the profound intersection of inequality and the climate crisis. As the climate emergency intensifies, the disparities between those who contribute the least to climate change and those who suffer the most from its impacts are only gettting worse. Juniper sheds light on how economic and social inequalities exacerbate inaction, creating a vicious cycle that hinders all global efforts to combat the climate crisis. We delve into the historical context of these issues, examining how past and present policies and global agreements have shaped the current landscape. Juniper shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the importance of integrating social justice into environmental strategies and where the movement has often fallen short in doing so. He argues that without addressing the root causes of inequality, efforts to mitigate climate change are doomed to fail. In this conversation, Juniper provides a deeper understanding of the systemic changes needed to create a more equitable and sustainable world. From policy reforms to grassroots movements, he outlines actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to drive meaningful change based off what he's learned in his nearly 40-year career doing this work.  Tony Juniper CBE has spent decades fighting for major climate and environmental initiative. His career has included leading major environmental nonprofits, running global campaigns, and serving as a government advisor. He's an author and his books include the multi-award winning What Has Nature Ever Done For Us? and Harmony, which was co-authored with King Charles III. He has received many awards and widespread recognition for his environmental work and in 2017 he was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to conservation. He is now the Chair of the British Government's official conservation agency Natural England and a Fellow with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to our newsletter/podcast, The Climate Weekly, to help support this show. Your contributions will make the continuation of this show possible.  Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and more! Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Read Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet

The government wants to build new towns on disused railway land to tackle the UK's housing crisis. A cracking idea, but will it be able to? Not just the planners but Natural England lie in wait. Neil and Jonathan are joined by Michael Dnes to investigate the murky tale of a new town on disused railway land in Kent that was eaten by a colony of jumping spiders. Presented by Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins.With Michael Dnes.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new stakeholder survey has been launched by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales to find out how the Countryside Code is working in England and Wales. The code in Northern Ireland is similar but runs separately, and in Scotland, where they have the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, access, rules are different. We speak to two farmers about whether they feel the code's working for them and what they'd like to see. Pollinators play an essential part in crop production and we're looking at them all week. One fruit farm in Herefordshire imports bees from the Netherlands to pollinate fruit in polytunnels. We also speak to the insect charity Buglife.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Las tropas de Israel ya se están movilizando para tomar y ocupar Gaza City, el principal objetivo de su nueva ofensiva, al considerarla "el bastión militar y gubernamental" de Hamás. El Ejército dijo que ya había iniciado la segunda fase de la Operación Carros de Gedeón 2, y sus tropas se habían establecido afuera de la ciudad, luego de días de fuertes bombardeos. El director de la DEA, Terry Cole, dijo que el gobierno mexicano anda más puesto que nunca para cooperar con la Administración para el Control de Drogas y el gobierno estadounidense. Aunque Claudia Sheinbaum ha pintado su línea con la DEA. Además… Vidulfo Rosales, abogado de los familiares de los 43 normalistas, anunció su renuncia; Un tribunal de apelaciones de Nueva York anuló la multa de casi 500 millones de dólares de Donald Trump; Un ciudadano ucraniano fue detenido en Italia por su supuesta implicación en el sabotaje contra los gasoductos Nord Stream; La Corte Suprema de Brasil le dio 48 horas a Jair Bolsonaro para explicar un supuesto plan de fuga a Argentina; Adidas México ya ofreció disculpas públicas por sus sandalias Oaxaca Slip-On; El rock nacional está de luto tras el fallecimiento de Xava Drago.Y para #ElVasoMedioLleno… 150 especies en peligro o en declive, se han recuperado gracias a los esfuerzos del gobierno británido y Natural England. Para enterarte de más noticias como estas, síguenos en redes sociales. Estamos en todas las plataformas como @telokwento. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salted pig's trotter? Brains on toast? Why the carcass balance is important to farmers. We like steak but we're not so keen on tripe, and we eat a lot of chicken but not the feet. To both reduce waste and get the best price for the whole animal or bird we need to do something with the offal. This is carcass balance, balancing the sale of the popular bits with finding markets for the bits that are less desirable here. Those parts that can't be sold are sent for rendering, using heat to separate them into fats and proteins to be sold as animal feed, fertiliser or go into things like cosmetics.Shooting clubs on Salisbury Plain say they may have to close because they can't get a licence to release game birds. Clubs near protected areas, like Sites of Special Scientific Interest, now need a special licence from Natural England to release birds like pheasants and that's now harder to get because of the threat of bird flu. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation says the licensing system is legally flawed and it's issued legal proceedings against Natural England. However, the RSPB would like to see the licensing regime extended. New rules to make trade fairer for pig producers came in this week. A series of recent difficulties in the industry revealed that many farmers didn't have proper contracts for their stock. The new system aims to change that.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Shooting clubs on Salisbury Plain say they may have to close because they can't get a licence to release game birds. Clubs near protected areas, like Sites of Special Scientific Interest, now need a special licence from Natural England to release birds like pheasants and that's now harder to get because of the threat of bird flu. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation or BASC says the licensing system is legally flawed and it's issued legal proceedings against Natural England. However the RSPB would like to see the licensing regime extended. It's called for all game bird releases to be stopped this year because of the risks. In the meantime, clubs say no shoots means no money coming in which means some, like the Bulford and Tidworth Garrison Shoot, are at risk of folding.All week we're looking at what's known as the 5th quarter - this is the name given to the offcuts of meat which, though edible, the British palate isn't keen on. Carcass balance is about finding a use for offal and things like ears or trotters both to combat waste and to get the best price for the whole animal and that means exports. British consumers may not want to eat this sort of thing, but in other parts of the world there is a market so in recent years greater emphasis has been put on seeking out new buyers to get the best out of animal carcasses. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

"I think what we need now is a new landmark Act of Parliament to set the vision for the coming 50 to 100 years; truly visionary in restoring nature at scale, but doing that in a way which is going to help the country to thrive in terms of public health, our resilience to climate change and to be able to secure our water and food security long into the future."In this episode of Rewilding the World Ben Goldsmith speaks with Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, and a lifelong campaigner for nature recovery. As well as overseeing restoration on a scale this country has never previously seen, Tony wants the government to bring forward a new Nature Recovery Act that will help modernise restoration in the natural world for the next century. Ben Goldsmith is a British financier and rewilding enthusiast. Join him as he speaks to people from all over the world who champion nature and are helping to restore habitats and wildlife to some of the most nature depleted parts of our planet.This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.Text Rewilding the World here. Let us know what you think of the podcast and if there are any rewilding projects you would love Ben to feature in future episodes. Rewilding the World is brought to you by UNI, the world's first coral reef and river safe line of bodycare. These exceptional products are made with sustainably sourced natural ingredients like seaweed kelp, Aloe Vera, and Olive Oil. From Handwash to Shampoo, Body Serum and Natural Deodorants, UNI are leading the way in guilt-free sustainable Body Care. Learn more at WeareUNI.com. Available in the UK at Spac The Conservation Collective support locally-led environmental Foundations around the world. Together we'll protect and restore the wild places we know and love.

Today we welcome Peter Craven onto the R2Kast!

Can removing the preference for on-site biodiversity net gain (BNG) delivery accelerate market growth and nature recovery?As the government considers the future of the BNG policy, new research has identified opportunities to strengthen delivery, accelerate market growth and achieve greater benefits for nature, developers and communities.FFINLO COSTAIN joined by the report's lead author, DAVID HILL, former Deputy Chair of Natural England and Founder of the Environment Bank, and by contributor, ROB HINDLE, the Executive Director of Rural Solutions.* Farm Gate is Britain's top-ranked regenerative agriculture podcast - globally ranked 2nd for food security; 3rd for regen.* Farm Gate is part of 8point9.com, the land use news channel, which is sponsored by First Milk, Pelican Ag, Rural Solutions, the Usk Catchment Partnership, Agrolo and individual donors.* To watch instead, search for 'Farm Gate podcast' on YouTube.

Half a million pounds is going from the UK Government to a project aiming to improve soils in Ukraine. The ongoing research, being run by the Royal Agricultural University, has identified significant damage to soils from the war there - things like heavy metal contamination from bombardments. The new money will help set up soil labs. We speak to the professor leading it and a farmer in Ukraine.Small changes in the way a river catchment is managed can have a big impact - reconnecting floodplains, re-wiggling rivers and slowing the flow upstream can reduce the flood and pollution risk and encourage more biodiversity. A ‘whole Cumbria strategy', which involves three River Trusts, the Environment Agency and Natural England – has just been named as one of only four finalists for a prestigious global award, the Thiess International River prize. It's up against river projects in the USA and Albania. We see the kind of work the Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme is doing in the Lake District.The Environment Agency's urging farmers to think ahead and get ready for storage of slurry this winter.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

This week, we're joined by Paul from DEFRA, Gemma from University Hospital Birmingham and Tina from Natural England to discuss the Complaint Standards. The Complaint Standards set out how NHS and UK central government organisations should approach complaint handling in a clear and consistent way. They help organisations to: - deliver everyday good complaint handling - meet the expectations of people making complaints about their service - use feedback from complaints to make service improvements. Gemma, Paul and Tina explain the difference the Complaint Standards have made to complaint handling at their organisations and the value of learning from complaints to drive improvements.

This June the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed eliminating regulations that limit climate changing gases from power plants, about a quarter of US emissions. Harvard Law Professor Richard Lazarus speaks about the perils of the broader Trump administration effort to weaken federal environmental protections. Also, the ugly truth of plastic is that the world produces over 400 million metric tons each year and recycles less than ten percent of it. But artist Erik Jon Olson is transforming unsightly plastic waste into beautiful, quilted works of art which are popping up in galleries and exhibitions across the United States. He shares the meaning and method behind his whimsical and striking artwork. And in his recent book Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet, Tony Juniper explores how tackling economic inequality within and between countries will go far to solve the climate and biodiversity crises. Tony Juniper has long advised King Charles III on the environment and climate and now chairs Natural England. He discusses the transformation that's urgently needed to allow planet and people to thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation?In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston - Natural England Senior Reserve Manager at Yorkshire's Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve - to explore his remarkable 30-year journey of restoring landscapes, inspiring communities, and navigating change.Craig shares his reflections on the importance of long-term thinking in conservation, and why reconnecting people with place is at the heart of his work. Whether you're just starting out or decades in, this episode offers powerful insights into what it means to hold the line for nature.It's a reflective, real-world, and deeply inspiring conversation.Enjoy.

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.

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.

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

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.

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