[ April 2026 ]

20-year window for steps to halt biodiversity decline

The next 20 years are crucial for climate and land use decisions that will determine the fate of native birds, butterflies and plants across Great Britain, a study outlines.

[ Event ]

Nature Decoded @ RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Visit us at RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May 2026) to explore how gardens boost biodiversity, support wellbeing and strengthen climate resilience, all through the lens of UKCEH science and technology.

[ News round-up ]

New soil maps will support on-farm decisions

High-resolution soil and landscape maps for Great Britain will support online tools used by farmers and land managers, and future research across environmental science.

Small diet changes, big impacts for the planet

Even small or moderate changes in food consumption or agricultural practices can have multiple beneficial effects both for individuals and society, a new report has found.

Moss monitoring reveals microplastic pollution

The first national-scale study of its kind, led by UKCEH, found detectable microplastics in moss at 94% of the rural sites that were surveyed.

Global Butterfly Index to spur conservation efforts

To address gaps in insect data, an international UKCEH-led study has calculated a Global Butterfly Index as a flagship indicator of species trends.

Survey will build picture of garden wildlife

UKCEH is involved in The Big British Garden Survey, a new project which encourages people to discover and record wildlife at home.

50 years of butterfly data reveal declines

An extraordinary dataset of more than 44 million records shows that many of the UK’s butterfly species are disappearing as the landscape has changed over the past 50 years.

Imagining peace through nature: new visions for Korea's future

A new study explores how just and sustainable futures can be imagined by people in conflicted-affected regions, using Korea's Demilitarised Zone as a test ground.

Latest UK Hydrological Summary

Read how river flows, groundwater levels and reservoirs across the UK responded following some drier interludes in March.

[ New podcast episode ]

In our latest Counting the Earth episode we discuss how palm oil can be produced more sustainably, including our research to improve soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Out now via your podcast provider!