May 2025

UK watchlist of potential invasive species updated

The updated watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years was published during this year's Invasive Species Week. The list includes species with potential to cause significant risks to biodiversity, ecosystems, human health, and the economy.

Tracking the UK's water resources 

The April Hydrological Summary for the UK and the May UK Hydrological Outlook highlighted the dry Spring's impact on water resources. River flows and groundwater levels are likely to remain low over parts of the country for the next three months. Keep up to date via our UK Water Resources Portal.

Encounters of the invasive kind: 2,104

In our latest podcast episode,  we delve into the challenges posed by invasive non-native species - one of the top causes of biodiversity loss worldwide.

Wet soils can amplify heatwaves

 A new study by UKCEH and the University of Leeds reveals how wet soils can amplify heatwaves in vulnerable regions of the world.

Biochar could help clean up River Wye

UKCEH is part of a new project trialling the use of biochars in poultry farming to help reduce air and water pollution in the River Wye catchment.

Nature in cities vital for health and climate

Trees, parks, wetlands and green roofs aren't just a nice-to-have but vital for climate-resilient, healthier and more equitable cities, a new study shows.

Benefits and trade-offs of land-based actions to mitigate climate change

UKCEH-led research for the Climate Change Committee explores the benefits and trade-offs of diversifying rural land use to mitigate climate change and benefit the wider environment.

Supporting global scale analysis of climate trends in river flow

We are pleased to announce that the Reference Observatory of Basins for International hydrological climate change detection (ROBIN) dataset is now available. ROBIN represents a significant advance in global-scale, accessible streamflow data. 

Action to help vulnerable Arctic charr in the Lake District

UKCEH scientists are part of the new Lake District Charr Recovery & Management project (LD-CHARM) which is gathering evidence to protect and restore Arctic charr populations in Windermere and other lakes in the surrounding catchment. 

Hope for agricultural revival on Chornobyl-affected land

Thousands of hectares of farmland in northern Ukraine that were considered too dangerous for cultivation following the Chornobyl disaster almost 40 years ago can safely return to agricultural production, according to new research.  

Mapping out a future for biodiversity monitoring in Ghana

UKCEH scientists joined key members of the biodiversity monitoring and mapping community of Ghana in a two-day workshop to explore the current status of biodiversity monitoring in the country. 

Moth x Human

Discover the Moth x Human collaboration—a musical piece crafted by moths! See our film featuring insights from composer Ellie Wilson, scientist Jenna Lawson, and farm manager Julian Gold.

🎻 Moth x Human is coming to Bradford (June) and London Southbank Centre (July) as part of the New Music Biennial.

Training courses with UKCEH scientists

• Freshwater phytoplankton identification. 7-11 July 2025. Location: Wallingford. Cost from £899. Sign up here.
• Radiological environment protection. 23 Sep-10 Oct 2025. Location: Online. Cost from £1099. Sign up here.
• Mastering environmental data with R. 23-25 September 2025. Location: Edinburgh/online. Cost from £549. Sign up here.
• Machine Learning with Python for environmental science. 7-10 Oct 2025. Location: Online. Cost from £449. Sign up here.