The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has launched an investigation into the government’s Statutory Guidance on applying the Farming Rules for Water (FRfW).

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has announced 20 actions his Department will take to improve water quality, address the challenges in Lough Neagh and tackle blue green algae (BGA).

A new report from EarthWatch Europe based on a citizen science blitz over the weekend of 7-10 June,has found that 75% of rivers across UK showed poor ecological health.

The government has announced a new plan to better protect and preserve the River Wye for future generations, including up to £35 million in funding and the appointment of a new ‘River Champion’ and taskforce.

The Environment Agency has launched a campaign to highlight the risks of growing high-risk crops, which can lead to pollution and flooding, in the South West of England.

Stream pollution has cost a Somerset farm more than £19,000 in court - the stream was polluted after the farm failed to make improvements following a farm inspection by the Environment Agency recommended improvements should be made to prevent possible pollution.

Slurry from Bycott Farm near Tiverton ran into a stream causing pollution for at least 2 months, a court heard on Thursday 11 January. Handing down sentence, the judge said £900,000 had since been spent on infrastructure by the company as a result of the case.

As of yesterday, the Environment Agency can now impose unlimited financial penalties on companies who pollute the environment. 

In 2024 98% of Scotland’s bathing waters will again meet or exceed the Sufficient classification - with 84% achieving the higher standards of Excellent or Good, according to the latest analysis by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The government has confirmed that farmers and landowners will receive funding and support for projects to create new habitats for wildlife, help protected sites and boost efforts to reach net zero, alongside sustainable food production.