Centre for Ecology & Hydrology http://www.ceh.ac.uk RSS Feed Centre for Ecology and Hydrology http://www.ceh.ac.uk http://www.ceh.ac.uk/images/logos/header_logo.png Citizen science at the 2013 Science Communication Conference Dr Michael Pocock, along with many scientists at CEH, regularly works with members of the public on what are often termed citizen science projects. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/citizen-science-at-2013-science.html Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT Cattle disease bacteria widespread in the UK A new study has found that bacteria responsible for chronic intestinal inflammation in cattle, which have also been implicated in Crohn's disease in humans, are widespread in the UK countryside. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Cattle_disease_bacteria_widespread_in_the_UK_2013_34.html Mon, 20 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT Research achievements of Prof David Fowler FRS CBE recognised by NERC We are pleased to announce that Professor David Fowler CBE FRS, has been awarded the highest level of Individual Merit Promotion (IMP1) given to scientists working for the Natural Environment Research Council. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/David_Fowler_IMP_award_2013_33.html Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT April 2013 Monthly Hydrological Summary for the UK.Termination of recharge season approaches April was a notably cool month with rainfall close to the long-term average at the national scale, but spatial variations in precipitation totals were large and appreciable deficits have become established in some regions over the first four months of 2013, according to the latest update to the UK's most authoritative analysis of water resources status. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/April_2013_UK_Hydrological_Summary_2013_32.html Thu, 16 May 2013 11:30:00 GMT A revolution in ladybird recording The launch of the iRecord Ladybirds app is the latest step in a tradition of biological recording that goes back more than two centuries. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-revolution-in-ladybird-recording.html Fri, 10 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT Contaminants research collaboration with China A group of contaminants researchers from CEH, James Hutton Institute and Lancaster University are forging a new collaborative relationship with scientists in China. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/contaminants-research-collaboration-China.html Thu, 9 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT Climate impacts evidence for biodiversity changes in the UK's countryside The latest evidence-based biodiversity information for UK policy and decision-making is published this week, giving a comprehensive overview of what is happening in the UK's countryside and what might be expected to happen in the future. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/climate-change-impacts-report-card-biodiversity-UK-countryside_2013_30.html Thu, 9 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT Banned pollutants are still found in sparrowhawks High levels of polluting chemicals which are used as flame retardants have been detected in the livers of sparrowhawks in the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/banned-PBDE-pollutants-sparrowhawk-livers_2013_29.html Thu, 2 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT New horizons for CEH research The Director and Deputy Director of CEH have visited India with the RCUK India team to explore opportunities for new research partnerships. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/new-horizons-for-ceh-research.html Tue, 1 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT All-Party Parliamentary Group for Biodiversity visits CEH headquarters in Wallingford The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Biodiversity visited the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology today to learn more about the research carried out, and discuss how it contributes to policy development. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/All-Party-Group-Biodiversity-CEH-Wallingford-visit_2013_28.html Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:30:00 GMT Building environmental research links in Beijing The first visit of scientists to discuss opportunties for collaboration following a recent Memorandum of understanding signed between environmental researchers in China and the UK took place earlier this month. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/building-research-links-with-beijing.html Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT Communicating CEH's lake restoration research - we're speaking the same language! In the UK we take it for granted that our work will be presented in English. However, this does not always allow us to reach the widest possible audience. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/communicating-ceh-lake-restoration.html Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT Policymakers and scientists develop recommendations for implementing the 2020 European Biodiversity Strategy Last week staff from CEH were among more than 200 scientists from 66 European research institutes and more than 25 countries to work with European policymakers to develop scientifically sound, evidence-based recommendations on how to implement and realize the 2020 European Biodiversity Strategy. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/european-biodiversity-strategy-recommendations_2013_27.html Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:30:00 GMT Cocktail of multiple pressures combine to threaten the world's pollinating insects A new review of insect pollinators of crops and wild plants has concluded they are under threat globally from a cocktail of multiple pressures, and their decline or loss could have profound environmental, health and economic consequences. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/multiple-pressures-cocktail-pollinators_2013_26.html Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:30:00 GMT Rhododendron model illuminates tree disease threat A new map of the places in Scotland that offer good habitats for one of the most invasive kinds of rhododendron may help control the spread of Sudden Oak Death, a disease that threatens trees and plants like oak, beech, larch and bilberry. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/rhododendron-model-tree-disease-threat_2013_25.html Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT Reflections on the science underpinning the EU Biodiversity Strategy CEH scientists are taking part in a major ALTER-Net conference, during which participants are discussing the implementation of the 2020 European Biodiversity Strategy. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/reflections-on-science-underpinning-eu.html Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT Half of Tamiflu prescriptions went unused during 2009 swine flu pandemic, novel sewage study concludes A new study concludes that approximately half of the prescriptions of Tamiflu during the 2009-10 influenza pandemic went unused. The novel scientific method used in the study could help measure and improve the effectiveness of future pandemic flu strategies. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Tamiflu-prescriptions-unused-pandemic-sewage-study_2013_24.html Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT Cold March with widespread and disruptive spring snowfall, latest hydrological summary confirms March, the coldest for the UK since 1962, saw marked regional variations in precipitation totals, including exceptional spring snowfall, according to the latest update to the UK's most authoritative analysis of water resources status. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/March-2013-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2013_23.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT Assessing the 2013 Atlantic Puffin wreck, plus map of locations Three weeks on from the first reports of a puffin 'wreck' in eastern Scotland and NE England, CEH's seabird ecology team are beginning to assess the longer term impact on the overall population. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/assessing-2013-atlantic-puffin-wreck.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 GMT We're going on a Bug Hunt! Two of our PhD students have organised and led a hugely successful Bug Hunt Day at a school in Rugby. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/going-on-a-bug-hunt.html Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT CEH science at the EGU 2013 General Assembly Scientists from CEH are joining 11,000 others at the EGU annual assembly in Vienna this week to present progress and results from a range of hydrological and other projects. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/ceh-science-at-egu-2013-general-assembly.html Mon, 8 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT Biochar slashes bioenergy soil emissions Adding charcoal to land used to grow bioenergy crops can greatly increase their overall benefit in helping cut our greenhouse-gas emissions, scientists have shown. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/biochar-slashes-bioenergy-soil-emissions_2013_22.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT Puffin wreck in Scotland and NE England CEH scientists are investigating a reported seabird 'wreck' (multiple unusual deaths) in Scotland and North East England. For the latest information, visit our blog. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/puffin-wreck-in-scotland.html Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:45:00 GMT New CEH Science Director for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science appointed Professor Rosemary Hails MBE has been appointed as the new Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science at CEH. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Professor-Rosie-Hails-appointment_2013_21.html Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:30:00 GMT Washout 2012 was the worst year for UK butterflies on record Washout 2012 was the worst year for UK butterflies on record with 52 out of the 56 species monitored suffering declines, a scientific study today revealed. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2012-UKBMS-results-butterflies_2013_20.html Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:30:00 GMT Sustaining the quality of freshwaters for recreation Understanding the effect of nutrients on the abundance of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes provides important knowledge for restoring and sustaining a safe, clean water supply for multiple uses. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/sustaining-freshwater-quality-for-recreation_2013_19.html Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT INTERacting at the edge of the world Dr Andy Sier reports on a recent event in Greenland, highlighting CEH's role in the EU-funded INTERACT project (the International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic). http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/interacting-at-edge-of-world.html Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT A window on weather conditions at Wallingford A 50th anniversary at CEH has passed almost unnoticed - the meteorological station at our Wallingford site has now been measuring daily rainfall, sunshine and temperature parameters since 1962. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/window-on-weather-conditions-wallingford.html Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT Cold and relatively dry February, but continuing risk of groundwater flooding in vulnerable areas Although February was a cold and relatively dry month, there is a continuing risk of groundwater flooding in vulnerable areas, according to the latest update to the UK's most authoritative analysis of water resources status. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/February-2013-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2013_18.html Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:30:00 GMT Are tropical forests resilient to global warming? Tropical forests are less likely to lose biomass - plants and plant material - in response to greenhouse gas emissions over the 21st century than may previously have been thought, suggests a new study published in Nature Geoscience this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/tropical-forests-more-resilient-global-warming_2013_17.html Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT What is the evidence for glacial shrinkage across the Himalayas? Scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have recently led a systematic review examining changes in Himalayan glaciers, now published by the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Himalayan-glacial-shrinkage-evidence_2013_16.html Fri, 8 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT New products to speed up lake recovery examined A recent publication in the scientific journal Science of the Total Environment has investigated new materials that have the potential to speed up lake recovery by controlling the release of phosphorus from bed sediments. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/water/lake-recovery-products-examined-news_2013_15.html Thu, 7 Mar 2013 12:30:00 GMT CEH and James Hutton Institute build scientific research links with China The UK's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Scotland's James Hutton Institute, the Chinese Academy of Science and the China Agricultural University have jointly announced collaborations covering a range of scientific research topics relating to pollution, food and water security, agriculture and the development of molecular technologies within environmental science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/CEH-UK-research-links-China_2013_14.html Fri, 1 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT Scientists take to air and sea to track progress on greenhouse gas emissions Measurements taken from satellite, aircraft and ships are to help create a detailed picture of UK emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, as part of a new project led by the University of Edinburgh and involving scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/air-sea-measurements-greenhouse-gases_2013_13.html Fri, 1 Mar 2013 09:30:00 GMT CEH gives evidence to Commons water quality inquiry Two of our CEH colleagues, Professor Andrew Johnson and Mr Neil Runnalls, gave evidence to Parliament this week, as the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee continued its new inquiry into water quality. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/ceh-gives-evidence-to-commons-water.html Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMT Nitrogen narratives in Nairobi - confessions of a reluctant blogger Professor Mark Sutton from CEH reports back on experiencing life at the sharp end of the science-policy debate at the United Nations Environment Programme General Assembly in Nairobi, where he is discussing smarter nutrients management. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/nitrogen-narratives-in-nairobi.html Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:30:00 GMT Global implications of enhanced nitrogen deposition over China Professor Mark Sutton from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and Dr Albert Bleeker from the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands have written a Nature News and Views commentary on a new paper looking at nitrogen deposition in China. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Global-implications-of-enhanced-nitrogen-deposition-over-China_2014_12.html Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:50:00 GMT Smarter use of nutrients can help protect human health and environment - new scientific report A new report commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights how humans have massively altered the natural flows of nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients, causing a web of water and air pollution. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/smarter-nutrients-use-health-environment_2014_11.html Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 GMT WISER methods to assess ecological recovery of water bodies highlighted in journal special issue A special issue of the scientific journal Hydrobiologia was published this week, bringing together some of the research from the EU's WISER project which looked at improving methods to assess the ecological status and recovery of water bodies in Europe. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/WISER-methods-water-bodies-special-issue_2013_10.html Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT Flooding risk remains as January rainfall and snow keep water resources healthy Monthly precipitation totals were mostly within the normal range across the UK in January but sustained frontal rainfall, often augmented by snowmelt, in the final week of the month triggered a further episode of extensive floodplain inundation, the latest UK Hydrological Summary shows. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/January-2013-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2013_09.html Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:30:00 GMT New developments in the hydrological use of weather radar The latest biennial report from the Inter-Agency Committee on the Hydrological Use of Weather Radar was recently published by CEH reviewing the latest developments in the field, including significant advances in the operational use of CEH's Grid-to-Grid model within UK flood warning agencies. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/developments-hydrological-use-weather-radar_2013_08.html Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:30:00 GMT Tropical forests, climate change and carbon A guest blog by CEH climate modeller Dr Chris Huntingford describes more about the technique he and colleagues used in their new Nature paper to answer the question of whether the Amazon rainforest will die back under climate change. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/tropical-forests-climate-change-carbon.html Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMT Ant pupae using sounds to maintain social status in their colony Ants at the pupal stage of life, between larva and adulthood, are using sound to communicate with adults in their colony and maintain their rightful place in the colony hierarchy, new research shows. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/ant-sounds-social-status_2013_07.html Thu, 7 Feb 2013 17:15:00 GMT 'Lungs' of the planet reveal true sensitivity to global warming The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed or produced by tropical rainforests varies with year-to-year variations in the climate. A team of scientists has now shown that these variations reveal how vulnerable the rainforest is to climate change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/planet-lungs-sensitive-global-warming_2013_06.html Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:00:00 GMT Key science-policy event on European biodiversity and ecosystem research A major conference to discuss the science needed to support the European Union's 2020 Biodiversity Strategy will be held in Belgium from 15-18 April 2013. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/science-policy-biodiversity-research-event_2013_05.html Mon, 4 Feb 2013 16:30:00 GMT Taking care of water World Wetlands Day, which occurs annually on 2 February, is taking the theme this year of Wetlands and Water Management, focusing on how wetlands take care of water quality. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/taking-care-of-water.html Fri, 1 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT Deforestation triggers carbon collapse of tropical peatlands Deforested tropical peatlands are haemorrhaging carbon from deep within their peat soils, with consequences for the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, according to new research published in Nature. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Deforestation-trigger-scollapse-of-tropical-peatlands_2013_04.html Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT Linking biodiversity research and policy-making at IPBES-1 in Bonn The first plenary meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is being held in Bonn this week, with CEH's Dr Juliette Young addressing a side event during the week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/IPBES-1-Bonn-biodiversity-policy-event_2013_03.html Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT Seeds, snow and scientific papers More details of a new scientific paper in PLOS One, for which research was carried out in a CEH car park. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/seeds-snow-and-scientific-papers.html Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT Grass-feeding butterflies defy 2012 deluge Grass-feeding butterflies defied the second wettest year on record to enjoy a bumper 2012 across the UK countryside, although there was bad news for other species. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/grass-feeding-butterflies-defy-deluge_2013_02.html Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMT UK's water resources outlook healthy but high risk of further flooding The UK's water resources outlook is very healthy but there is a high risk of further flooding, according to the latest Hydrological Summary for the UK for December 2012. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/December-2012-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2013_01.html Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMT Filming at CEH's Wallingford site The recent wet weather meant the New Year got off to a busy start for the CEH Press Office, with several requests from media organisations to interview our hydrologists. Sky News and BBC News both filmed at our Wallingford site. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/sky-news-filming-at-ceh-met-site-in.html Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:30:00 GMT To tweet or not to tweet, is that the question? CEH Media Relations Manager Dr Barnaby Smith examines how CEH is using social media, and makes a prediction for the future. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet-is-that.html Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:30:00 GMT 2012 CEH Review of the Year As 2012 draws to a close, we take a look back at the research undertaken by CEH scientists over the last twelve months. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2012-CEH-news-review-year_2012_66.html Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT Citizen scientists ensure the success of the Open Farm Sunday Pollinator Survey 16,380 insects counted in just one day ... that is an incredible number, particularly when that day was slightly overcast and followed weeks of unprecedented torrential rain. Dr Helen Roy explains more. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/citizen-scientists-ensure-success-of.html Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT Appliance of ecological science to human diseases Studying bacteria that cause human diseases as if they were ecological communities could help improve the way doctors treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis, according to new research presented at the British Ecological Society's Annual Meeting. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/cystic-fibrosis-ecology-BES12_2012_65.html Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMT Open Farm Sunday visitors become citizen scientists More than 16,000 insects were recorded at this year's Open Farm Sunday, turning visitors to this popular annual farm event into an army of citizen scientists. The results of the first national farm pollinator survey were launched at the British Ecological Society Annual Meeting. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/pollinator-survey-results-BES12_2012_64.html Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:30:00 GMT CEH science at 2012 British Ecological Society Annual Meeting A large number of scientists from CEH are presenting at this week's British Ecological Society Annual Meeting at the University of Birmingham on a variety of subjects including invasive species, human diseases, effectiveness of conservation measures and making best use of citizen science data. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/CEH-science-British-Ecological-Meeting_2012_63.html Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT Rainfall and runoff levels high - November 2012 Hydrological summary published During November the remarkable hydrological transformation since the severe drought conditions of the early spring was reinforced across much of the United Kingdom. The latter half of the month was particularly unsettled, punctuated by periods of heavy and sustained frontal rainfall. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/November-2012-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2012_62.html Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMT New method developed to study parasite numbers in wild seabirds Scientists have developed a new method for studying parasite numbers in the stomachs of individual seabirds in the wild. The technique enables the recording of video footage of worms inside seabird stomachs and is an important step forward in understanding the impact of parasites on seabird populations. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/parasite-numbers-seabirds-method_2012_61.html Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:00:00 GMT Shifting seasons, climate change and ecosystem consequences "Signs of spring", such as the first appearance of wild flowers, butterflies and migrant birds, have been a source of fascination for amateur naturalists, researchers and the general public for centuries. However, the timing of these natural events has been changing as the climate warms, with many events now occurring earlier in the year than they did just a few decades ago. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/shifting-seasons-UK.html Fri, 7 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT A bird's eye view of wind farms Last week I was given the chance to discuss my work on modelling the impacts of offshore wind developments on seabirds at a one-day meeting organised by the British Ornithologists' Union. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/a-birds-eye-view-of-wind-farms.html Wed, 5 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT Integrating science and policy to address the impacts of air pollution An article in this week's Science magazine by CEH's Dr Stefan Reis and colleagues from six countries examines how science and policy address air pollution effects on human health and ecosystems, and climate change in Europe. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/science-policy-integration-air-pollution_2012_60.html Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:30:00 GMT Citizen science - sharing the excitement There is a buzz of excitement around citizen science currently. At its best citizen science can allow excellent engagement of people with science and nature, and it can be real science. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/citizen-science-sharing-excitement.html Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:00:00 GMT Major review of citizen science leads to new practical guide A new practical guide on how to develop, implement and evaluate citizen science projects to monitor the UK's environment is published today. The guide is based on conclusions from a comprehensive report reviewing more than 200 citizen science projects from the UK and around the world. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Citizen-Science-Review-Guide_2012_59.html Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:30:00 GMT Catchment connectivity key component in high CO2 emissions from lakes A new scientific study shows that biologically productive lakes have higher than average concentrations of carbon dioxide and consequently higher losses of CO2 to the atmosphere. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/catchment-connectivity-lake-CO2-emissions_2012_58.html Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:00:00 GMT Water resource outlook healthy entering late autumn/winter, October UK Hydrological Summary confirms October was dull, cool and unsettled for most of the UK, and notably wet in some areas, continuing a pattern prevalent across much of the country since early spring and leaving the water resource outlook healthy, the UK Hydrological Summary confirms. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/October-2012-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2012_57.html Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 GMT Update - Ash dieback resources from CEH Ash dieback is continuing to dominate UK environmental headlines with the BBC and Guardian devoting considerable resources to the story today. CEH has been busy collating information relevant to the problem from our long-term UK data sets and projects, and also from our scientists who work on tree issues. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/update-ash-dieback-resources-from-ceh.html Wed, 7 Nov 2012 15:00:00 GMT Mapping the distribution of Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) in Great Britain CEH has prepared a summary of data on ash tree distribution in Great Britain, using one of our existing long-term, GB-wide data sources, the Countryside Survey. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/mapping-distribution-of-ash-trees.html Tues, 6 Nov 2012 15:30:00 GMT Slimy Science Creature Challenge at Cumbria Big Bang Fair 2012 Staff and students from CEH hosted a stand at a science careers fair in Carlisle last month, during which budding young scientists were able to take on the Slimy Science Creature Challenge. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/slimy-science-creature-challenge-at.html Tues, 6 Nov 2012 13:30:00 GMT UK butterfly populations threatened by extreme drought and landscape fragmentation A new study has found that the sensitivity and recovery of UK butterfly populations to extreme drought is affected by the overall area and degree of fragmentation of key habitat types in the landscape. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Butterflypopulationsthreatenedbydroughtandlandscapefragmentation.html Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT The second National Bioblitz conference Naturalist, ecologist and entomologist Richard Comont reports from the second National BioBlitz Conference held on 24 October 2012. Richard is working on a PhD in ladybird population ecology at CEH, Rothamsted Research and Oxford University. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/national-bioblitz-conference.html Tues, 30 Oct 2012 10:30:00 GMT Has the world ceased to care about biodiversity loss? Judging by the dearth of the UK media coverage of the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity conference of national government representatives held in Hyderabad over the past two weeks, you'd be forgiven for thinking the world had ceased to care about biodiversity loss, says Dr Terry Parr of CEH in a guest blog following his attendance at COP11. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/has-world-ceased-to-care-about.html Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:30:00 GMT First conference dedicated to peatlands research in the Flow Country The first conference dedicated to research on peatlands in the Flow Country, the UK's largest single tract of peatland and largest store of terrestrial carbon, is taking place in Thurso, Caithness this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/conference-peatlands-Flow-Country_2012_55.html Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:30:00 GMT The future of UK floods and droughts (and the big climate change question) CEH hydrologist Terry Marsh spent this morning in London briefing members of the press on the facts and figures of UK hydrology throughout 2012. Terry joined staff from the Met Office and the Environment Agency to discuss the transition that has occurred from drought conditions to one of the wettest periods on record. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-future-of-uk-floods-and-droughts_18.html Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:30:00 GMT From drought to flood: dramatic turnaround in UK water resources The driest spring for over a century gave way this year to the wettest April to June on record, in a dramatic drought turnaround that highlighted the need to plan for extremes, the Environment Agency, Met Office and NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology said at a special briefing today. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/drought-flood-transformation-UK_2012_54.html Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT Painted lady migration secrets revealed thanks to citizen science project One of the longest standing mysteries of migration has finally been solved after scientists discovered where the UK's Painted Lady butterfly population goes each autumn. The insect migration puzzle was answered partly thanks to one of the largest citizen science projects ever conducted. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/painted-lady-migration-secrets-revealed_2012_53.html Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:30:00 GMT Environmental Change Network coming of age The news this week of significant declines in ground beetle biodiversity in the UK followed a paper published last month in which scientists analysed 15 years of data from the UK's Environmental Change Network. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/ecn-coming-of-age.html Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:00:00 GMT Dramatic climax to wet summer, September 2012 UK hydrological summary September was generally a cool but sunny month with limited rainfall over the first three weeks. But therafter cyclonic conditions prevailed with exceptionally high seven to ten-day rainfall totals, the latest UK hydrological summary confirms. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-Hydrological-Summary-September_2012_52.html Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT United Kingdom Lake Ecological Observatory Network The United Kingdom Lake Ecological Observatory Network (UKLEON) is a three-year project led by CEH to develop a national demonstration network of automatic lake monitoring stations that will exploit state-of-the-art sensor technology and provide linked, concurrent, high-temporal resolution data at a globally-unique density. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/water/UK-Lake-Ecological-Observatory-Network.html Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:30:00 GMT CEH News Blog: The Science Media Centre is 10 years old Last night I attended the 10th anniversary party of the UK's Science Media Centre (SMC). CEH's connections with the SMC go way back. http://cehsciencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/science-media-centre-is-10-years-old.html Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:30:00 GMT Protecting ecosystems brings benefits to society A project set up by PEER, the Partnership for European Environmental Research, to examine some of the knowledge gaps that exist in assessing ecosystem services in Europe has published its second report for policy makers. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/PRESS2_ecosystem_society_benefits_report_2012_51.html Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT Soils close to saturation, August 2012 Hydrological Summary August was another rather wet and relatively dull month contributing to the wettest summer since 1912. The extreme departures from normal seasonal rainfall patterns during 2012 resulted in soils being close to saturation over wide areas through most of the summer. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UkHydrologicalSummaryAugust2012_2012_50.html Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:00:00 GMT Parched soils lead to more storms Afternoon storms are more likely to develop when soils are parched, according to a new study published this week in Nature which examined hydrological processes across six continents. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/Parchedsoilsleadtomorestorms_2012_49.html Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:00:00 GMT Major update to Europe's alien species catalogue The key catalogue of information on alien (non-native) species in Europe has undergone a major update. The DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventory for Europe) database allows the public and policy-makers to get a comprehensive overview of which alien species are present in Europe, their impacts and consequences for the environment and society. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/major-update-Europe-alien-species-catalogue_2012_48.html Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:30:00 GMT Loss of tropical forests reduces rainfall over large areas Deforestation can have a significant effect on tropical rainfall, new research by the University of Leeds and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, published in Nature today, has confirmed. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/tropical-forest-loss-rainfall-reduction_2012_47.html Thu, 6 Sep 2012 09:30:00 GMT UK scientists start 2.5 million pound global lake surveillance project A consortium of scientists from six UK universities and research institutes has been awarded a 2.5 million pound grant to create the world's first satellite-based global lake surveillance system to monitor how lakes and reservoirs are being affected by environmental change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-scientists-global-lake-surveillance_2012_46.html Mon, 3 Sep 2012 10:30:00 GMT Nationwide mission underway to see if blue tits can help save our conker trees Blue tits, a familiar garden bird, could be the salvation of our imperilled conker trees, which are under severe attack by a tiny non-native moth that has spread from continental Europe. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/mission-bird-attack-conker-tree-science_2012_45.html Thu, 30 Aug 2012 9:30:00 GMT Dr Matthew Heard appointed to Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment Dr Matthew Heard from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has been appointed to the UK Government's Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Matthew-Heard-ACRE-appointment_2012_44.html Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:30:00 GMT Feature: The Plynlimon catchments - an open air laboratory CEH's Plynlimon catchments site is among the most important intensively studied long-term research basins in the UK. The study is now in its fifth decade. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Plynlimon-catchments-open-air-laboratory_2012_43.html Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:30:00 GMT Water resources healthy in most of UK, July 2012 UK Hydrological Summary The seasonally unusual southerly track of the jet stream persisted throughout the first three weeks of July, bringing to the UK more of the unsettled weather which characterised the late spring and early summer. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-Hydrological-Summary-July_2012_42.html Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:30:00 GMT Professor Mark Bailey appointed to lead the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Professor Mark Bailey has been appointed on a permanent basis to the position of Director of the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Professor-Mark-Bailey-appointment-director-CEH_2012_41.html Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:30:00 GMT Record April to June rainfall results in almost complete end of drought conditions The persistent and seasonally unusual southerly track of the jet stream contributed to June weather conditions more typical of the late autumn, the latest UK Hydrological Summary confirms. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/June-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2012_40.html Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:00:00 GMT Nearly 2000 non-native species established in Great Britain There has been a dramatic increase over time in the number of non-native species arriving in Britain, a major new report has found. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Nearly-2000-nonnative-species-GB_2012_39.html Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:00:00 GMT Training could improve value of agri-environment schemes, researchers say Researchers working on a Rural Economy and Land Use Programme project have found that a relatively small amount of training for farmers engaged in such initiatives could significantly enhance their outcomes. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/agri-environment-schemes-training-enhancement_2012_38.html Mon, 9 Jul 2012 16:00:00 GMT Loch Leven water quality best for 20 years The water quality of Loch Leven in Scotland is the best it has been for more than 20 years, according to work carried out by the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology for Scottish Natural Heritage. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Loch-Leven-water-quality-report_2012_37.html Tue, 3 Jul 2012 13:00:00 GMT UK environment improves as chemical climate responds to air pollution policies A major new review has found that the chemical climate of the UK has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, and continues to change as a consequence of UK and European policies to solve air pollution policies. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-environment-air-pollution-policies_2012_36.html Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:30:00 GMT Recovery in groundwater resources - May 2012 UK Hydrological Summary May 2012 was fairly typical in terms of rainfall and temperatures for the month as a whole, but saw a marked contrast between the cool, unsettled weather which characterised the first three weeks and the hot, dry conditions that followed. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/May-2012-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2012_35.html Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:00 GMT Biological recording in a changing world at BBC Gardeners' World Live This week scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are exhibiting at the BBC Gardeners' World Live show at the NEC, Birmingham, on the theme of biological recording in a changing world. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/biological-recording-Gardeners-World_2012_34.html Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMT Warmth-loving butterflies show habitat contractions despite three decades of climate change A new study has found that warmth-loving butterfly species in Great Britain occupy a more narrow range of habitats despite three decades of climate warming. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/butterfly-habitat-contraction-climate-change_2012_33.html Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:30:00 GMT Kinghorn Loch: experts meet to discuss pollution clean-up Water pollution experts from across the world visited Kinghorn Loch in Fife, Scotland last month to learn more about decades of pollution clean-up work. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Kinghorn-Loch-after-pollution_2012_32.html Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:30:00 GMT Small Tortoiseshell butterfly decline highlighted in new study The Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS) has revealed that a number of British butterflies, including the garden favourite the Small Tortoiseshell, suffered a disappointing 2011 compared to 2010. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Small-Tortoiseshell-decline_2012_31.html Fri, 1 Jun 2012 09:30:00 GMT Butterfly expanding northwards with warming temperatures and changed diet A new study involving scientists from the University of York, CEH and Butterfly Conservation has shown how a butterfly has changed its diet, and consequently expanded northwards rapidly in response to climate change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Brown-Argus-butterfly-range-expansion_2012_30.html Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT EVO conference on Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Environmental Science An international conference at the Royal Geographical Society in London will discuss how information technology can further advance integrated environmental science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Environmental-Virtual-Observatory-conference_2012_29.html Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT Wet April greatly eases drought conditions The wettest April in the last 100 years, and the coldest since 1989, served to greatly moderate drought conditions in parts of the UK, with the focus of short-term hydrological concern switching rapidly from drought stress to flood risk. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/April-2012-UK-hydrological-summary_2012_28.html Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 GMT Professor Rosie Hails appointed to Natural Capital Committee Professor Rosie Hails of the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is one of five members appointed today to the independent Natural Capital Committee by the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Rosie-Hails-Natural-Capital-Committee_2012_27.html Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT Major international fisheries meeting takes place in Edinburgh The 6th World Fisheries Congress has been taking place in Edinburgh this week, hosted by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles, whose President is Dr Ian Winfield, a lake ecologist with the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/World-Fisheries-Congress-Edinburgh_2012_26.html Fri, 11 May 2012 11:30:00 GMT Future flows and groundwater levels: British projections for the 21st century A new assessment of the impact of climate change on river flows and groundwater levels across England, Wales and Scotland has been published by the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the NERC British Geological Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Future-Flows-Groundwater-Levels_2012_25.html Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT UK and South Korea forge new research collaboration to tackle flooding Water scientists from South Korea and the UK have agreed to collaborate on developing new and improved methods for tackling flooding from intense rainfall, an issue presenting challenges in both countries, especially as the world adapts to climate change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-South-Korea-research-collaboration_2012_24.html Wed, 9 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT Equivalence of greenhouse gas emissions for peak temperature limits A new scientific paper published this week in Nature Climate Change has outlined metrics to distinguish between the impact of long and short-lived greenhouse gas emissions on rates of global warming. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/GHG-equivalence-peak-temperature_2012_23.html Tue, 8 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT Accelerating climate change exerts strong pressure on Europe's mountain flora A new pan-European study published in the journal Science shows that mountain plants across the continent are moving to higher altitudes, but that such upward shifts can lead to a reduction in species richness. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/climate-change-pressure-mountain-flora_2012_22.html Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 GMT Record-breaking 2011 Spring helped some of the UK's rarer butterflies Last year's record-breaking spring helped some of the UK's rarest butterflies recover following years of decline, the latest annual study from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme has revealed. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/hot-spring-2011-helps-rare-butterflies_2012_21.html Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT Spatial range of drought extends, March 2012 hydrological summary confirms March was an exceptionally mild month and the driest for the UK since 1953, with most of the country reporting less than half the average rainfall. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/March-2012-UK-hydrological-summary_2012_20.html Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT Natural soil pipes release peat carbon to atmosphere A study recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research provides new insights into how sources of carbon are emitted to the atmosphere in peatlands. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/carbon-release-natural-peatland-pipes_2012_19.html Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT The Copenhagen two-degrees aspiration: implications for emissions Dr Chris Huntingford from CEH has led a study analysing what emissions in the policy-relevant years of 2020 and 2050 will keep global warming below two-degrees. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Copenhagen-two-degrees-emissions_2012_18.html Tue, 3 Apr 2012 16:00:00 GMT Drought conditions intensify, February 2012 Hydrological Summary confirms February was a further month when synoptic patterns greatly restricted the passage of Atlantic frontal systems across most of southern and eastern Britain. Correspondingly, drought conditions intensified at a critical time in relation to the water resources outlook. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/February-2012-UK-hydrological-summary_2012_17.html Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:00:00 GMT Insect DNA offers clues about animals' changing habitats and predator-prey relationships The long-term impact of climate change on natural communities of wild animals could be better understood thanks to a new study which sheds light on how species and their natural enemies chase each other across continents in a game of cat and mouse lasting for millions of years. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/insect-DNA-community-assembly_2012_16.html Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT Have a go at science for National Science and Engineering Week Members of the public are invited to have a go at science in events organised by staff from CEH's Edinburgh site for National Science and Engineering Week 2012. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/collaboration/NationalScienceandEngineeringWeek.html Thu, 8 Mar 2012 14:00:00 GMT New look and data for UK's Air Pollution Information System (APIS) The UK's leading web database on the impacts of air pollution on the natural environment, APIS, has been given a makeover - it's now easier than ever to search for the information you want. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/APIS-website-makeover_2012_15.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT Long-term Lake District research documented in special journal issue Long-term scientific studies at Windermere and other lakes in the English Lake District have been documented in a special issue of the journal Freshwater Biology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Lake-District-research-special_2012_14.html Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT Farm "weeds" have crucial role in sustainable agriculture Plants often regarded as common weeds such as thistles, buttercups and clover could be critical for safeguarding fragile food webs on UK farms, according to new research published in Science this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Farm-weeds-sustainable-agriculture_2012_13.html Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT UK Hydrological summary for January 2012 published: North West-South East rainfall gradient The synoptic patterns which have produced a remarkably sustained exaggeration in the North West-South East rainfall gradient across the UK continued in January 2012. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/January-2012-UK-Hydrological-Summary_2012_12.html Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT Continental mosquito with vector potential found breeding in UK after 60 year absence A species of mosquito not seen in the UK since 1945 has been discovered breeding in the country. Populations of Culex modestus, found across mainland Europe, were recorded at sites in the marshes of north Kent and south Essex in 2010 and 2011. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/vector-potential-mosquito-UK_2012_11.html Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT Invasive alien predator leading to rapid declines of European ladybirds A new study provides compelling evidence that the arrival of the invasive non-native Harlequin ladybird to mainland Europe and subsequent spread has led to a rapid decline in historically-widespread species of ladybird in Britain, Belgium and Switzerland. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Harlequin-predator-rapid-ladybirds-decline_2012_10.html Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT New tool helps project the impacts of climate change on wetlands A new web-based tool has been created to help wetland managers in England and Wales project the impacts of climate change in the next 50 years. The tool is formally launched today, 2 February, World Wetlands Day. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/climate-change-wetlands-tool_2012_09.html Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT New standards allow disparate biosciences data sets to integrate Collaborators from more than 30 scientific organisations around the world, including the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, have agreed on a common standard for integrating biological data sets. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/integrating-biosciences-data_2012_08.html Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:30:00 GMT Collaborating to develop biodiversity monitoring Starting 2012 with determination, CEH hosted a Director-led visit from BTO on January 6 to discuss collaborations in the development of biodiversity monitoring. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/BTO-CEH-statement-monitoring-collaboration_2012_07.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:30:00 GMT December 2011 UK Hydrological summary - end of a remarkable year Meteorologically, 2011 was a remarkable year, being the second warmest in the UK temperature record (from 1910) and also notable for extreme regional disparities. Drought conditions in the English Lowlands contrasted dramatically with Scotland, which had its wettest year on record. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/december-2011-uk-hydrological-summary_2012_06.html Tue, 14 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT New study urges smart targeting of pollution sources to save lives and slow global warming A new international study published in Science has shown that implementing 14 key air pollution control measures could slow the pace of global warming, save millions of lives and boost agricultural production. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/pollution-control-measures-health-climate_2012_05.html Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT Resource management in ant colonies may have lessons for politicians and economists Political and economic theorists could learn lessons from studying how an ant colony allocates food resources, according to the authors of a new paper recently published in the scientific journal, The American Naturalist. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/resource-management-lessons-ants-parasite_2012_04.html Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT Birds and butterflies lagging behind climate change shift Birds and butterflies are tracking behind the northward shift of their suitable climates, a major new European study published this week in Nature Climate Change has indicated. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/birds-butterflies-climate-change-lag_2012_03.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:15:00 GMT Climate change is altering mountain vegetation at the large scale Climate change is having a more profound effect on alpine vegetation than at first anticipated, according to a study carried out by an international group of researchers and published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/climate-change-mountain-vegetation_2012_02.html Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT Ecosystems Knowledge Network launched: a resource for connecting people and nature A new network, sponsored by Defra, has been launched with the aim of sharing experience from projects taking an ecosystems approach. The Ecosystems Knowledge Network will stimulate knowledge exchange and practical learning across the country. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/ecosystems-knowledge-network_2012_01.html Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT 2011 Review of the CEH year As 2011 draws to a close we take a look back at the wide range of research undertaken by CEH scientists over the last twelve months. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2011ReviewoftheYear_2011_78.html Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT Lake science insights from 40 years of monitoring at Loch Leven in Scotland A series of ten scientific papers highlighting long-term water quality and ecology research carried out at Loch Leven in Scotland has been published online in the journal Hydrobiologia. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/LochLevenHydrobiologiaspecialissue_2011_77.html Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT Cutting hedgerows less frequently can benefit wildlife A study into the effectiveness of hedgerow management options in agri-environment schemes, such as Environmental Stewardship in England has found that cutting hawthorn hedges every three years, or in late winter, can substantially increase resources to benefit wildlife. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Hedgerowmanagement_2011_76.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT November 2011 Hydrological Summary for the UK - another mild month November was a remarkably mild month across most of the UK but synoptic patterns again conspired to produce a very substantial exaggeration in the North West-South East rainfall gradient across the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nov-uk-hydrological-summary_2011_75.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:45:00 GMT Comparing emissions of greenhouse gases from perennial bioenergy and annual arable crops Current UK government policy is to increase the land area given over to bioenergy crops. This policy should result in a decrease in emissions of one greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, compared with current combustion of fossil fuels, but the potential co-release of two other greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide and methane, is not well understood. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/bioenergy-GHG-emissions_2011_74.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:00 GMT New European initiative to coordinate water research and innovation With unsustainable water use a major global, European and UK concern, European Member States have launched a Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) to support better coordination of water-related research and innovation. Prof Alan Jenkins of CEH is the UK representative on the Water JPI Executive Board. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/European-Water-JPI_2011_73.html Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:30:00 GMT Decade of decline for UK butterflies revealed in new report Almost three quarters of UK butterfly species have decreased in population during the last decade, a major scientific report from Butterfly Conservation and CEH reveals today. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-butterflies-decade-decline_2011_72.html Wed, 7 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMT Scientific meetings at Royal Society discuss global nitrogen cycle Researchers are attending two scientific meetings hosted by the Royal Society this week to discuss issues relating to the global nitrogen cycle. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nitrogen-cycle-RS_2011_71.html Mon, 5 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT Latest survey of major lakes in the English Lake District The Lakes Tour is a long-term survey of the water quality and ecology of the 20 major lakes in the English Lake District. The report on the latest survey, carried out in 2010, was released this month and includes an analysis of changes in the lakes over the last three decades. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/lakes-tour-water-quality-ecology_2011_70.html Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:00 GMT Extending collaborative links - James Hutton Institute delegation visits CEH CEH played host to a two-day visit by a Director-level delegation from the James Hutton Institute on 10 and 11 November. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/james-hutton-institute-visit_2011_69.html Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT Research into bumblebee foraging distance offers conservation potential Researchers are closer to understanding how the foraging distances of wild bumblebees vary across landscapes. The findings are potentially important for landscape managers looking to conserve bumblebee populations and enhance pollination services for crops and biodiversity. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/bumblebee-foraging-distance_2011_68.html Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:30:00 GMT Phosphorus reductions combined with shading by riparian trees could help rivers reach good ecological status If the ecology of the River Thames is to reach the Water Framework Directive's good ecological status, then significant reductions in soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations as well as increased shading from riparian tree cover may be required. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/river-management-nutrients-light_2011_67.html Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:30:00 GMT October 2011 Hydrological summary - spatial variations in rainfall continue across the UK October was an exceptionally mild month but the spatial distribution of the rainfall was again remarkable across the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/oct-uk-hydrological-summary_2011_66.html Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT Two new ozone pollution reports published CEH scientists have made major contributions to two new reports on ozone pollution which are published today. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/ozone-pollution-food-security_2011_65.html Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT Improved access to the UK's river flow data via the web The UK's National River Flow Archive has doubled the number of easily accessible river flow datasets available through its website. The changes take the total number of gauging stations from where daily flow data is freely downloadable to just under 400. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/NRFA-data-release_2011_63.html Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT CEH's strength in ecology research highlighted in BIS report The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has been highlighted as a leading UK institute for ecological research in a report launched last week by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/CEH-ecology-research-BIS_2011_63.html Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT New rainforest research published A special issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B was published this week, outlining how human influences may shape the future of rainforests. Scientists from CEH contributed to several of the papers. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/rainforest-research-royalsocb_2011_62.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:30:00 GMT September 2011 UK hydrological summary shows continued spatial variations in rainfall September saw a continuation of the marked spatial variation in rainfall across the UK which has been featured throughout 2011, with therefore little improvement of drought conditions in affected areas of England. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/sep-uk-hydrological-summary_2011_61.html Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:30:00 GMT Researchers provide extensive analysis of the world's water cycle The final report of the Water and Global Change programme (WATCH), an extensive analysis of the world's water resources, is made available today, significantly expanding our understanding of climate change and land use impacts on the global hydrological cycle. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/world-water-cycle-analysis_2011_60.html Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:30:00 GMT PBMS becomes part of new collaborative network for wildlife disease monitoring The CEH-run Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme has been instrumental in developing a new collaborative network that involves the various different UK surveillance schemes that monitor disease and contaminants in vertebrate wildlife. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/WILDCOMS-disease-monitoring_2011_59.html Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:30:00 GMT New PEER report looks at knowledge gaps in assessing ecosystem services and policies A project set up by PEER, the Partnership for European Environmental Research, to examine some of the knowledge gaps that exist in assessing ecosystem services in Europe, has published its first report. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/PEER-ecosystem-services_2011_58.html Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:30:00 GMT Plant body clock research to aid ozone pollution predictions Predictions of ground level ozone may be more accurate in the future thanks to new research into plant circadian rhythms, or body clocks, published in the journal Nature Geoscience. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/plant-body-clock-isoprene-ozone_2011_57.html Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for July 2011 After a warm start August was a cool and unsettled month ending another wet summer at the national scale. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/August2011HydrologicalSummaryfortheUK_2011_56.html Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT Bird boxes shed new light on social life of bats Ecologists are getting a unique and unexpected insight into the private lives of bats, thanks to some 1100 bird boxes in an Oxfordshire woodland, and analytical techniques more commonly used to study interactions between humans. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/bats-social-networks_2011_55.html Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:00 GMT CEH scientists at British Ecological Society Annual Meeting A number of scientists from CEH will be presenting at next week's British Ecological Society Annual Meeting (12-14 September) on topics including alien species, peatland biodiversity, nitrogen impacts and bats. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/BES-AM_2011_54.html Thu, 8 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT CEH radioecology expert to address Japanese meetings Dr Brenda Howard MBE, a radioecologist with CEH, will be in Japan next week to address two events organised by the Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization and the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science (NILGS). http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Howard-Japan-meetings_2011_53.html Thu, 1 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT Professor Helen Jarvie wins Fulbright fellowship to carry out water quality research in the US Professor Helen Jarvie, an environmental chemist at CEH, is spending twelve months based at the University of Arkansas in the USA, after beating tough competition to win one of only five Fulbright All-Discipline Fellowships. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Helen-Jarvie-Fulbright-Arkansas_2011_52.html Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:30:00 GMT Wildlife responds increasingly rapidly to climate change New research by UK based scientists shows that species have responded to climate change up to three times faster than previously appreciated. The results are published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/SpeciesshiftpaperScienceChenetal_2011_51.html Thurs, 18 Aug 2011 20:30:00 GMT Increased tropical forest growth could release carbon from the soil A new study shows that as climate change enhances tree growth in tropical forests, the resulting increase in litterfall could stimulate soil micro-organisms leading to a release of stored soil carbon. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Soilcarbonintropicalforests_2011_50.html Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:30:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for July 2011 Rainfall totals for the UK were appreciably above average during the month of July. All regions reported at least 90 precent of the 1971 to 2000 average and rainfall deficiencies across most of southern Britain have moderated. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/July2011UKHydrologicalSummary_2011_49.html Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:30:00 GMT A spot of summer fun. Make your mark on ladybird maps Scientists are asking families for help this month by counting and photographing ladybirds they find in their gardens, parks and fields. The information that people collect will help to create detailed ladybird maps for the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Aspotofsummerfun-Ladybirdrecording_2011_48.html Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:30:00 GMT CEH Information Gateway links up with the National Biodiversity Network The latest upgrade to the CEH Information Gateway allows users to run searches using other metadata catalogues, including the 65 million species records held on the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/CEHInformationGatewayandNBNsearches_2011_47.html Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:30:00 GMT RSPB joins Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme funding consortium The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has become one of the funding stakeholders of the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme, which is run by CEH. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/RSPB-joins-PBMS_2011_46.html Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMT Welcome rainfall for most drought-affected areas of England, new UK Hydrological Summary for June 2011 shows Following three months dominated by anticyclonic conditions, a return to frontal weather patterns brought welcome rainfall to most drought-affected areas of England during June. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/june-hydrological-summary_2011_45.html Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:30:00 GMT New UK Land Cover Map launched this week The UK's new Land Cover Map is published today (Wednesday 6 July), providing a continuous coverage of habitat distributions across the countryside at a 25m resolution. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/uk-land-cover-map_2011_44.html Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT New UK Land Cover Map to be launched on 6 July A new Land Cover Map for the UK, produced by CEH, is to be made available on Wednesday 6 July 2011. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/uk-lcm-launch_2011_43.html Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:30:00 GMT Science panel of International Convention on Wetlands meeting at CEH This week 25 representatives from the Science and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the International Convention on Wetlands will be meeting at CEH's Wallingford site. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/ramsar-science-visit_2011_42.html Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:30:00 GMT European Radioecology Alliance: An initiative to integrate radioecological research in Europe At an international conference this week, eight European research organisations, including the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), have presented a new initiative to integrate radioecological research across Europe. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/radioecology-alliance_2011_41.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:30:00 GMT Spotted! New atlas reveals trends in British ladybird species The first atlas of Britain and Ireland's ladybirds is published today, the result of a six-year research project by the UK Ladybird Survey which builds on data collected over the last two centuries. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/ladybirds-atlas-britain-ireland_2011_40.html Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:45:00 GMT Study of iconic Chillingham cattle shows that climate change is altering their breeding schedule A new study of Northumberland's iconic Chillingham cattle has provided scientists with evidence of how climate change is affecting the timing of key biological events in UK mammals. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/chillingham-cattle-breeding_2011_39.html Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:45:00 GMT New study into storm creation could improve rainfall prediction in West Africa A new study of how storms are generated could improve rainfall prediction in dry regions of Africa, where drought and short growing seasons are common. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/storm-creation-Sahel_2011_38.html Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:30:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for May 2011, reveals remarkable contrasts across the UK Remarkable rainfall patterns across the UK in May produced a decrease in the spatial extent of drought conditions in England and Wales but an increase in their intensity in the most severely impacted regions. Scotland however registered provisionally its wettest May on record. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/MayHydrologicalSummaryfortheUK_2011_37.html Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT CEH welcomes the publication of the first National Ecosystem Assessment CEH Director, Professor Mark Bailey, welcomed the publication today of the first National Ecosystem Assessment for the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UKNEACEHcontribution_2011_36.html Thu, 2 Jun 2011 17:00:00 GMT Major study reveals the hidden value of UK nature The most comprehensive valuation of Britain's natural environment and resources has been shown for the first time, following groundbreaking research by hundreds of British scientists. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UK-NEA_2011_35.html Thu, 2 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT CEH at Data Fair organised by Lighthill Risk Network Staff from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are among those attending a Data Fair organised by Lighthill Risk Network in London today, 1 June 2011. The event is aimed at showcasing new and innovative datasets of value to industry and the insurance sector, including data on natural catastrophes. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/data-fair_2011_34.html Wed, 1 Jun 2011 09:15:00 GMT Green Week conference taking place in Brussels this week The 11th edition of Green Week, the biggest annual conference on European environment policy, takes place in Brussels and around Europe this week (24-27 May) with the theme of resource efficiency. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/green-week_2011_33.html Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:00 GMT Nitrous oxide, forgotten greenhouse gas, discussed at Royal Society meeting A two-day scientific meeting, today and tomorrow at the Royal Society, is discussing how nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, can be better understood and what steps might be taken to combat its release. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nitrous-oxide-royal-society_2011_32.html Mon, 23 May 2011 12:15:00 GMT Defra Minister Richard Benyon visits CEH Richard Benyon MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries, visited the CEH site at Wallingford site today to discuss water resources, biodiversity and citizen science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/DefraMinisterRichardBenyonvisitsCEH_2011_31.html Fri, 19 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT New 3.28 million pound project to examine sustainability of bioenergy crops within the UK CEH is leading a new seven member 3.28 million pound consortium project, funded by the Energy Technologies Institute, examining the sustainability of bioenergy crops within the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/NewprojecttoexaminesustainabilityofbioenergycropswithintheUK_2011_30.html Fri, 19 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT Some of the UK's rarer butterflies showing signs of recovery - new results from the UKBMS New data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme shows that some of Britain's most threatened butterflies showed encouraging signs of recovery in 2010, although it was not such good news for some other species. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/uk-butterfly-numbers_2011_29.html Mon, 16 May 2011 09:30:00 GMT Latest monthly UK Hydrological summary published, for April 2011 April was a very remarkable month in hydrometeorological terms, according to the latest UK Hydrological Summary published by the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, operated by CEH in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/april-hydrological-summary_2011_28.html Thu, 12 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT Moth virus research could lead the way to better pest control Scientists are to investigate how lethal viruses attack differently sized populations of moths in research that may open the door to new methods of pest control. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/moth-virus-research_2011_27.html Tue, 10 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT New web portal provides improved access to NERC soils data A new web portal offering access to soils data collected by NERC has been officially launched, representing a collaborative effort between CEH and BGS. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/soil-portal_2011_26.html Tue, 10 May 2011 12:15:00 GMT The 1975-76 Drought: a contemporary and retrospective review The 1975-76 drought was considered at the time the most severe yet experienced across much of the UK. CEH has published a new 58-page report providing a contemporary and retrospective review of the event. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/1976-drought-report_2011_25.html Mon, 9 May 2011 16:50:00 GMT 8th International Symposium on Weather Radar and Hydrology The 8th International Symposium on Weather Radar and Hydrology (WRaH 2011) took place in Exeter last week (18 to 21 April 2011), with more than 140 presentations by delegates from around the world. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/wrah_2011_24.html Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT Free workshop for Biological Records Centre volunteer schemes and societies The Biological Records Centre, based within CEH, has arranged a one day workshop on Saturday 7 May 2011 to provide an opportunity for voluntary recording schemes to share experiences, celebrate their successes and identify future requirements for support. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/BiologicalRecordsCentreVolunteerday_2011_23.html Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT Distribution of British soil bacteria mapped for the first time Britain's soil bacteria have been mapped for the first time in the most comprehensive study of a country's soil biodiversity to date. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/UKsoilmicrobialmap_2011_22.html Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT Nitrogen and Global Change conference - final statement issued A major international science event took place in Edinburgh next week, bringing together scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the role of nitrogen in global change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nitrogen-conference_2011_15.html Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 GMT New monthly UK Hydrological summary published for March 2011 - stocks in many reservoirs fall appreciably Within the UK, March 2011 was provisionally the driest since 1961 for England and Wales, with very meagre rainfall totals in many areas, contributing to substantial accumulated rainfall deficiencies over periods of up to 16 months. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Mar2011-hydrological-summary_2011_20.html Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:35:00 GMT Europe's wildlife under threat from nitrogen An international study published today warns that nitrogen pollution, resulting from industry and agriculture, is putting Europe's wildlife at risk. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/wildlife-threat-nitrogen_2011_19.html Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:05:00 GMT New calculator enables individuals to measure their nitrogen footprint A new web-based tool that calculates an individual's nitrogen footprint has been launched at the Nitrogen and Global Change conference, taking place in Edinburgh this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nitrogen-calculator_2011_18.html Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:05:00 GMT Reactive nitrogen causing higher damaging emissions from forests in Europe than previously estimated Reactive nitrogen compounds from agriculture, transport and industry are causing increased emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide from forests in Europe, twice as high as estimated so far by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/forest-emissions-ENA_2011_17.html Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:30:00 GMT Excessive nitrogen harming the economy and environment A major new study has found that nitrogen pollution is costing each person in Europe around 130 - 650 pounds (or 150 - 740 Euros) a year. The first European Nitrogen Assessment has been launched at a conference in Edinburgh today. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/EuropeanNitrogenAssessment.html Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:30:00 GMT Nitrogen and Global Change - major science conference in Edinburgh next week A major international science event takes place in Edinburgh next week, bringing together scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the role of nitrogen in global change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/nitrogen-conference_2011_15.html Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:30:00 GMT New web pages provide improved access to river flow data The National River Flow Archive (NRFA) at CEH has launched all-new web pages, enabling improved public access to river flow data and a wealth of associated information. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/NRFA_new_pages_2011_14.html Wed, 6 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT CEH staff lead UK floods research delegation to China Staff from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are leading a research delegation to China this week to discuss how UK experts can work with their Chinese counterparts to address scientific issues relating to floods. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/RCUKfloodingtriptoChina_2011_13.html Tues, 22 Mar 2011 09:15:00 GMT Energy Lancaster launch brings together experts from wide range of energy-related areas Energy Lancaster, a new virtual institute for energy research linking various faculties and departments at Lancaster University with CEH, has been officially opened by Charles Hendry, the Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/energy-lancaster_2011-12.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:15:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for February 2011 Within the UK February 2011 was notably mild with most areas registering above average rainfall. Most rivers were in spate during the first ten days of the month; flood alerts and, generally moderate, floodplain inundations were common. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Feb2011-hydrological-summary-2011_11.html Thurs, 10 Mar 2011 16:45:00 GMT Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme assists with investigation into shooting of peregrine falcon CEH's Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS) was requested by the RSPB to assist in the investigation of a suspected shooting of a peregrine falcon. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/peregrine-shooting_2011_10.html Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:45:00 GMT CEH staff organise activities for National Science & Engineering Week 2011 The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is taking part in a number of activities during Bangor Science Festival, which starts on Friday (March 11) as part of National Science & Engineering Week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/science-week_2011_09.html Wed, 9 Mar 2011 11:30:00 GMT Severe flu pandemic response may damage effectiveness of wastewater treatment Existing plans for antiviral and antibiotic use during a severe influenza pandemic could reduce wastewater treatment efficiency before discharge into receiving rivers, resulting in deterioration of water quality at drinking water abstraction points, new research finds. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/flu-pandemic-wastewater_2011_08.html Wed, 2 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT Professor Mark Bailey becomes acting Director of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology For two years from 1 March 2011 Professor Mark Bailey will take on the role of acting Director of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). During this period Professor Pat Nuttall will take on a new post as the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Director, National Capability Integration, based at NERC's headquarters in Swindon. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/acting-director-CEH_2011_07.html Tue, 1 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT New assessment of the role of black carbon and tropospheric ozone in climate change Black carbon and tropospheric ozone are harmful air pollutants that negatively impact both human health and climate. This week the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has published a new assessment providing science-based advice on actions to reduce the impact of these pollutants. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/Blackcarbonandtrophosphericozone2011_06.html Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for January 2011. A month of contrasting synoptic patterns January was a month of contrasting synoptic patterns but, overall, near-average temperatures. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/jan2011-hydrological-summary-2011_05.html Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:00:00 GMT New research highlights hydrochloric acid as overlooked driver of environmental change Hydrochloric acid in the atmosphere, released mainly through coal burning, may have been a much bigger driver of pollution and damage to the environment than previously thought, new research suggests. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2011_news_item_04.html Tue, 8 Feb 2011 10:00:00 GMT CEH scientists team up with UK-US consortium to study the consequences of nanotechnology Scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are to join a UK-US consortium that will investigate the environmental and human health implications of nanotechnology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2011_news_item_03.html Thurs, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for December 2010 December was a truly remarkable month in climatic terms. The coldest December on record for the UK by a consider,able margin. For Scotland, it was the coldest month since February 1947 and, most notably, Northern Ireland registered its coldest month on record. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2011_news_archive_01.html Thurs, 13 Jan 2011 16:00:00 GMT Kittiwakes trans Atlantic winter odyssey linked to breeding success One of Britain's best known seabirds winters on opposite sides of the Atlantic depending on whether its breeding attempt has been successful according to new research published today in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2011_news_item_01.html Tues, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMT CEH Review of the year 2010 As 2010 draws to a close we take a look back at the wide range of research undertaken by CEH scientists over the last twelve months. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_53.html Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 GMT New monthly Hydrological summary published, for November 2010 The latest monthly hydrological summary, for November 2010, has been published by the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, operated by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_52.html Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:45:00 GMT New start up company to develop novel medicines IXO Therapeutics Ltd, a new biotechnology company formed to research and develop novel medicines from natural sources for the treatment of immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases, launches today. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_51.html Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:45:00 GMT Nitrogen and Global Change: Major international science conference to take place in Edinburgh in April 2011 The first European Nitrogen Assessment will be launched in April 2011 at a major international science event in Edinburgh, UK bringing together scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders to discuss the role of nitrogen in global change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_50.html Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:45:00 GMT The challenges of a world warmed by two or four degrees Leading scientists have contributed to a series of research papers about the impacts of global warming to coincide with the opening of the Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_49.html Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:45:00 GMT CEH Information Gateway launched The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has just launched the CEH Information Gateway, a new web portal that provides researchers and the wider public with quick, easy and direct access to a diverse range of environmental data. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_48.html Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:45:00 GMT An assessment of the rarity of the November 2009 Cumbria floods Almost a year after prolonged heavy rainfall brought extensive flooding to west Cumbria and other parts of the UK, CEH's work to assess the rarity of the event is ongoing. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_47.html Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:05:00 GMT Beyond 2010 conference looks at future of long-term biodiversity monitoring More than 100 experts from around the world are meeting in London this week to define the way forward for monitoring UK biodiversity. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_46.html Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:30:00 GMT Latest UK Monthly Hydrological Summary published, for October 2010 October was a relatively mild month in the UK but with a notably cold interlude and associated limited precipitation, the latest UK Monthly Hydrological Summary reveals. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_45.html Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:30:00 GMT CEH archives 5000th publication in NERC Open Research Archive The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology recently added its 5000th item to the Natural Environment Research Council's Open Research Archive, known as NORA. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_44.html Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:30:00 GMT CEH scientists give evidence to peatlands inquiry Dr Mike Billett and Dr Peter Levy from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology will give evidence today (3 November 2010) to the Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_43.html Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:30:00 GMT Grassland management key to alleviating poverty in China Understanding the links between grassland degradation and poverty in a remote region of China was the focus of a project workshop attended by international experts from the UK, Switzerland and China earlier this month. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_42.html Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:30:00 GMT Countryside Survey, Integrated Assessment report published The Countryside Survey (CS) Integrated Assessment report is now published.The Integrated Assessment uses CS data to investigate the ecosystem services, ecological processes that have value for individuals or society, provided by the British countryside. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_41.html Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:00 GMT Local Youth Forums visit CEH to learn about science Eighty young people with a passion for science visited the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology's Wallingford site, as part of the Youth Forum programmes run by two local district councils. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_40.html Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMT Mosses provide early warning of air pollution Researchers from the European Moss Survey have carried out the first detailed analysis of factors affecting nitrogen concentration in mosses. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_39.html Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMT September 2010 hydrological summary shows impact of wet month The UK registered its wettest September since 2000 last month, as autumnal weather patterns brought significant pulses of rainfall to most areas. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_38.html Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:30:00 GMT Conference aims to shape the future of long-term biodiversity monitoring Taking place soon after the Nagoya biodiversity summit, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the Environmental Change Network and the Natural History Museum are bringing together key experts to discuss best practice in monitoring biodiversity. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_37.html Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:00:00 GMT Vole study has important relevance for disease control in humans and other animals A study of voles has provided new clues on understanding infection in humans and other animals, according to research published this week in Science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_36.html Fri, 8 Oct 2010 09:00:00 GMT Ladybird team heads to Moscow Representatives of the UK Ladybird Survey, including Dr Helen Roy from CEH, are among a prestigious few chosen to represent the British scientific community at the Moscow Festival of Science this weekend (8-10 October). http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_35.html Thu, 7 Oct 2010 09:00:00 GMT New data from wildlife monitoring scheme show extent of rodenticide residues in the environment The latest report from the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme, run by CEH, suggests that more barn owls carry residues of potentially toxic rodenticides than previously thought. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_34.html Wed, 6 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT CEH hosts successful Open Day More than 100 stakeholders from government, industry, universities and NGOs visited the Centre of Ecology & Hydrology's Wallingford headquarters on September 16 for a special event showcasing CEH's science capabilities. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_33.html Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT Dull August marks end to another wet summer Drought conditions eased markedly throughout parts of the UK during an often wet August, according to the latest UK Hydrological Summary. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_32.html Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT Farm management choice can benefit fungi key to healthy ecosystems Farming practices have a significant impact on the diversity of beneficial microbial fungi known to play important roles in crop productivity, soil recovery and maintenance of healthy ecosystems, according to new research published in the journal Environmental Microbiology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_31.html Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT Killer shrimp and other non-native species sightings collated by CEH The public are being asked to alert the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology of any sightings of the invasive non-native species of shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, commonly known as the killer shrimp. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_30.html Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT Professor Jeremy Thomas given Marsh Award for Ecology after pioneering Large Blue butterfly work Professor Jeremy Thomas, a Professorial Fellow at CEH, has been given the Marsh Award for Ecology at this year's British Ecological Society AGM. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_29.html Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT Scots Pine shows its continental roots By studying similarities in the genes of Scots Pine trees, scientists have shown that the iconic pine forests of Highland Scotland still carry the traces of the ancestors that colonised Britain after the end of the last Ice Age, harbouring genetic variation that could help regenerate future populations, according to new results published in the journal Heredity. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_28.html Thu, 9 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT Bee conservation book launched as ecologists gather for annual event Scientific knowledge and experience about how to conserve wild bees around the world have been brought together by conservation scientists for the first time. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_27.html Mon, 6 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT CEH to host more than 100 stakeholders at Wallingford headquarters event More than 100 stakeholders from government, industry, universities and NGOs are to visit the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology's Wallingford headquarters on September 16 for a special event showcasing CEH's science capabilities and the value of UK environmental research. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_26.html Thu, 2 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMT CEH hosts notable visits to its Wallingford headquarters The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has hosted two notable visits to its Wallingford, Oxfordshire headquarters this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_25.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:00:00 GMT UK waters beginning to recover from acid rain A new report from the Acid Waters Monitoring Network reveals that measures put in place over the last 20 years to reduce pollution from so-called acid rain are proving successful. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_24.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT July 2010 sees exceptional spatial contrasts in rainfall and river flow patterns within the UK July was a month of exceptional spatial contrasts in rainfall and river flow patterns within the UK, the latest hydrological summary from the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme shows. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_23.html Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 GMT CEH ranked highly on environmental papers impact The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has been listed in the top 15 British institutions in the environment and ecology field, ranked according to the impact of science papers in the last ten years. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_22.html Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT CEH scientists speak at British Hydrological Society International Symposium Every six years the British Hydrological Society hosts a major international symposium, bringing together hydrologists from the UK and overseas for a week-long conference to discuss relevant issues and challenges facing hydrology and related disciplines. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_21.html Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT UK registers second lowest January to June rainfall in a series from 1914 A notably dry June has added significantly to accumulated rainfall deficiencies across much of the UK. Provisionally, the country has registered its second lowest January to June rainfall in a series from 1914 with particularly exceptional deficiencies characterising much of northern England and western Scotland. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_20.html Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:00 GMT Scientists seek help as native parasites attack ladybird invader Scientists investigating the spread of the invasive harlequin ladybird are asking the public to help record examples of native parasites attacking the alien species. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_19.html Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:30:00 GMT New Projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators Nine projects worth a total of up to #10M from the Insect Pollinators Initiative were announced today (22 June 2010). These projects will explore the causes and consequences of threats to insect pollinators and ask questions about the decline of honeybees and other pollinating insects over recent years. Dr Claire Carvell from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is leading the Insect Pollinators Initiative project, Investigating the impact of habitat structure on queen and worker bumblebees in the field. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_18.html Tues, 22 Jun 2010 07:30:00 GMT June 2010: News in Brief A round up of short news items from across the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/June2010-NewsinBrief.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:30:00 GMT Exceptionally dry January to May leads to low river and reservoir levels For the UK as a whole, the provisional January-May rainfall total was the lowest since 1964. The dry weather is reflected in reservoir stocks, currently standing at the lowest overall early June stocks since 1991, and river flows, where flow recessions through the late spring have been exceptionally steep. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_17.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT Snake populations decline in tropical and temperate climates Newly published data from the UK, France, Italy and Nigeria provides evidence that a number of snake species populations declined synchronously over a four year period. The research is published in the journal Biology Letters. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_16.html Wed, 9 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT CEH celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity 2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations, and May 22 is International Day for Biological Diversity. CEH carries out a wide range of biodiversity research and monitors changes in biodiversity both in the UK and elsewhere. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_15.html Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 GMT Windermere secrets revealed by 65 years of lake monitoring Scientists and conservationists are meeting in Cumbria today to celebrate 65 years of scientific research on one of the jewels of the English Lake District, Windermere. More than one million scientific observations have been made since 1945 with lessons from research at Windermere used across the world. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_14.html Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT UK schools and the BBC join the Ladybird Survey Later this month the BBC Breathing Places campaign launches its 'Spot some ladybirds' activity as part of its summer of action in the International Year of Biodiversity, encouraging schoolchildren across the UK to record the UK ladybird population. Results will be provided to the UK Ladybird Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_13.html Tue, 18 May 2010 15:00:00 GMT CEH response to volcanic ash fallout As volcanic ash fallout is predicted to reach ground level following the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland, scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have responded rapidly to increase sampling rates of air quality, soils and vegetation at its long-term monitoring sites across the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_12.html Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT Celebrations at Oxford's woodland ecological laboratory Ecologists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and other research institutions are gathering at Wytham Woods to celebrate its 60th anniversary as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Wytham is one of the most intensively monitored ecological survey sites in the world and the celebration will include the launch of a new book called Wytham Woods: Oxford's Ecological Laboratory. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_11.html Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:30:00 GMT Hot, dry and different Australian deserts are diversity-hotspots for lizards, according to research by Gary Powney and colleagues. Powney, who is a PhD student based jointly at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Imperial College London, mapped the species richness of Australian lizards, concluding that it was strikingly different from the richness patterns of mammals, amphibians and birds in the country. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_10.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:00:00 GMT Sewage to blame for phosphorus river pollution Phosphorus pollution from sewage, rather than in agricultural fertilisers, is the main culprit for polluting English rivers, according to long-term research recently published in three papers in Science of the Total Environment. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_09.html Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT Scientists call on the public to help monitor invasive species The new Recording Invasive Species Counts (RISC), project will encourage members of the public to record sightings of six invasive non-native plants and animals within the UK. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_08.html Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT Fears grow for some of Britain's rarest butterflies Five of Britain's rarest butterflies face a growing risk of extinction, according to analysis of new figures for butterfly sightings in 2009. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_06.html Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT CEH scientists play key role in first National Ecosystem Assessment CEH scientists are playing a key role in producing the UK's first National Ecosystem Assessment, providing new information on the changing natural environment in terms of ecosystems and the range of services these provide to people. The full report is due in early 2011 but an interim progress report has just been published. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_05.html Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 GMT Will earlier springs throw nature out of step? The recent trend towards earlier UK springs and summers has been accelerating, according to a study published today in the scientific journal Global Biology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_04.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 9:00:00 GMT Conservation from space: Landscape diversity helps conserve insects Rugged, hilly landscapes with a range of different habitat types can help maintain more stable butterfly populations and thus aid their conservation, according to new findings published in the journal Ecology Letters. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_03.html Mon, 08 Feb 2010 9:00:00 GMT Reports on state of Britain's ponds, soils and headwater streams now published Information on the state of Britain's ponds, headwater streams and soils is presented in three new reports published by the Countryside Survey partnership. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_02.html Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:00:00 GMT Worsening North Sea conditions could be increasing Atlantic puffin mortality in winter A recent increase in winter mortality in Atlantic puffins could be due to worsening conditions within the North Sea, according to new findings published in the scientific journal Marine Biology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2010_news_item_01.html Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT 2009 Review of the year Over the last twelve months Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) scientists have worked on a large number of research projects progressing towards the challenges outlined in the current science strategy "Integrated Science for Our Changing World". Throughout 2009 many projects and publications have generated significant interest from the public. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_52.html Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 GMT November 2009, Monthly Hydrological Summary for the UK The latest Monthly Hydrological Summary for the UK, for November 2009, was published last week. The Monthly Hydrological Summaries are published as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, operated jointly by the Centre for Ecology &Hydrology and the British Geological Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_51.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT CEH scientists speak on COP15 issues CEH science activities cover many of the issues under discussion at the COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Richard Harding of CEH has addressed an event at the conference, while Chris Huntingford has written about climate modelling on the Times Online website. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_50.html Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT Scientists at climate talks say changes to nitrogen cycle cannot be ignored An international group of scientists say there is an immediate need for a global assessment of the nitrogen cycle and its impact on climate. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_49.html Fri, 4 Dec 2009 15:00:00 GMT UK flooding situation Truly exceptional weather conditions have been experienced across some areas of the UK during the last week leading to severe flooding in Cumbria and other parts of England, Wales and Scotland. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_47.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT Biodiversity under threat from increasing nitrogen emissions The earth's natural biodiversity is under threat from too much nitrogen, a conference in Edinburgh attended by more than 100 international scientists has concluded. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_46.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT CO2 emissions from fossil fuels up by 29 per cent since 2000 Scientists have produced the strongest evidence yet that the rise in atmospheric CO2 emissions continues to outstrip the ability of the world's natural carbon sinks to aborb carbon. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_45.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT Discovery could improve environmental management of nanoparticle wastes A new understanding about nanoparticle behaviour in sewage treatment plants could improve the environmental management of nanoparticle wastes from consumer products in everyday use. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_44.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT Soils, butterflies and beetles responding to changing pressures on UK environment The first major review of trends in terrestrial ecology at 12 key sites within the UK Environmental Change Network has shown that soils, vegetation and animal communities all responded to environmental change over the study period. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_43.html Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT CEH joins the Willis Research Network The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has joined the Willis Research Network, which focuses on evaluating the frequency, severity and impact of major catastrophes such as flooding. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_42.html Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT Ecologists and conservationists sign seabird data agreement The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is among the 18 organisations signing a major agreement that will see the sharing of valuable data concerning seabirds around Britain and Ireland's seas. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_41.html Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT Environment Centre Wales wins international commendation The iconic Environment Centre Wales building in Bangor is rapidly building an international reputation as an exemplar building of sustainable design and construction, and is one of only three buildings worldwide to have received a commendation for its sustainable credentials. The commendation was made under the Sustainability Awards in the international final of the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Awards. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_40.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT Mobile phones at the ready for autumn ladybird invasion As ladybirds crawl into our homes for the winter, scientists have called for more photos to be sent in to the UK Ladybird Survey to help track the harlequin ladybird invasion. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_39.html Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT UK's biggest ever Countryside Survey: England results published The results of the biggest and most comprehensive survey of England's countryside and its natural resources are unveiled in a new report published today by the Countryside Survey partnership. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_38.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT Butterflies use more environmental space in warmer areas Butterflies basking in the relatively warm South of Britain are likely to be more liberal in their choice of where to live than their cousins in the cooler and wetter North, according to new findings published in the journal Ecology Letters. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_37.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT Major upgrade to industry standard flood estimation software A major upgrade to the industry standard UK flood estimation software has been launched. WINFAP-FEH version 3 incorporates recent scientific advances to the Flood Estimation Handbook statistical methods and offers improved functionality and ease of use. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_36.html Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT Drugs designed by nature could prevent heart attacks and blood clots Scientists from CEH are among those tapping into nature's medicine chest to develop a new drug from tick saliva that controls blood flow and prevents clotting. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_35.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:00:00 GMT Ecological restoration benefits biodiversity and human well-being Ecological restoration in areas of environmental degradation can help reverse global biodiversity losses, according to new findings published in Science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_34.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT CEH scientists featured in new podcasts CEH scientists Dr Nick Reynard and Dr Gina Mills can be heard discussing aspects of their work in two new podcasts available now through the Planet Earth Online website and on iTunes. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_33.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT British woodlands suffering large scale biodiversity loss Research published today shows that 21st century British woodlands are less distinctive than those of the early 20th century. Native woodland plants have re-organised in response to environmental changes such as increased soil fertility and canopy shading. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_32.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT Wales Countryside Survey results published The results of the most comprehensive survey of the Welsh countryside and its natural resources have been revealed in a new report from the Countryside Survey partnership. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_31.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT First biological recording mobile phone portal launched From today ladybird recorders will be able to send in records via their mobile phones as part of a new partnership between the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Woolworths.co.uk. It will be the first mobile portal in Britain for biological recording, enabling records to be sent in straight from the field or garden. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_30.html Fri, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT Crickets and grasshoppers march to the tune of climate change The rapid spread of some species of grasshoppers and crickets through Britain is proving a valuable indicator of climate change, research from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is showing. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_29.html Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT Invasive harlequin ladybird could threaten more than 1000 native species Scientists presenting at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition in London have warned that the invasive harlequin ladybird is likely to threaten more than 1000 of Britain's native species. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_28.html Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT Scotland Countryside Survey results published The results of the biggest and most comprehensive survey of Scotland's countryside and its natural resources have been unveiled in a new report from the Countryside Survey partnership. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_27.html Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT European climate change reports launched Two new reports examining climate change adaptation and policy-making across Europe have been launched at an event in Brussels. The reports are published by the Partnership for European Environmental Research (PEER), of which CEH is a member. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_26.html Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT Paper highlights remarkable efforts to save butterfly from extinction Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Large Blue butterfly's reintroduction to Britain, ecologists are for the first time publishing the details of the decades of research that has helped them to rescue this rare butterfly from the brink of extinction. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_25.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT Britain celebrates butterfly conservation success story Scientists and conservationists are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the reintroduction of the Large Blue butterfly to Britain at a special event in Somerset. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_24.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT CEH urges WI to help protect all pollinators The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology's Dr Claire Carvell has addressed the Women's Institute AGM in London to urge them to help protect all pollinators, not just the honey bee. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_23.html Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT ECW building wins prestigious Sustainability Award The Environment Centre Wales building in Bangor has won the 2009 Sustainability Award from RICS Wales. It will now represent Wales in the international finals of the prestigious awards in October. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_22.html Thu, 28 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT CEH marks International Biodiversity Day with announcement of Harlequin Ladybird exhibition CEH will be exhibiting its extensive work on the invasive harlequin ladybird at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition in June. The announcement coincides with the 2009 International Day of Biological Diversity, whose theme this year is alien invader species. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_21.html Fri, 22 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT The UK's energy system in 2050 The UK Energy Research Centre has released a major new report addressing two of the Government's energy policy goals, delivering reliable energy to consumers while meeting its legal commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_19.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT Scientists present new challenges for climate change policy Two studies published in Nature on 30 April show that the risk of dangerous climate change is primarily determined by the accumulation of carbon dioxide emissions over time, not by short-term emission rates. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_18.html Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:00:00 GMT Major event aims to protect and enhance natural capital Leaders from the public, private and non-governmental organisation sectors are coming together in London with prominent academics to highlight a new approach to managing the environment aimed at sustaining a growing global population under a changing climate. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_17.html Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:00:00 GMT Plants absorb more carbon under hazy skies Plants absorbed carbon dioxide more efficiently under the polluted skies of recent decades than they would have done in a cleaner atmosphere, according to new findings published in Nature. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_16.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:00 GMT 10 million pound initiative launched to tackle bee and pollinator decline Up to 10 million pounds is to be invested to help to identify the main threats to bees and other insect pollinators, under a major project announced today. Pollinators, including honey and bumble bees, butterflies and moths, play an essential role in putting food on our tables through the pollination of many vital crops. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_15.html Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT UK butterfly numbers fall to new low Butterfly numbers have fallen to a new low, according to data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, operated by Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_14.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT Dr Richard Harding speaks at European Water Conference, 3 April 2009, Brussels Dr Richard Harding from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is speaking at the European Water Conference 2009 being held in Brussels. Proceedings from the conference are being broadcast live on the web. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_13.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:00:00 GMT New report from PEER: Climate change policies Specific measures to tackle climate change, such as emissions trading, will only be successful if they are coherently supported by other government policies addressing economic and social issues, says a report published today by the Partnership for European Environmental Research. PEER membership is formed from seven of the biggest European environmental research institutes with the UK represented by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_12.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT CEH and the Copenhagen Climate Congress Scientists from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have attended the Copenhagen Climate Congress, presenting on a variety of subjects including climate modelling, bioenergy and ozone. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_10.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT Is global warming difficult to reverse? Global warming is going to be difficult to reverse, even if emissions stop abruptly, according to new research published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_08.html Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 GMT Carbon dioxide satellite launch fails through rocket fault The launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) satellite has failed after the Taurus XL rocket meant to deliver it into orbit did not jettison its casing at the planned time. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_07.html Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT Butterfly survival in a changing climate can be assisted by translocation A team of UK researchers has shown that butterfly survival in a changing climate can be greatly assisted if they are transported to climatically-suitable areas. This type of assisted colonisation could play a vital role in helping other species survive in a warming world. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_09.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT Amazon dieback could be prevented Parts of the Amazon rainforest may face less serious droughts this century than previously feared, according to new research. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_05.html Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT CEH Achieves the Investors in People Standard In January 2009 the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology was awarded the Investors in People standard. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_04.html Mon, 9 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT Ant sounds mimicked by invading butterflies Queen ants make distinctive sounds inside ant colonies according to new findings published today in the leading journal Science. The study also describes how, by mimicking queen ant sounds, pupae and caterpillars of the endangered Rebel's Large Blue butterfly trick worker ants into cleaning and feeding them in preference to their own offspring. The research was carried out by an international team from the University of Turin (Italy), the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UK), and the University of Oxford (UK). http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_03.html Thu, 5 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT New study links water pollution with declining male fertility New research strengthens the link between water pollution and rising male fertility problems. The study, by Brunel University, the Universities of Exeter and Reading and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, shows for the first time how a group of testosterone-blocking chemicals is finding its way into UK rivers, affecting wildlife and potentially humans http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_02.html Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT Bio-Linux goes global The NERC Environmental Bioinformatics Centre (NEBC), based at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, has released the latest version of NEBC Bio-Linux, a specialised computing system designed for the environmental genomics research community. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2009_news_item_01.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT CEH publishes Delivery Plan CEH has published its Delivery Plan, which outlines how we will address the scientific challenges and organisational goals set out in Integrated Science for Our Changing World, our Science Strategy 2008 to 2013. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_42.html Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT Loch Leven on road to recovery New results from 40 years of intensive scientific research show that Loch Leven in Scotland is on the road to recovery after decades of water quality problems. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_41.html Thurs, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT Countryside Survey 2007 results published The UK results of Countryside Survey 2007, the biggest ever survey of Britain's countryside and its natural resources, have been published. The results identify how the main features of the countryside are changing. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_40.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT Countryside Survey 2007 results to be published The UK results of Countryside Survey 2007 will be published on 18th November. The results will be used to support a range of objectives, from monitoring climate change and Government policy, to improving scientific understanding of the countryside. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_39.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Delivery Plan, 2008 to 2013 CEH is seeking feedback on its Delivery Plan, which outlines how we will address the scientific challenges and organisational goals set out in Integrated Science for Our Changing World, our Science Strategy 2008 to 2013. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_38.html Fri, 7 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT Alien Invader research on the BBC All this week BBC News is taking a closer look at some of the alien invaders in the UK. Biological invasions by non-native or 'alien' species are one of the greatest threats to the ecological and economic well-being of the planet. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_37.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT Plant seeds hitch rides on shoes It is often suggested that dispersal of seeds by humans is responsible for the spread of plants around the world, and may lead to non-native species invasions. Until now this has remained conjecture, because the human-mediated dispersal mechanism has never been quantified. A new study, published earlier this month in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, provides the first quantitative evidence that humans may be more important than natural agents, such as wind power, for the dispersal of plants across the landscape. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_36.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT 100 years of ammonia synthesis. How a single patent changed the world Today, 13 October 2008, is exactly 100 years after Fritz Haber filed his patent on the synthesis of ammonia from its elements which led directly to the Haber Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen. As a result of the Haber Bosch process, billions of people have been fed, millions have died in armed conflict and a cascade of environmental changes has been set in motion. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_35.html Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT Ozone controls failing to protect human health and the environment Existing controls are failing to reduce the air pollutant ground level ozone to a level that protects human health and the environment, and climate change will make the challenge harder, warns a major new report from the Royal Society the UK national academy of science published this week. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_34.html Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT Europe needs to intensify actions to adapt to climate change impacts Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation, rising sea level, more intense and frequent extreme weather events and melting glaciers, ice sheets and Arctic sea ice are some of the challenges for Europe already triggered by global climate change, says a report released this week by the European Environment Agency, the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_33.html Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT Side effects: chemotherapy drugs and the environment Could drugs used routinely in chemotherapy treatments find their way into the UK's streams and rivers? Dr Andrew Johnson investigates. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_32.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Climate change and the Thames estuary Critical research findings that will help plan future flood risk in the Thames Estuary are revealed today as part of the Environment Agency's Thames Estuary 2100 Project - a project that considers an adaptive approach for planning for future flood risk in the Estuary. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_31.html Tues, 23 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Grasshoppers and crickets to help track climate change Grasshoppers, along with bush crickets, are to become part of a new monitoring system to track climate changes. In November a web-based scheme will be launched to allow the public to record sightings of all 27 native species of grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera) in Britain. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_30.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Neighbours from hell: infanticide rife in guillemot colony One of Britain's best-known species of seabird is increasingly attacking and killing unattended chicks from neighbouring nests due to food shortages. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_29.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT August 2008, Monthly Hydrological Summary for the UK The latest Monthly Hydrological Summary for the UK, for August 2008, is published today. The Monthly Hydrological Summaries are published as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, operated jointly by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the British Geological Survey. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_28.html Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Dr Richard Harding speaks at European Water Research Day in Spain Dr Richard Harding from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology was a keynote speaker at the European Water Research Day event in Zaragoza, Spain on 8 September 2008. Proceedings on the day were broadcast live on the web. The European Water Research Day was organised by the European Commission Directorate General for Research as part of Expo Zaragoza 2008- the 'Biggest Water Festival on Earth!'. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_27.html Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Ecologists search for invasive ladybird's weak spot Scientists have discovered that, as well as being larger, hungrier and more aggressive than most British native ladybirds, the invasive alien harlequin ladybird is also more resistant to fungal disease and a parasitic wasp, two common natural enemies of native ladybirds. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_26.html Thu, 4 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT Wytham Woods to be European base for international climate change research programme Over the next five years Wytham Woods near Oxford will become the European hub of an ambitious global research programme into the impacts of climate change on forests. Earthwatch, an Oxford-based environmental charity, has announced the opening of its Europe Regional Climate Centre as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_25.html Tue, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT Male seabirds suffer at the hand of parasite-ridden mothers A new study has found that parasites contribute to reduced breeding success of seabird populations in the North Sea because they reduce the ability of mothers to rear their sons. The experimental research, which will be published online by the journal Science this week, was carried out on European shags breeding on the Isle of May, off the east coast of Scotland. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_24.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT A one-stop shop for minimal information standards International communities of life scientists merge efforts to create an initiative for harmonising minimal information standards in biology. More than 20 grass-roots standardisation groups, led by scientists at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), have combined forces to form the Minimum Information about a Biomedical or Biological Investigation (MIBBI) initiative. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_23.html Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT CEH wins best educational stand at Royal Welsh Show The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has won the award for best educational stand at the Royal Welsh Show, which is being held in Builth Wells from 21 to 24 July 2008. The Show is one of the largest agricultural events in Europe, attracting over 200,000 visitors. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_22.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT Is nitrogen a major cause of climate change? Dr Mark Sutton from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has spent his research career investigating the complex role of nitrogen, sometimes called the 'NitroNet' challenge, in the environment. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_21.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT CEH addresses Sustainable agriculture in the 21st Century at 2008 Parliamentary Links Day Professor Rosemary Hails MBE addressed 250 MPs and Scientists at yesterday's Parliamentary Links Day. This year the theme was: Science in an uncertain world: food, water, energy and climate change. Professor Hails' was invited to talk about the importance of Sustainable agriculture in the 21st Century. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_20.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT MBE for Brian Butler CEH is delighted to announce that Brian Butler, our Director Resource and Operations was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2008 for his support to environmental science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_19.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Major infrastructure developments at CEH's Headquarters site in Wallingford CEH's Headquarters site in Wallingford, Oxfordshire will see major infrastructure developments over the next two years with a number of new buildings and facilities being constructed. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_18.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Atlantis surfaces in London conference Leading representatives from across the public sector are meeting today, 13 June 2008, to discuss how the Atlantis Initiative is helping Britain combat flood risk in the 21st century. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_17.html Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Puffins added to the list of dwindling North Sea birdlife Atlantic Puffin numbers on the Isle of May off Scotland's east coast have declined by 30 percentage points during the last five years after a period of almost 40 years of rapid population increase http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_16.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Earthworm detectives provide genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution Earthworms are proving to be great detectives when it comes to identifying what pollutants are present in our soils. They are helping scientists to build up a detailed picture of how toxic chemicals and metals in soils interact with living organisms, by demonstrating the effects these toxins have on their genes. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_15.html Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Scientists meet this week to discuss changes in the Lake Windermere fish population after sixty years of monitoring work Leading scientists from the U.K., Norway, France and North America are meeting this week to discuss recent findings on the fish populations of Windermere and to plot a route for further international collaboration. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_14.html Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT Addressing the global nitrogen challenge: New papers in the leading Journal Science While human-caused global climate change has long been a concern for environmental scientists and is a well-known public policy issue, the problem of excessive reactive nitrogen in the environment is little-known beyond a small but growing circle of environmental scientists. Two new papers by leading environmental scientists highlight the problem in the May 16 issue of the leading journal Science. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_13.html Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT Putting fleas on the map in Britain and Ireland A new atlas is published this week mapping the distribution of the 60 species of flea found in Britain and Ireland. The atlas is the result of over 50 years of work by former World War Two fighter pilot and science teacher, Bob George from Bournemouth. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_12.html Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT International Group of scientists publishes guidelines for the improved description of Genomes and Metagenomes The Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC), an international initiative led by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and including representatives from a range of major sequencing and bioinformatics centres, has created a new guideline for describing genomes and metagenomes. The guideline, 'Minimum Information about a Genome Sequence' (MIGS), is published in the May issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_11.html Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT Amazon under threat from cleaner air The Amazon rainforest, so crucial to the Earth's climate system, is coming under threat from cleaner air say prominent UK and Brazilian climate scientists in the leading scientific journal Nature. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_10.html Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT CEH Launches Five Year Science Strategy CEH, part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), launched its Science Strategy for 2008-2013, Integrated Science for Our Changing World, on 30 April 2008. The launch event was held at the Royal Society in London, the UK's national science academy, with many stakeholders in attendance. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_09.html Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT Butterflies at record low after wet summer of 2007 Britain's butterflies need good weather in the coming months to recover from last year's dreadful summer, the wettest since records began. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_06.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT Scientists travel to the rainforest Four Centre for Ecology & Hydrology scientists are currently working in the Malaysian Rainforest of Borneo contributing to a major NERC funded air chemistry study. The project (OP3-Danum-2008) is aimed at quantifying the emissions of trace gases from the forest, and studying their contribution to the formation of oxidants and secondary particulate matter in a nearly undisturbed South-East Asian tropical environment. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_07.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to chair the Partnership for European Environmental Research On the 1st of April 2008 the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) takes over the chairmanship of the Partnership for European Environmental Research (PEER). With seven partners across Europe, including the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, a total staff number of 4700 and an overall annual budget of #230M, the PEER partnership represent the most powerful European network in the environmental sciences. CEH will chair PEER for a two year period. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_08.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT Summer 2007 Floods: A Very Singular Event A new scientific study of the wet summer of 2007 confirms that the floods were a very singular event and does not support the idea that the exceptional river flooding was linked to climate change. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_05.html Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT Prime Minister Gordon Brown opens new Environment Centre Wales A new #7 million centre of excellence for environmental science was officially opened in Bangor today by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 'Environment Centre Wales' brings together the scientific expertise of NERC's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and Bangor University. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_03.html Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT Public interest charts the impact of the most invasive ladybird on earth The Harlequin Ladybird has gone from a biological control agent to potentially the 'most invasive ladybird on earth', scientists from across Europe announced today through the publication of a special issue of the journal BioControl. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_03.html Thu, 7 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT CEH Spin-Out Company, Microbial Solutions, raises #1.2 million to develop Innovative Wastewater Treatment Technology Microbial Solutions Ltd, a newly formed spin-out company from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, announced this week that it has raised #1.2 million to commercialise its innovative wastewater treatment technology, which uses a collection of non-pathogenic bacteria to cleanse toxic metal working fluids from the engineering industry. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2008_news_item_01.html Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT New Publication: Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Science Review 2006-2007 The latest edition of the annual Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Science Review was published earlier this month. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#ScienceReview Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT Integrated Science for Our Changing World: CEH's Science Strategy for 2008-2013 CEH is seeking feedback on its science strategy for the five-year period 2008-2013, `Integrated Science for Our Changing World', which it is planning to launch in Spring 2008. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/consultation/index.html Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT UK's biggest ever Countryside Survey underway The biggest and most comprehensive survey of the natural resources of the British countryside begins this week. The Countryside Survey will be carried out by a team of over sixty specially trained scientists working for the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#cs2007 Fri, 18 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT A level student receives major award at the Royal Society A level student Georgia Connolly of St Mary's School, Shaftesbury, has won a prestigious science competition after spending last summer working on a Nuffield bursary project on chemical extraction at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's research site at Winfrith in Dorset. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#ALevel Wed, 7 Mar 2007 11:00:00 GMT International Polar year 2007-2008 The most ambitous scientific effort for 50 years kicks off this week. The UK launch of International Polar Year takes place on Monday 26 February 2007, at the Royal Society, London in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#polarYear Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:00:00 GMT Lifetime Achievement Award for Seabird work Mike Harris (Emeritus Fellow at Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Banchory and Honorary Professor at Glasgow University) received the Pacific Seabird Group's (PSG) Lifetime Achievement Award http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#seabirdWork Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:00:00 GMT Environmental managers hear about our latest aquatic plant research Last week the Centre for Ecology and Hydrologys aquatic plant management group ran the 38th annual Robson Meeting http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#envManager Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:00:00 GMT Migrant Butterflies and Moths Invade the UK as European Temperatures rise New research published this month links increased migration of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) to the UK during the last two decades to a pattern of rising temperatures in South West Europe. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/index.html#migrantButterfly Mon, 8 Jan 2007 11:00:00 GMT CEH Science Review 2005-2006 now available for download This years Science Review is now available for download http://www.ceh.ac.uk/products/publications/ar0506.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 15:00:00 GMT First Minister of Wales visits Bangor The First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, paid a short visit to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) site at Bangor, North Wales on Thursday 23rd November. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#welshMinister Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:00:00 GMT Craigleith Puffins star on Channel 4 On Sunday, the 26th November, the Channel 4 series 'Wild Thing I Love You' featured the work of Dr Rene van der Wal and colleagues from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology research sites at Banchory and Edinburgh. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#puffin Fri, 24 Nov 2006 10:30:00 GMT Explosion in alien ladybird populations One of the world's most invasive insects is arriving in the UK in record numbers. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#alien_ladybirds Mon, 6 Nov 2006 09:00:00 GMT Why Africa needs water science On Tuesday 31 October 2006 10 staff from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) went to London for the premiere of Ali Hobbs's documentary The Long Walk. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#africa_water Wed, 1 Nov 2006 16:30:00 GMT Potential environmental risks associated with widespread use of influenza drug Tamiflu, an antiviral flu drug, is recommended worldwide for the prevention and treatment of pandemic influenza infection. New research by a team of scientists based at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) sites in Oxford and Wallingford, UK concludes that extensive usage by the human population could cause a serious environmental challenge as well as encourage a new strain of avian flu to develop. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#environmental_challenge Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:15:00 GMT Why Creationism Is Wrong and Evolution Is Right: Professor Steve Jones speaks at Winfrith Professor Steve Jones, Geneticist, Author and Broadcaster. was the guest speaker at the eighth Winfrith Public Lecture held at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's research site in Dorset on Thursday 16th March http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/oct_dec06.html#evolution Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 GMT Extinct butterfly makes spectacular comeback The Large Blue butterfly became extinct in Britain in 1979. But thanks to a partnership of conservation organisations, an incredible 10,000 flew on 11 sites this summer. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#large_blue Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT Chris Huhne MP visits our Dorset site Chris Huhne, Member of Parliament for Eastleigh and Shadow Environment Food and Rural Affairs Secretary for the Liberal Democrats, visited our Dorset site on Tuesday 12th September. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#huhne_dorset Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:45:00 GMT Biodiversity: what on earth is it? Public event Dr Pete Carey from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology research site at Monks Wood will be talking about biodiversity at this weeks BA Festival of Science in Norwich. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#bio_what Wed, 6 Sep 2006 16:30:00 GMT Early Spring in Europe matches recent climate warming Conclusive proof that Spring is arriving earlier across Europe than it did 30 years ago is published today in the journal Global Change Biology. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#early_spring.html Fri, 25 Aug 2006 09:00:00 GMT CEH's exhibit wins Gold Medal at the Royal Welsh Show Staff from CEH Bangor presented a stand showcasing CEH research on climate change at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show at the end of July. The CEH stand was a great success, winning gold prize for 'Best Exhibit of Educational and Instructional Value'. The Show is not only the place to connect with key scientists, policy makers and funders in Wales but it's also a fantastic opportunity to talk to the public in an informal way and tell them about the work we are doing at CEH. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#welsh_show Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:00:00 GMT Dorset scientists visit countryside and coast festivals Our Dorset scientists have been out and about this summer speaking with the public and showcasing current work. Staff attended two country festivals, the first located next to a castle and second on a pier on the coast. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#seafest Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 GMT Pipefish population explosion will not save starving seabirds An unexplained population explosion of snake pipefish is occurring in the seas around northern Britain. But the abundance of these fish will not prevent large numbers of puffins, terns and kittiwakes from starving to death. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/july_sept06.html#pipefish Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:00:00 GMT