Agri-environment schemes (AES) have been implemented throughout Europe to mitigate against the negative effects of agricultural intensification. Although these schemes have shown positive effects on the abundance and richness of certain species and taxa, the impact of AES on reproduction of target species at the local and landscape scale is poorly understood. This large-scale study looked for the effect of selected AE measures on bumblebee reproduction. Results indicate that bumblebee reproduction is significantly higher on sown flower patches when compared to conventional management. Although the increase is most pronounced at the plot scale, higher reproduction was found in landscapes surrounding larger sown plots (at least one hectare) compared to smaller sown plots.

A recent study has investigated the effectiveness of the EU concentration limit for Plant Protection Products (i.e., agricultural pesticides) in protecting groundwater ecosystems. For the majority of pesticides, the standard of 0.1 micrograms per litre for each individual pesticide was found to be sufficient, but this may not be the case for some insecticides.

An overview of groundwater contaminants in Europe is provided by a recent study, which calls for more integrated monitoring using a range of indicators. Groundwater contamination presents serious health and environmental concerns.

The public places a high value on the use of scientific information, especially regarding climate change, in the management of groundwater resources, a case study in Finland indicates. This suggests that incorporating scientific research into management policies is likely to have the support of stakeholders in the region.

Soil is an overlooked source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for grazing cows, finds a new study of contaminated farms in Switzerland. The researchers tested a new modelling tool to track two specific environmental POPs — known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins (PCDD/Fs) — as they moved from the farm environment into a cow’s body over time. The tool could be used to assess measures designed to decontaminate animals or to prevent contamination, such as grazing regimes that aim to reduce the risk of cows eating soil accidentally.

Over the past two decades, concern has grown globally about the occurrence of anthropogenic organic contaminants in the environment, such as substances used in pharmaceuticals, food production and manufacturing. Many of these compounds are not sufficiently monitored or regulated in groundwater — a critical water resource in Europe. A recent paper proposes an approach to developing the first voluntary Groundwater Watch List (GWWL): an initiative with which to identify, monitor, and characterise substances that have the greatest potential to pollute this water resource.

New low cost methods using bacteria to remove toxic metals from groundwater have been investigated using both actual contaminated groundwater and artificially controlled systems. Environmental conditions, such as changing levels of acidity or alkalinity, can have a significant effect on the removal of toxins, results show.

Bacteria taken from underground petroleum reserves could be used to effectively break down crude oil from spills at sea, new research has found. The study measured the breakdown of crude oil components in simulated seawater by four bacterial strains that had been isolated from petroleum reservoirs, as well as by four genetically modified stains. The findings raise the possibility of tailor-making organisms to clean up specific types of contamination.

A BT One Enterprise Cisco solution makes voice calls between the UK and India simple and immediate. In most cases they’re free of charge too. Best of all, the employees feel as one with the BT global team.

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.

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A new book will tell the story of Watford’s lost places.

Radlett Cricket Club head groundsman Nick Searle has received a commendation in this year’s annual ECB Groundsman of the Year Awards.

Watford Ladies started the new year with a flourish in their resounding 5-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the Women's FA Cup third round.

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber insists it is not just clubs fighting for Premier League survival who oppose the completion of the season at neutral venues.

SierraConstellation Partners' Basil Karampelas says oil and gas firms need to focus on three themes.

Scientists and engineers from NTU Singapore and the University of Leeds in the U.K. have created the first electrically driven topological laser, which has the ability to route light particles around corners and to cope with defects in the manufacture of the device....

The oil price has been predicted to hit $100 per barrel in around 18 months.

Antwon Lee tells his little man "it's OK to cry" and to "stay strong" during the ordeal.

Food news and items of interest from around the Web for your weekend reading.

The U.S. has moved from a pyramid to a plate. How do other countries visually communicate good nutrition?

These symbols of good luck from around the world might just improve your energy in the universe.

The festivities preceding the Catholic season of Lent are known by different names in different parts of the world. But it's a celebration everywhere.

The Council of Nicaea decided that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

More questions are being raised about nuclear power — in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Reuters investigates the growing trend of builders keeping hush about the severing of mineral rights attached to newly built homes.

Alaska's Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is silent and still as fog creeps towards Mount Dutton.

Environmental group 10:10 Climate Action sees untapped potential in waste heat extracted from waterways buried beneath the British capital.

Devil’s Den Spring in Florida is a premier diving spot hidden inside a sunken cavern.

Car giant Honda breaks ground on a net-zero energy home, a super-efficient demo home at UC Davis.

Activists line up for different causes along different U.S. coasts to make sure that politicians know how they feel about methly iodide and a proposed pipeline

Offshore wind farms may become seal hunting grounds, new research shows.

Soundtracked by Sigur Rós, the ultra-mellow trek was broadcast live on national television.

The Air Quality Egg was named one of Kickstarter's best projects of 2012.

It's unlikely that coffee or tea is growing in your garden, so after you finish that cup, put the grounds to work with these clever ideas.

The idea behind Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam's lovely, loopy play structures was born when children started playing on the designer's crochet sculpture in an art ga

We've found several camping areas on lakes, rivers and the ocean that offer beautiful views and plenty of recreational opportunities.

iFixit.org is dedicated to providing free repair manuals to every gadget on Earth.

Food news from around the web for your weekend reading

The 'Icelandic Model' may be the country's best export.

Even remote places like the French Pyrenees can contain urban levels of microplastics.

From sustainability as a means of innovation to envisioning a prosperous, peaceful future free of oil, coal and nuclear energy, these five books are taking care

After two years of fighting for permission to build along the city's waterfront, Lucas says he's pivoting back to California.

These 'Groundhog Day' quotes are perfect for when you feel like you're living the same day over and over.

Take a photo tour of 10 different facilities around the world where SC Johnson is using renewable energy and learn about their positive environmental impact.

Basketball, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel, an underground lake and a spa are just some of the attractions found in this majestic 13th-century Romanian salt mine.

More than 7,000 cities in 172 countries are expected to take part in the one-hour event on Saturday.