Diverse agri-environmental schemes which combine flowering crops with semi-natural habitats, such as grasslands and hedgerows, will be best for bees, new research suggests. The researchers examined the foraging behaviour of honey bees, bumblebees and other wild bees and found that all bees used semi-natural habitats, which were particularly important for wild bees, in addition to crops, such as sunflowers.

The importance of 'stepping stone' patches of habitat for biodiversity has been underestimated, a new study suggests. The researchers developed a new connectivity model, which better captures the effects of stepping stones on species movement.

Offshore renewable energy sites may provide new 'stepping stone' habitats for marine species, a recent study suggests. They could allow some species to spread beyond their present range and help vulnerable creatures survive in the face of climate change. However, they may also allow harmful invasive species to spread, the researchers warn, and the effects of such projects must be assessed by examining their impacts on the ecosystem as a whole.

‘Biodiversity offset’ schemes, which aim to compensate for the loss of unspoilt habitats to development, could lead to an overall loss in biodiversity, a recent study warns. Furthermore, the researchers highlight the considerable time needed, often hundreds of years, to fully recreate an ecosystem.

Bottom trawling-dragging nets along the sea floor-reduces biodiversity most severely in deeper, species-rich habitats, a study suggests. New research in the Dutch North Sea has shown that this type of trawling had less effect on species richness in shallow areas with coarse sediments. These results suggest that efforts should be made to reduce trawling in these kinds of sensitive habitats, the researchers say.

Monitoring and assessment of habitats is essential to evaluate biodiversity policy and improve the condition of valuable ecosystems. A new study has reviewed the value of remote sensing — using information from satellite or airborne imagery — for this purpose, and the authors make a series of key recommendations, including the importance of tailoring remote sensing output for policymakers.

The fragmentation of brown trout (Salmo trutta) habitat indirectly affects the threatened freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), a new study has shown. Dams and weirs, which affect the migration of the fish, also have a knock-on effect on the mussels, because they rely on brown trout during the larval stage of their lives.

Adapted habitat equivalency analysis (HEA) may help decision makers select projects to restore damaged ecosystems under a limited budget. HEA, used to assess damages to natural resources, can help to clarify objectives and compare trade-offs between projects to choose the most cost-effective among them, according to this study’s authors.

Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) populations survive equally well in grassland and artichoke fields in Italy, a recent study has concluded. Overall, however, populations are declining and the researchers recommend reducing pesticide use, growing alternative crops such as artichokes, and maintaining grasslands as part of the farming landscape.

The Natura 2000 network is the backbone of nature conservation in the EU, and agri-environment schemes (AES) are an important tool to protect biodiversity on European farmland. A recent study, which investigated the effectiveness of AES in relation to grassland birds in Poland, found that AES were not associated with species richness of target species, and proposed a number of reasons for this. The researchers recommend that AES management regimes should be diversified and customised to provide optimal habitat for a wider range of bird species.

Habitat fragmentation is a threat to biodiversity, especially in agricultural land where there are also many endangered species. Corridors between habitats are one way to counteract its effects. A study suggests that grassy field margins — established throughout Europe to improve water quality — could act as corridors. The study, which measured the effects of field margins on butterflies, concludes that agricultural schemes should include this corridor function.

Researchers have found that farmer experience, concerns and motivation influence environmental outcomes for agri-environment schemes (AES), in a study in southern England. Farmers with more environmental-management experience and/or concern for wildlife created habitats that provided more pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies and winter seed for birds. The results suggest that supporting environmental learning among farmers may increase the success of AES.

The willingness of farmers to create wetlands within agri-environment schemes (AES) has been assessed as part of a new study in Sweden. Land-owning farmers and those with prior knowledge of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) were more likely to create wetlands than leasehold farmers or those with no prior knowledge of WFD. Common reasons for not wanting to take part in the scheme included the farmers’ senior age, that wetlands would not be suitable on the farm and high costs — leading the researchers to suggest that changes in subsidy payments may increase wetland creation.

The cost-effectiveness of agri-environment schemes to conserve species and habitats under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) has been assessed by a recent study. Cost-effectiveness was found to vary widely between schemes. Improvements in cost-effectiveness relative to specific conservation objectives might be achieved with increased geographical targeting, advice and monitoring of impacts.

A species of mussel has been used to investigate the connectivity of two marine protected areas (MPAs) along the central Portuguese west coast in a new study. The chemistry of mussel shells was used to trace the dispersal routes for larval mussels, demonstrating that the Arrábida MPA is an important source population in the area.

Grey uses a YouTube limitation to his advantage, Myke is nervous about an event, and they both read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

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Researchers find that breastfed children were exposed to more food flavors and were therefore more likely to be healthier eaters than their non-breastfed peers.

Polar bears have shifted to a diet of more land-based food in response to climate change and melting sea ice.

Will Obama’s green cabinet give birth to the next spotted owl?

A freshwater lake the size of the state of West Virginia has practically disappeared. The lessons that the Aral Sea may hold for U.S. waterways.

History has been made. Today is for the hangover, and then the hard work. Six distinguished environmentalists weigh in.

Obama steals a play from the Reagan/Bush playbook, and hopes for the opposite result.

What’s been called the largest wetlands restoration in the Western U.S. was halted in December. California is projecting up to a $42 billion budget shortfall

Sometimes, the big guns in Congress aim to keep stuff 'away' from their states. Senator Harry Reid and the tale of Yucca Mountain is a prime example.

An MNN column causes an uproar in the scientific and not-so-scientific community. Our columnist responds.

OK, I admit. Maybe there's no such thing as climate change. Maybe it's all a hoax. Maybe.

Humanity is often at its worst and wackiest in our search for water. Peter Dykstra on a free-flowing font of bad ideas.

Step right up and watch how the government is misspending your tax dollars on the environment.

Being eco-minded on Earth Day is like being merry on Christmas. It's to be expected. But here are seven things you can actually do to wake you from your eco-slu

You'll never guess who's fighting to stop the construction of a wind farm off the shores of Cape Cod. Environmentalists.

"Enron could've saved us" and four other environmental predictions that didn't come true.

Garbage science isn't rocket science. Each of us throws away a ton of stuff every year. Literally. The problem, and why it's only getting worse.

Obama is an agent of change. Or at least he's supposed to be. Peter Dykstra grades six areas of the Obama presidency.

Scientists say Zealandia meets all the requirements to qualify as a continent, even though 94% of it is underwater.

Looking to simplify your life, save some money, boost your health and help the planet? Then these grandma-tested customs are for you.

These 3 changes in your paper towel, zipper bag and plastic bag habits will get you started on your way to using fewer of these products.

What happens two months after a major environmental disaster, when the lights go out and everyone stops paying attention?

Sustainability played a key role at this year's CES with both the CEA and Bosch donating materials and funds to Habitat for Humanity green building efforts.

From what you eat to where you eat it, here's how to help the planet on your lunch break.

Researchers in Sweden found that children who skipped breakfast regularly had a significant increase in symptoms of metabolic syndrome as adults.

Video: Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for The Rolling Stones and cofounder of MNN, sits down with the Indigo Girls to chat about the complexities of touring with bi

Recession? What recession? Step right up as the coal industry is loading up on lobbyists.

Coal has made Duke Energy wealthy, yet the company's CEO admits it can be dangerous. Will he solve the problem?

Here are 14 of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Eelgrass is thriving again, thanks to the help of a sea otter rehabilitation program.

New meta-trackers integrate data for an overall view of users' activity and aim to find hidden connections that might help users improve their lives.

Many older workers are already taking advantage of the flexibility and freedom of the gig economy, so the millennial habits just make sense.

Take our Green Driving Quiz to find out how much you know about fuel economy and sustainable driving.

A compilation of the best original stories from Mother Nature Network for the week, including Bear Grylls' eating habits, a webcam of Mount Everest and much mor