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.

Ecological risk maps showing 'hotspots' of risk to wildlife from single or combined soil pollutants have been developed. These maps can be used to improve risk analysis and stakeholder communications.

New research has provided the first conclusive evidence that microplastics ingested by marine wildlife can transfer toxic pollutants to their tissues. The researchers studied lugworms fed on PVC particles contaminated with either widespread marine pollutants or plastic additives and found that these 'earthworms of the sea' absorbed the chemicals into their gut tissue, which reduced their ability to perform essential functions.

Nanolithography — a way of making finely detailed patterns or structures, such as those found in advanced computer microchips, uses toxic and corrosive chemicals. Researchers have now shown that these could be replaced with eco-friendly silk proteins and water, eliminating the need to use and dispose of hazardous chemicals, while achieving similar levels of detail to conventional methods.

A drug used to treat parasite infections at fish farms can contaminate the surrounding environment and threaten local wildlife, a new study shows. Following a week-long treatment at a Norwegian salmon farm, the authors found concentrations of an anti-sea-lice drug that were high enough to kill some crabs, shrimps and lobsters. However, they suggest the drug is not likely to pose a risk to humans.

Fertilisers have boosted crop yields but at the same time can have negative effects on the environment. This study investigates fertiliser ‘ecoinnovations’, with reduced environmental impact, in Germany. By gathering the views of experts, producers, traders and farmers, the researchers make recommendations for increasing uptake of environmentally friendly fertilisers, including increasing knowledge and awareness among traders and farmers.

Biological control agents are an environmentally-friendly way of controlling pests and diseases on crops and are advocated in the EU’s Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive1. The authors of a new review of the current state of biological control refer to a recent UN report2 which states that it is possible to produce enough food to feed a world population of nine billion with substantially less chemical pesticides — and even without these pesticides if sufficient effort is made to develop biocontrol-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. The study suggests that policy measures can speed up the development and use of environmentally-friendly crop protection.

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has a significant effect on death rates in French cities, a new study shows. The research confirms the short-term impacts of PM₁₀, but also sheds new light on the effects of smaller particulates: PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5. Its results could help inform public health advice, the authors propose.

For economic and political reasons, freight shipping has begun to utilise shorter routes across Arctic waters. This study assessed the costs, emissions and climate impact of trade using the Northern Sea Route between the Northern Pacific and Europe. It concludes that there are no overall climate benefits to using this route, even though it reduces voyage distance, due to the additional impact of emissions in the Arctic region.

Researchers have developed a new computer model to help decision-makers quickly assess proposed strategies to cut air pollution, by generating an array of useful data and maps in under half a minute. The model uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to quickly make sense of the complex problem of urban air quality, and innovatively considers the influence of public opinion in its assessment of emission reduction strategies — given that some are deemed more socially acceptable than others.

Russia comes to Radlett for Radlett Musical Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

The enchanting world of CBeebies’ hit animated series Sarah & Duck comes to life on stage in Radlett this week. Featuring a host of characters from the BAFTA Award-winning TV show, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday plays three performances at the Radlett Centre on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ⸺  Long-term repair work is underway to rebuild state-maintained roads that sustained severe damage during Tropical Storm...

Josh Shaw returned his best figures of the season as Gloucestershire gained the upper hand by bowling Middlesex out on the opening day of their County Championship clash in Northwood.

Tim Murtagh grabbed his fourth five-wicket haul in the County Championship this season as Middlesex rolled Gloucestershire over for 137 to clinch victory inside three days at Merchant Taylors’ School.

Steven Finn feels Middlesex’s Vitality Blast side possess similar qualities to the team that clinched the county’s first and only T20 triumph 11 years ago.

Dawid Malan’s imperious unbeaten knock of 91 steered Middlesex to a rare Vitality Blast victory against Gloucestershire at Radlett as they climbed to second place in the South Group.

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

Middlesbrough stand between Watford Ladies and a place in the FAWNL Plate final after the Golden Girls swept aside Chichester City 4-0 to march into the last four.

The bad weather has caused yet more frustration for Watford Ladies after their FAWNL Plate semi-final at Middlesbrough tomorrow was postponed.

Watford Ladies will face West Bromwich Albion in the final of the FA Women's National League Plate after beating Middlesbrough 2-0 in the semi-final on Sunday.

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The disappearing middle class is dealing with some serious #FirstWorldProblems, like watery quinoa and no Shiraz for the beef bourguignon.

Paddles the polydactyl cat took Twitter by storm after being elected into office with her mom, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Taking your sweetie out for romantic date can be challenging, stressful and expensive. But it definitely doesn’t have to be. Be a bit creative and have some f

These adorable pictures are sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Professional cuddling businesses are popping up across the country, and the world's first cuddling convention will take place this Valentine's Day.

California's congested freeways could be a boon for large-scale piezoelectric power generation.

In the Emoji Age, pencil-pushing may soon be a lost art.

Global clock tallies environmental and energy impacts, and poses some frightening stats.

Officials will offer money to owners of environmentally sensitive farmland if they idle it in a conservation program instead of growing crops.

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is rich with wildlife and history — and it's under siege from the waters that surround it. And it's only to get worse.

Here are some fun reads for budding environmentalists.

Everything from dandruff shampoo to olive oil can be used to treat this unsightly yet harmless condition.

Nashville-based Gro Furniture releases Bam B and P Pod, two ingeniously designed modern cribs that Junior — unless he reaches Kris Humphries' height by the ag

It’s easier than ever to make sure your purchase packs an activist punch. You can use your dollar for good, by choosing companies who make it their mission to