Environment Agency

Managing the impacts of drought in the Midlands

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Drought, Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, hydrometry, Nature, Ofwat, Rivers, Sustainability, Water, Water Monitoring
Two Environment Agency officers, a man and a woman, both wearing waterproof bib-and-brace dungarees, walk up a shallow, narrow stream in the forest with nets and buckets looking for any fish in need of rescue and removal to safer, deeper waters.

What is the situation in England? Drought was declared in the West and East Midlands on 15 July, joining the North-West and Yorkshire which went into drought in June. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water …

Reflecting on progress in regulation: Paving the way to EA2030 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Environment Agency, Nuclear, Our staff, Planning, Regulated industry, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Water, Water Monitoring
A group of Environment Agency staff wearing blue hard hats and high visibility clothing in conversation

With the launch of EA2030, the Environment Agency has set out a clear and ambitious strategy for the years ahead. This vision responds directly to the climate and nature emergencies and outlines how we will work with partners to deliver …

From Fish to Rare Crayfish: England’s Drought Wildlife Rescue Operations 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Drought
A group of people in overalls on the bank of a body of water, with a large net to capture fish which are in need of rescue.

Fisheries teams across England respond as drought and prolonged dry weather puts aquatic life at risk.  England’s driest start to the year since 1976 is severely impacting waterways. While Environment Agency fisheries officers work with partners to help fisheries prepare …

What citizen scientists are telling us about bathing waters through AI signposts

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Citizen Science, Cleaner Seas, Cleaner Seas, Community, Environment Agency, tourism, Water, Water Monitoring
A smart phone being pointed at a QR code

Hello Lamp Post-driven QR signage being put up at Combe Martin in Devon Valuable new information about how and when people use popular bathing waters has become available, ten months after AI-powered signage was launched at pilot sites around England.  …

Inclusive access to work experience for young people: The Environment Agency's NEW Virtual Work Experience Programme

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Flood
Photo shows child looking at computer screen with headphones on. Text is overlayed on the image and states 'Springpod Virtual Work Experience - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Environment Agency

Engaging our future workforce The Environment Agency, working with Defra, has launched our first Virtual Work Experience programme. It introduces young people to the Environment Agency and specifically the work we do in flood and coastal risk management (FCRM). It’s …

How the Environment Agency monitors and tests bathing water quality

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Cleaner Seas, Environment Agency, Water
Many parts of the UK's coastline are used for bathing and leisure.

As the weather is warming and more people are heading outside to enjoy beaches, rivers and lakes, we’re starting our regular monitoring of bathing waters. Between now and the end of September, millions of people will head to bathing waters …

Take part in a consultation on guidance used by the water companies when they draft their new drought plans

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Regulated industry, Water
Picture of Haweswater with an additional photo showing drought conditions in 1995

Our changing climate means we could see more frequent and severe weather events, including droughts, in the coming years. We cannot predict when, or how severe, the next drought will be, but we can ensure we learn from previous drought …

Big data, tiny microbes: environmental DNA in action

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Fisheries and biodiversity, Invasive species, Nature, Rivers, Water
Picture of a white clawed crayfish on a rock.

All living things, from bacteria to blue whales, have DNA in their cells. DNA provides the blueprint for life, directing how organisms grow, reproduce, and live. Since DNA gives a unique genetic code for every species on Earth, we can …