Turning science into action: How we’re delivering water data for England’s future  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: hydrometry, Rivers, Science, telemetry, Water Monitoring
An ARC-Boat, a remote control boat used by the Environment Agency's hydrometry team in a river. An EA operator in the foreground with a laptop displaying results.

Today marks a significant moment for all of us who care about England’s rivers and streams. Today, we’re releasing our first set of analysis-ready water data under Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme and I’m immensely proud of the work of hundreds of committed Environment Agency Staff that has got us to this point.

Bio-beads: what are they, what are they used for and what risk do they pose to the environment? 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Cleaner Seas, Environment Agency, Regulated industry, Water, Water Monitoring
A handful of bio-beads.

On the week of 3 November a vast number of small black plastic pellets started to wash up on the beach at Camber Sands in East Sussex. It immediately, and naturally, drew considerable concern from the public and local community. …

Protecting the environment in East Anglia during prolonged dry weather

Two Environment Agency officers smile at the camera, each with a long-handled net filled with fish.

East Anglia is one of several areas across England experiencing prolonged dry weather or drought. Nationally, the Environment Agency is coordinating efforts through the National Drought Group to protect water supplies and the environment during this challenging period. Whilst the …

Working together to shape the next generation of New Towns 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Community, Planning, Regulated industry, Sustainability

The Environment Agency welcomes the publication of the New Towns Taskforce report and the government's initial response. With economic growth as the government's number one mission, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to the next generation of New Towns through our statutory role to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable development. 

Protecting Atlantic salmon: collaborating to conserve threatened stocks

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity, Nature, Rivers
A photo of the River Aire in Yorkshire with Hirst Mill in the background. There are rocks in the river, known as rock ramps, which help fish move up the river.

The Environment Agency has published the latest Atlantic salmon stock assessment for England, providing insights into the health of our salmon populations. The results, based on 2024 data, confirm that salmon stocks remain at critically low levels, underscoring the urgent …

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 is drought? 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Drought

Over the past 50 years, England has suffered lots of droughts - some of the more notable ones include 1975-76, 1989-92, 1995-96, 2004-06, 2011-12 and recently 2018, 2022 and 2025. But what does this mean, how does the Environment Agency …

World Soil Day: Unearthing the secrets of soil

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Sustainability

Happy World Soil Day! Let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible role soil plays in our lives. Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Below, read about the Environment Agency’s efforts to measure, monitor, and …