The Environment Agency, in England and Wales, have just published the first consultation on how they will update the river basin management plans in 2015. The "Working Together" consultation can be found at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/working/together2012. 

 The 20th anniversary of the European Union’s LIFE programme, the first dedicated financial instrument for funding environmental activities, was celebrated at the Europe House in London in May. Launched in 1992, LIFE was timed to coincide with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives coming into force, both aimed at preserving Europe’s biological diversity. 

Jonathan Scheele (Head of UK office for the EU) with Tony Grayling (Head of Climate Change and Communities, Environment Agency) at LIFE 20 years celebration.

 A review by the Forest Research and ADAS, jointly commissioned by the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency has shown the important role of woodlands in delivering WFD objectives.

A summary of the report is available on the Environment Agency website (here), and the detailed scientific review is available on the Forest Research website (here).

 Green Week is Europe’s biggest annual conference on the environment. This year’s event, which explored the EU’s approach to water policy was attended by Toni Scarr (Project Manager RESTORE), Chris Baker (RESTORE Communications lead), Bart Fokkens (Chairman ECCR) and Philip Weller (ICDPR).