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).

Less than 50 years ago, the River Wandle in South West London was officially a sewer. Last summer it was declared one of England’s 10 most improved rivers, supporting all sorts of wildlife and even spawning trout. One of the most recent projects, nearing completion, is the restoration of a branch of the river through Wandle Park in Croydon which until recently was buried in a culvert. It won’t be long before the newly excavated channel is reconnected to flow freely through the rejuvenated park, for everyone to enjoy.

 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). 

RESTORE was pleased to be invited to give a presentation at the launch of the London Borough of Lewisham’s European River Corridor Improvement Project. Susan Sheahan (RESTORE, Communications & Media Advisor) spoke about the development of the RESTORE project and presented an overview of the RESTORE River Wiki, handbook and website.