Category: News in Focus

Government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee special report on ‘Water Quality in Rivers’ lacks teeth

~ SPS Editor

HM Government has today given its response to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee (EAC) report, published in January and based on its investigation into 'Water quality in rivers'. Links to both documents and an introduction to the work of the EAC are provided under the heading 'Further Reading', below. Introduction The first … Continue reading Government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee special report on ‘Water Quality in Rivers’ lacks teeth

Solent Freeport – Observations on the Freeport Tax Sites

~ SPS Council

Updated - 23/3/2022 - Added map for 'Customs Site No.1 Solent' at Marchwood, revised Fawley Waterside to reflect newly published Solent Freeport brochure. Introduction Two years have passed since HM Government announced the Freeport Consultation. Since that time, the eight shortlisted Freeport teams still in competition for Treasury funding have kept their cards close to … Continue reading Solent Freeport – Observations on the Freeport Tax Sites

Beaulieu – Volunteers get stuffing for seagrass restoration

~ SPS Editor

Natural England has drawn upon the services of volunteers to help with a seagrass restoration project targeted at The Solent. Their task: stuffing biodegradable pillows with seeds at a special volunteers’ day held on 15th March at the ancient St Leonard’s Barn on the Beaulieu Estate. Research shows at least 44% of the UK’s seagrass … Continue reading Beaulieu – Volunteers get stuffing for seagrass restoration

Environmental Audit Committee Report – SPS summary

~ SPS Editor

Getting a complete overview of the health of our rivers and the pollution affecting them is hampered by outdated, underfunded and inadequate monitoring regimes. It is clear, however, that rivers in England are in a mess. A ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, agricultural waste, and plastic is polluting the waters of many of the country’s rivers. … Continue reading Environmental Audit Committee Report – SPS summary