rural environment

Hot Topics

18 May 2026

Tougher Measures Planned To Tackle Waste Crime

A series of new reforms aimed at cracking down on waste crime, including stricter checks on waste carriers and tougher penalties for illegal dumping, has been announced by the Government,...

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27 Apr 2026

Leaders Highlight Rural Role in National Resilience

A coalition of rural local authorities has written to ministers, setting out the critical role that rural and peripheral areas can play in strengthening the UK’s resilience and prosperity.

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13 Apr 2026

Faster Approvals For Clean Energy Projects

The Government has announced measures to accelerate planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy projects - Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels - by appointing the Environment Agency...

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07 Apr 2026

Simpler Recycling Rollout Starts

Clear new rules on how households sort their recycling and waste have come into force across England, aiming to end longstanding confusion and support more consistent, streamlined collections.

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23 Feb 2026

Environment Agency Expands Use Of Technology To Tackle Waste Crime

The Environment Agency (EA) has announced an enhanced package of surveillance, detection and investigative tools aimed at preventing and disrupting waste crime, as part of a wider enforcement crackdown published...

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01 Dec 2025

New Toolkit Empowers Rural Communities To Take Climate Action

Are you interested in tackling the climate crisis and wondering how you can take meaningful action with your local community? Last week saw the launch of The Rural Climathon Toolkit...

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01 Dec 2025

Government Consultation: Alternative Clean Heating Solutions

The Government has launched a major consultation on Exploring the Role of Alternative Clean Heating Solutions.  The consultation is seeking evidence on low-carbon options for buildings that may not be...

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24 Nov 2025

Call For Information: Rural Communities & Large Energy Projects

Cllr James Cantwell (Five Villages Ward, Boston Borough Council) is keen to hear from elected members in rural areas who have dealt with multiple or large energy project applications –...

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18 Nov 2025

Nature Not a Blocker to Housing

The Environmental Audit Committee has published a report on Environmental Sustainability and Housing Growth, concluding that nature is not a “blocker” to new housing and warning that environmental protections must...

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10 Nov 2025

How Are Town and Parish Councils Interpreting the Biodiversity Duty?

Winchcombe Town Council is exploring how the Biodiversity Duty, introduced under Section 102 of the Environment Act 2021, is being applied in practice at local level. The strengthened duty requires...

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