Tag: environment

Summer’s legacy lingers into Autumn

SEPA – WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT

Scotland has entered autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, as prolonged rainfall deficits continue to affect river flows. 

Significant Water Scarcity has now been recorded somewhere in Scotland in each of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) past six weekly reports, although the areas affected have changed during that time.  

The latest Water Scarcity Report from SEPA shows The Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed & Lauderdale have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. No abstraction licences are affected by this change.  

Significant Scarcity is reached when representative river flows remain exceptionally low for 30 consecutive days. 

Meanwhile, Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water have now moved out of Significant following rain this week, though the wider area remains at moderate scarcity. Across Scotland nine areas are at Moderate Scarcity, a level where environmental impacts are clear.  

The picture varies sharply across Scotland. Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the north-east, with Deveron, Ythan and Don (Aberdeenshire) moving from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. Doon, Irvine and Ayr have returned to Normal Conditions. 

Further down the east coast, very low river flows continue. In Fife, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) both reached Significant Scarcity earlier this summer before conditions improved following rainfall. Both have now recorded 25 consecutive days of very low flows again.  

Stonehaven, North Esk and the Lower Earn areas are also at risk of moving to Significant next week.  

The report comes at the beginning of meteorological autumn, which began on 1st September.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland has a reputation for rain, so it can seem surprising to be at the start of autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, particularly when it may be raining where you are. 

“But water scarcity isn’t determined by today’s weather. Rainfall deficits build up over time, and a few days of rain may not be enough to reverse the effects of a prolonged dry period. 

“We can see that clearly this week. Conditions have improved in some areas, while rivers in parts of the south and east remain exceptionally low. 

“This summer has shown why businesses which rely on water from the environment need to plan ahead. The impacts of dry conditions can last beyond the dry weather itself. 

“As our climate changes, periods of water scarcity are expected to become more frequent and severe. Businesses need to understand what that could mean for them and have plans in place before water becomes constrained.” 

Further showers are forecast on Friday, with potentially heavy rain on Sunday. SEPA will continue to monitor rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels and update water scarcity levels as conditions change. 

Residents and businesses encouraged to invest for a greener, healthier and fairer Edinburgh

EDINBURGH GREEN INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

The city council has launched a new investment programme enabling residents and businesses to invest in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city.

The new investment initiative will give residents and local businesses the opportunity to support projects that reduce climate damaging emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and help to protect nature.

The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a nature emergency in 2023 reflecting the need for urgent and sustained action to reduce emissions and become a climate resilient and nature positive city.

Progress has already been made to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges that a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated  Implementation Plan include the approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.

While open to anyone, the new investment programme will enable Edinburgh residents and businesses to be actively involved by investing in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city to live, work and do business in.

Funds will be used to deliver nature-based projects across the capital to reduce emissions, improve access to nature, offer cooler spaces during heatwaves, reduce flood risk during heavy rainstorms, and boost biodiversity.   

This investment phase will include tree planting and delivery of sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and rainwater planters in key parts of the city to prevent flooding.

The new investment programme, Edinburgh Green Investment, in partnership with Abundance Investment Ltd, encourages investment from a minimum of £5, with interest at a rate of 4.84%, paid every six months over the course of five years. The funding window will remain open until November 30 2026 or until the target of £1 million is reached.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the effects of a changing climate in Edinburgh with warmer and wetter weather causing damage to property, travel disruption, flooding and wildfires.

“When we declared a climate and nature emergency and set out our commitment to tackle the causes and consequences of a changing climate, we knew we couldn’t do it alone and would need the support of partner organisations, residents and businesses. It is encouraging that we are already making positive progress to make sure we’re prepared for the inevitable changes we face, but there’s more to do.

“I’m pleased that, alongside the projects and plans already in progress, our new investment initiative will enable our residents and businesses to play their part – helping to support the delivery of projects that will benefit the places where they live, work and visit. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference to ensure we’re ready to cope with a changing climate.”

Fort Kinnaird crowns nine-year-old Hannah as Edinburgh’s Young Sustainability Hero

Fort Kinnaird has crowned nine-year-old Hannah Donoghue from Musselburgh as Edinburgh’s young sustainability hero, recognising her efforts to protect the environment at home and across her local community.

Her nomination stood out for the range of sustainable habits which she has made a natural part of her everyday life.

This includes regularly heading out with her litter picker and encouraging friends to join her – she has even been rewarded by neighbours for helping to keep the area clean. At home, she turns household recycling into craft projects, growing peppers and tomatoes and helps care for the family garden.

She is also choosing greener ways to travel wherever possible. Hannah recently started cycling to the supermarket using a trailer and has asked to ride her bike to school when the new term begins.

The competition was launched as part of Fort Kinnaird’s free ocean-inspired summer activity programme and invited families to nominate children aged four to ten who are helping the planet through actions such as recycling, litter-picking, saving water and supporting wildlife.

In recognition of her efforts, Hannah was treated to a family day out at Fort Kinnaird, including a trip to ODEON, a meal at Frankie & Benny’s and an eco-activity bundle to help her continue her sustainability mission at home.

Jennifer Tait, Hannah’s mum, said: “Hannah has always had a natural instinct to look after things – whether that’s the plants in our garden, the streets in our neighbourhood or turning materials she finds around the house into something new.

“She never sees any of it as a chore; it is simply part of her everyday life. To have her efforts recognised in this way is really special, and we’re so proud of her.”

The search reflects Fort Kinnaird’s wider commitment to sustainability. The centre supports local biodiversity through wildflower planting and on-site beehives and has sent zero waste to landfill since 2018, recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process. It also runs on 98% renewable energy.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Hannah’s nomination immediately stood out because of the sheer range of things she is already doing to help the environment.

“From litter-picking and encouraging her friends to get involved to growing food, reusing materials and choosing to cycle when she can, she shows how small everyday actions can make a real difference.

“Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird, so it’s fantastic to see that same care for the environment being championed by young people in our community. Hannah is a very deserving winner, and we hope her and her family had a wonderful time celebrating.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Council outlines action to manage heatwaves and respond to climate change

An update on the Council’s response to climate change and extreme weather was presented to councillors this week.

While Edinburgh fortunately hasn’t seen the severe high temperatures experienced by other parts of the UK and globally – the capital is not immune to a changing climate, with hotter and wetter weather anticipated to increase risk and create challenges for people, communities and businesses.

Work continues to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the strategic approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.

Positive progress on a range of measures to tackle the higher temperatures – across Council buildings and estate, in work with partners and developers, and among Council staff and residents – will help to mitigate climate change risks and increase Edinburgh’s resilience to extreme weather.

Key areas of work include:

  • Helping people stay safe in extreme weather such as heatwaves with clear and updated information on the Council website on how to keep cool in the heat.
  • Supporting schools to be resilient through implementation of a school severe weather plan including guidance on keeping school buildings cool, risk assessment information and how to support pupils.
  • Planting more trees across the capital to reach our ambitious target to become a million tree city by 2030 – currently at around 830,000 trees. More trees will provide shade and shelter for communities in addition to improving the city’s air quality.
  • Improving access to nature for residents and visitors, and supporting greater biodiversity by expanding the Edinburgh Nature Network – a long-term project to connect parks, woodlands, green spaces and waterways.
  • Providing easy access to water during hot weather through installation of water hydration stations, in partnership with Scottish Water, across some of the city’s busiest areas.
  • Developing an interactive online hub to support residents to take climate action through manageable changes to their homes and lifestyles, which will be hosted on our Net Zero Edinburgh website
  • Proactive work with partners to identify areas at risk of wildfire, put in place measures for managing and containing wildfires and to monitor and protect nature-sensitive areas.

As work continues, residents are encouraged to play their part in helping to reduce emissions, adapt their homes and support nature:

  • Where possible, walk, wheel, cycle or take the bus or tram rather than drive.
  • Reduce waste by recycling in the correct bins, including using a food waste bin and/or home compost.
  • Recycle or reuse household items by donating or buying items at local charity shops. Use the Edinburgh reuse tool to find sustainable options.
  • Support the One Million Tree project by growing local plants, trees and bushes in gardens or outside space – this will help local wildlife and help with adapting the city to climate change.
  • Save water by using a water butt or a rainwater planter to collect water which can be used to water plants.
  • Save energy in homes including by insulating, draft proofing and switching to energy saving LED lightbulbs

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “In Edinburgh we fortunately haven’t seen the extreme temperatures that those in the South of England have had to contend with this summer – but we are seeing warmer weather, more frequent storms and increased rainfall.

We aren’t being complacent and we knew when we declared a climate emergency that we needed to take action to tackle the causes of climate change and be ready to respond to its effects on our city.

“I’m pleased to see the progress we’re making against our plans to tackle both the city’s climate and nature emergencies, to make sure we’re prepared for a changing climate – and importantly to support residents and visitors to cope with warmer and wetter weather.

“I want to encourage residents to play their part by making small everyday changes to the way they do things that will collectively make a big difference.“

Summer downpours fail to ease pressure on Scotland’s rivers

The number of areas in Scotland at Significant Water Scarcity has increased from three to five this week, with prolonged low river flows continuing despite heavy rain in parts of the country.

The latest weekly water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows the Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water in Dumfries and Galloway have moved to Significant Scarcity. They join the River Teviot and Ettrick Water in the Scottish Borders and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire, which remain at Significant Scarcity.

The prolonged nature of the dry conditions can be seen in river flows. Ancrum on the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders has experienced 46 days of continuous low flows, with flows earlier this month reaching their fifth-lowest level in a 53-year record.

In Dumfries and Galloway, Dalbeattie, the reference gauge for Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water, has experienced the greatest number of low-flow days in 20 years. The Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire have also experienced around of 38 days of continuous low flows.

Heavy, thundery rainfall fell in parts of Scotland on Wednesday and some rivers have responded. However, there has been limited improvement in the overall water scarcity picture and further sustained rainfall will be needed for more widespread recovery.

There remains a marked contrast across the country. Much of northern and western Scotland remains at Normal Conditions, while prolonged dry conditions mean large parts of eastern Scotland continue to experience some level of water scarcity. River flows remain low to very low across much of the country, particularly in the east.

Eilidh Johnston, Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “What we’re seeing this summer demonstrates why a few days of rain can’t be viewed as an automatic end to water scarcity. When rivers have been running low for weeks, recovery can require sustained rainfall in the right places.

“For businesses that rely on water from the environment, that uncertainty needs to be part of long-term planning. Using water efficiently and building resilience now can help businesses prepare for periods when water availability becomes more constrained.

“We appreciate the way abstractors have responded to this year’s water scarcity situation and the restrictions that have been necessary. We continue to see good compliance, helping to protect rivers at a time when they are under significant pressure.”

No irrigation licences are affected by Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water moving to Significant Scarcity. Restrictions remain in place for affected abstractors in the River Teviot and Ettrick Water areas.

Forth Ports team up with Balanced Horizon to deliver largest ever beach clean of the Firth of Forth

Forth Ports team up with environmental charity Balanced Horizon to deliver largest ever clean of the Firth of Forth 28-30 August 

The Big Forth Cleanup will be a large-scale, community driven weekend of beach cleaning and juvenile lobster releases organised by Balanced Horizon in collaboration with Forth Ports.

The goal of the event is to clean as much of the coastline of the Firth of Forth over the course of the 28-30th August 2026, and is open to everybody of all ages. Pollution and litter are major problems facing this iconic waterway, with vulnerable and important wildlife species calling this environment home.

Balanced Horizon wants to clean the Forth up not only to protect these ecosystems, but also for everybody to enjoy the magnificent beaches and coastlines this part of the world has to offer. 

Katy Reid, Group Head of Sustainability at Forth Ports, said: “It’s great to be partnering with Balanced Horizon for our first Big Forth Cleanup, which will be a landmark event all around the Firth of Forth with coastal clean up and juvenile lobster release events taking place from 28 – 30 August.

“This coastline is central to Forth Ports’ Scottish operations and plays a vital role in supporting the economy, local communities and the rich diversity of wildlife found both on land and at sea.

Bringing people together to take action at scale will make a meaningful difference in caring for and preserving the coastline and local environment. We are very pleased that so many individuals, organisations and local beach clean community groups have signed up to join the event and we invite everyone to get involved and be part of something that can have a lasting impact on the Forth.”  

The event is self-led, meaning participants choose a beach to clean along the coast of the Firth of Forth. This can be done with the help of Balanced Horizon’s online interactive map, which shows the beach cleans part of the events that are taking place, helping participants target areas close to them, or identify areas in need of attention. You can join groups like the Scottish Seabird Centre, CLP Nature Action, and Coast to Coast Surf School with cleaning up our shores! 

Kerrie Flockhart, Project Lead at Balanced Horizon, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Forth Ports to unite communities from across the Firth in a shared effort to protect and celebrate this incredible coastline.

“As well as removing litter, we want to shine a spotlight on the many community groups and individuals who already dedicate their time to caring for our shores.

We hope this event will help connect more people with those local efforts, inspire new volunteers, and create a lasting network of people working together to protect the Firth of Forth for years to come.”

As well as beach cleans taking place over the weekend, there will also be releases of juvenile European lobsters on the Sunday (30th) of the weekend in North Berwick, Anstruther and Kirckaldy, led by Balanced Horizon’s Forth Marine Hatchery project as part of their efforts to boost wild European lobster populations. These releases will be open to the public to get involved with! 

With only a few weeks before we head out with our litter pickers, Balanced Horizon needs your help! If you are a group or an individual, please be encouraged to head to Balanced Horizon’s website to register to get involved. 

For inquiries, please contact bella@balancedhorizon.org

Flooding and water scarcity reflect contrasting conditions across Scotland

Scotland has seen a contrasting picture this week, with Flood Alerts issued due to heavy rain in some areas, while other parts of the country remain at significant water scarcity. 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) weekly water scarcity report, published on 6th August, shows how conditions have improved in several areas following recent rainfall. However, parts of the country remain at Significant Scarcity and others could deteriorate without sustained rain. 

Around 50mm of rain fell in some northern and north-eastern catchments this week, causing some rivers to rise rapidly. However, intense rainfall over a short period does not have the same effect as sustained rainfall over time, particularly after prolonged dry conditions.  

Many east coast rivers continue to experience very low flows and ground conditions across much of the east remain dry or very dry. Prolonged low river flows can put pressure on river ecosystems, reducing the water and habitat available for fish and other wildlife. 

When an area reaches Significant Scarcity, SEPA will temporarily restrict the amount of water that can be taken from rivers and burns to protect the water environment.  

At the peak of restrictions, more than 170 authorisations to abstract water from the environment were affected. Restrictions remain on five authorisations where river levels have not sufficiently recovered. 

The Lower Don has remained at Significant Scarcity since 27th July, while the River Teviot and Ettrick Water reached Significant Scarcity on 4th August, showing how different catchments are responding to recent rainfall. SEPA officers have been carrying out checks in areas where restrictions were in place, with good compliance seen during visits. 

Without sustained rainfall, the Mid Dee from Ballater to Banchory, and the Lower Dee and Water of Feugh could also reach Significant Scarcity within the next week. 

Improved conditions have allowed restrictions to be lifted as river levels recover. Lunan Water, Tay Estuary (North), North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) are no longer at Significant Scarcity, with improvements also recorded across a number of other catchments. Businesses whose restrictions are being removed will be contacted by SEPA to confirm the change. 

July was much drier than normal across the south and east of Scotland, with many areas receiving less than half the rainfall they would normally expect during the month. When ground is very dry, intense rain can run rapidly over the surface and into rivers rather than soaking into the soil.

River levels can rise quickly, and localised flooding can happen, but those rises can be short-lived and do not always result in the sustained river flows needed for water scarcity conditions to fully recover.  

 Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “After the rain we’ve seen this week, people may understandably wonder how parts of Scotland can still be experiencing water scarcity. 

“The rain has made a real difference in some areas. River levels have recovered and we’ve been able to remove restrictions where conditions have recovered. But Scotland is not out of the woods yet. 

“Water scarcity develops over weeks and months, and a short period of heavy rain does not necessarily result in sustained recovery. We’re only at the beginning of August, so what happens next will depend on the rainfall we see over the coming weeks. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and introduce or remove restrictions where required.” 

Further rain is forecast for northern and western Scotland over the coming days, with drier conditions expected elsewhere. 

SEPA will continue monitoring river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels across Scotland and will update water scarcity levels as conditions change.

Four men arrested for illegal waste dumping at infamous Wigan site

Arrests form part of Environment Agency ongoing investigations

Four men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the notorious Bolton House Road waste site in Wigan, the Environment Agency announced yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2026).

The site has caused misery for local residents with reports of horrid smells – while a week-long fire caused nearby schools to shut last summer.

Officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Police, working in support of the Environment Agency, secured the arrest of the suspects for environmental, fraud and money laundering offences. The suspects are:

  • A 41-year-old male from Wigan
  • A 35-year-old male from Wigan
  • A 24-year-old male from Leeds
  • A 59-year-old male from Liverpool

One of the suspects – the 24-year-old male from Leeds – was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell in Leicestershire.

The Environment Agency’s investigation is being led by its National Environmental Crime Unit, which is seeking to find those responsible for the offending and hold them to account.

https://twitter.com/EnvAgency/status/2084651822447308908/video/1

Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, said: The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.

“Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with. It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.

“This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.

“For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch. Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans. The days of making easy money from waste are over.”

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: “The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.

“Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.

“This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.

“I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you.”

In May, a 58-year-old male from the Birmingham area was also arrested for illegal dumping of waste at the Bolton House Road site.

These arrests support the delivery of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime, including tougher enforcement measures and new powers to equip regulators with the tools to stop waste crime in its tracks.

As part of its commitment to restore pride in local communities, the government has announced it will directly fund the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Working with the council, a process is now underway to recruit a specialist contractor to manage the clean-up operation.

Robust action has been already taken to ensure no additional waste is dumped illegally at this site. This includes depositing concrete blocks at the entrance of the site by the local authority. Wigan Council are currently looking to recruit a specialist contractor after being given assurances the funds required to do clear up the site will be provided.

At Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire, waste criminals dumped 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. Alongside the ongoing criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.

Site at Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England

In March, the Environment Agency published its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, which sets out how it will act earlier to address illegal activity and deliver more consistent enforcement action.

In 2024/25, the Environment Agency working with partners stopped 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, led 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and conducted 21 money laundering investigations.

Any information can be reported to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Cramond Association: Litter pick tomorrow

August’s litter pick will be this Sunday, 2nd August.

We’ll meet outside Barnton Post Office at 10am and target the local area.

We’ll be finished by 11am.

All equipment is provided, but please bring a Hi Viz if possible.

Everyone is welcome, hope to see you there!