After a wildfire, Britain's moors and heaths can be green again within weeks—but the real recovery takes much longer
Wildfires that have swept across Britain's upland moors and lowland heaths in unprecedented tinder-dry conditions have left behind expanses of smoking, blackened vegetation.
Science
phys.org
21.08.2026
Stormy autumn, cold winter - how might El Niño affect the UK weather?
This year's El Niño is expected to be the strongest in living memory and could lead to a range of impacts of the UK - including a stormy autumn.
Science
bbc.co.uk
21.08.2026
Pioneering cancer treatment saves python named Jodie Foster: UK zoo
A British zoo Friday hailed the successful treatment of a cancer-stricken python named after Hollywood star Jodie Foster, who became the first snake to receive an innovative treatment combining surger
Science
phys.org
21.08.2026
Downpours to continue for UK with risk of flash flooding
The prolonged dry spell has come to an end with heavy, thundery showers continuing to sweep across the UK, as Ben Rich explains.
Science
bbc.co.uk
20.08.2026
Most species in UK zoos are non-native and not threatened, undermining conservation goals
In British zoos and aquariums, fewer than 10% of vertebrate species are native to the UK, and just 2% are high conservation priorities, according to a study by Justin Lennon at the University of Brigh
Science
phys.org
19.08.2026
UK forecasts 'biggest' El Nino will smash records, spark hottest year
This year's El Niño weather pattern will be the biggest in more than a century and could make 2027 the hottest year globally, Britain's national weather agency predicted Friday.
Science
phys.org
21.08.2026
King penguin chick hatches in UK heatwave
The "very important little penguin" is the first of its kind to hatch in the UK in more than a decade.
Science
bbc.co.uk
21.08.2026
Glass deposit operator confirmed after months of wrangling
Exchange for Change is running the new recycling programmes across the UK and will also run Wales's.
Science
bbc.co.uk
20.08.2026
Over 75% of UK wetlands have been destroyed—restoring them would help prevent wildfires
Firefighters have been battling a vast wildfire in the hills above Blaenavon in south Wales, spreading across more than 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres), for three weeks.
Science
phys.org
20.08.2026
Flash flooding risk as heavy rain hits UK
Heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect large parts of the UK.
Science
bbc.co.uk
20.08.2026
Are subsea oil and gas pipelines a previously unrecognized source of ocean microplastics?
Decommissioning pipelines used by the oil and gas industry could result in substantial quantities of microplastics being released into the UK's marine environment annually, a new study suggests.
Science
phys.org
19.08.2026
UK politicians vastly overestimate public opposition to climate policies, study finds
Members of Parliament from the UK's three biggest political parties in the House of Commons significantly overestimate levels of public resistance to major policy proposals for tackling climate change
Science
phys.org
19.08.2026
New bone analysis challenges long-held theory on farming's arrival in Ireland and Great Britain
New research led by University College Dublin has rewritten a key chapter in Irish prehistory, revealing that bones long thought to mark the beginning of farming in Ireland belong to bear and wild boa
Science
phys.org
18.08.2026
The ultra rich are collecting fossils. And that’s bad for science - video
One of the UK’s best fossil collections has been sold overseas in what experts have called a loss to the nation. The collection, which is now on display at the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi, was
Science
theguardian.com
18.08.2026
How soon will the drought be over?
Rain has returned to parts of the UK this week but is it enough to end the drought some regions are facing?
Science
bbc.co.uk
18.08.2026
The ultra rich are collecting fossils, and that’s bad for science – podcast
One of the UK’s best fossil collections has been sold overseas in what experts have called a loss to the nation. The collection, which is now on display at the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi, was
Science
theguardian.com
18.08.2026
Britain’s only desalination plant remains idle during drought
Water flow in the river Thames has dropped low enough to warrant the use of England’s only large-scale desalination plant, but it hasn’t been switched on at all this year
Science
newscientist.com
17.08.2026
UK children begin unsupervised outdoor play nearly a year later than their parents did, survey shows
Researchers have found that children are now nearly 11 when they first start playing outdoors without supervision. That's more than a year older than their parents' generation, with parents reporting
Science
phys.org
17.08.2026
Starwatch: Vega the bright star will light the way to the constellation of Lyra
Lyra, the lyre, represents the harp played by the Greek poet OrpheusWe turn our attention this week to one of the sky’s smallest constellations. High overhead from the UK after darkness falls, Lyra, t
Science
theguardian.com
17.08.2026