Nature on the Edge

Sewage pollution in rivers is a hot topic, with strong evidence that spills have increased in the past 5 years. Yet, long-term data shows UK rivers are cleaner than in the 1990s, and invertebrate biodiversity is rising. Aquatic plants, vital to river ecosystems, are less studied, making it harder to assess their response to pollution. Citizen science offers new insights. This talk shares findings from citizen-led projects on how aquatic plants are responding to sewage, and the wider impact on ecosystems.

Pollinators, particularly bees, are crucial to our food system. In this talk, we’ll dive into the status of bees in regions with limited data, shedding light on the growing threats they face from pesticides, land-use changes, and climate change. We'll explore how scientists track bees and why this is essential for protecting biodiversity and supporting local economies. Discover how these small creatures have a huge impact on the health of our planet and why addressing climate change is more urgent than ever. Join us to learn how something as small as a bee can make a world of difference!