News archive

Ecosystem Services from urban trees

Forest Research have been undertaking research to explore the ecosystem services provided by the urban forest.

Their findings can now be accessed for the ecosystem services of small and medium stature trees and large stature trees. This research was informed by the i-Tree Eco model.

Collectively, these Research Reports will be useful to those engaged in urban forestry management by helping to identify which tree species may be favoured for the delivery of particular ecosystem services through selective planting.

Read our July 2019 e-news

News:

  • Future Parks Initiative Launched
  • Biodiversity Net Gain in Scotland
  • Neighbourhood plan rooted in 'natural capital'
  • Our Planet: Our Business
  • Funding to raise the impat of research
  • New biodiversity tool on the block
  • Inestment Forum gains new recognition

Events:

  • Ecosystems Knowledge Network webinars
  • Future Planning conference
  • Ecosystems Knowledge Network training
  • TCPA & Green Infrastruture Partnership conference
  • London National Park City

Future Planning conference announced

The Ecosystems Knowledge Network are excited to reveal the upcoming Future Planning conference. This event will run on the 8th October 2019 in Glasgow.

Continuing trends towards urbanisation and the pressing realities of a climate emergency require us to urgently revaluate how we plan, design and build the ways we live in and move around our urban environments. A step change in the scale, pace and culture of delivery is needed.

Scottish Forum on Natural Capital - Environmental emergency: How will your organisation respond?

“Environmental emergency: How will your organisation respond?” 

17:00 – 19:00, Monday 24th June
University of Edinburgh Business School.

Register here.

 

Late last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report informing the world that there were only 12 years remaining to make the changes necessary in order to avoid the most severe effects of climate change.

 

SuDS Delivery Surveys

The Greater London Authority is working with the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), Business in the Community (BITC) and Robert Bray Associates to develop concise and engaging guidance to support the better management of rainwater for buildings and surrounding estates for a number of different sectors through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

The £1 Billion Challenge: Scottish Conservation Finance Project aims to drive significant investment into Scotland’s natural environment

26 February 2019

An ambitious new initiative aims to pioneer new ways of funding nature conservation in Scotland through the launch of the £1 Billion Challenge.

Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Conservation Finance Project aims to generate new forms of investment in Scotland’s stocks of natural capital (1) in ways that will deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits, as well as returns for investors.

Response to the Natural Capital Committee Annual Report

Response to the Sixth Annual Report of the Natural Capital Committee for England: ‘A golden opportunity to endorse blended finance for 25 Year Environment Plan delivery’

Organisers of The Natural Capital Investment Conference respond to the NCC’s latest annual report say:  “The government needs to catalyse blended finance options if the UK is to fulfill its ambition for environmental restoration.”

Have your say in our 2019 member survey

Happy New Year! 

As a member of the Ecosystems Knowledge Network, you are part of the UK's leading forum to explore how wellbeing and prosperity come through a healthy natural environment. Knowing about you, your priorities and the impact we have is key to us securing funding that will benefit you.

Help us to help you by completing our ten minute member survey and:

Shape the network to meet your learning needs

 

Read our December 2018 e-news

News:

  • Ecosystems Knowledge Network launches strategy for 2018 - 2023

  • Tool being developed which measures effect of land use change on ecosystem services

  • HM Government opens consultation on biodiversity and environment net gain

  • €2 million invested into campaign to mainstream valuation of nature by business

  • ONS green cities tool: results from Welsh pilot studies

  • Expanding the urban canopy cover map of Britain

This Wednesday - Natural Environment Valuation Online webinar

Natural Environment Valuation Online is a new web-based tool for natural capital and the sustainable management of natural resources, commissioned by Defra and produced by the University of Exeter. 

Ecosystems Knowledge Network is offering you the chance to discover the tool and take part in case study trials of its usage via a webinar on Wednesday 31st October at 1 pm GMT.

The webinar is nearly full. Register now to reserve your place.

Urban trees can store as much carbon as tropical forest

2nd August 2018

According to a study published in Carbon Balance and Management, urban trees in Highgate Cemetery and Hampstead Heath, London store up to 178 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare. This area provides carbon storage similar to tropical rainforests which store 190 metric tonnes per hectare. This shows the importance of urban trees in the movement to reduce emissions from cities.

Manchester's natural environment goes online

16th April 2018

A new website which showcases the natural environment of Greater Manchester and encourages people to enjoy it and help care for it was launched at the GM Mayor’s Green Summit in March. It features projects that are restoring natural features and improving access to green space, plus information on walking routes, conservation activities and volunteering opportunities.