Nature In A Nutshell

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome Ellie Strike - Head of Regulatory Programmes - at the Office for Environmental Protection (the OEP) to talk about their report on Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS). The report came out in July but the Government have just responded.We also cover the first discussion of Stage 2 amendments to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and the latest on England's Planning and Infrastructure Bill (as of the date of recording on 19 November).Visit our website: https://cieem.net/ Show notes:OEP Report on Local Nature Recovery Strategies and their contribution toward nature recovery commitments (June 2025)Government response to the Office for Environmental Protection review of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and their role in contributing to nature recovery commitments in England (October 2025)Update on Scotland's Natural Environment BillCIEEM's Planning and Infrastructure Bill webpageEU to integrate climate education into school curriculum

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome James Hicks, Associate Director at RSK Wilding and founding member of the CIEEM Ecological Restoration Special Interest Group, on the podcast to discuss the recently published Rebuilding Nature: Good Practice Principles on Ecological Restoration.We also cover the Environment Link report on the UK's progress towards protecting 30% of land, freshwater and marine areas, and our usual Planning and Infrastructure Bill updates.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:Good Practice Guidance for Ecological RestorationEnvironment Link 30by30 reportPlanning and Infrastructure Bill updates

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we welcome CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, and a member of CIEEM’s Strategic Policy Panel and Wales Policy Working Group, Craig Llewllyn to discuss where we are and what's happening next with England's Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We also cover the latest announcements on the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales, and the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, before ending on a couple of good news stories.  Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:CIEEM's Planning and Infrastructure Bill webpageSustainable Farming Scheme: final proposals published ahead of launch in 2026Local government and legal responsibilities to act on climate change: An LGA open consultationUK Government announces ban on lead ammunition

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by Dr Sam Reynolds from the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge for a fascinating, in-depth discussion on how we can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the ecology and environment sector.We also discuss the new Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultations and a brief update on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:Book your Summer Conference ticketBriefings on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) BillOur dedicated Planning and Infrastructure update page2025 CIEEM Awards

In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we are joined by Ashleigh Whiffin, Curator of Entomology at National Museums Scotland, who talks to us about the importance of insects and recording. We also have CIEEM's CEO, Sally Hayns, on the pod who breaks down the key findings from our State of the Profession survey report. We also have a quick update on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and Scotland's draft Natural Environment Bill.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:CIEEM State of the Profession Survey reportCIEEM updates on the Planning and Infrastructure BillBird Island’s Cape Gannet Population Signals Ocean Health Recovery

In this episode, we chat with Kath Allen about eco-anxiety and how to manage it. We also discuss an update to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the current Land Use Framework and finally, the first use of NatureScot's compulsory deer control power.In our positive news segment, we share that a family of beavers are thriving in their new woodland home in Worcestershire, and Orkney curlew numbers are bouncing back.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:Kath Allen's websiteKath Allen's 'Sustainable Hope' resourceCIEEM members have access to our Member Assistance ProgrammeCIEEM encourages members to engage MPs on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill CommitteeCIEEM publishes briefing on Planning and Infrastructure Bill amendmentsAgency could intervene to cull estate's red deerCall for members’ input: responding to proposals for powers to change environmental assessment legislation in ScotlandBeavers thriving in new woodland homeOrkney curlew numbers bouncing back

In this episode, we discuss the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in England and the Call for Evidence on Scotland's Natural Environment Bill.We also cover the Welsh Government's Good Practice Guidance for Dark Skies.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:CIEEM responds to Planning and Infrastructure BillResponding to the Call for evidence on Scotland’s Natural Environment Billhttps://www.gov.wales/stars-align-wales-leads-uk-dark-skies-protection https://www.gov.wales/dark-skies-guidance

In line with the theme of the March edition of In Practice, we speak to Jo Riggall from Plantlife about the value of grasslands and Plantlife's Grassland Strategy. We also discuss the latest updates to land and planning in England, and also Net Benefits for Nature in Wales.We also talk about species new to science being discovered in the Congo and Humpback Whales bouncing back in UK waters.Nature In A Nutshell is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). We are the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad.Visit our website: https://cieem.net/Show notes:PlantlifeHumpback Whales bouncing back in UK waters