Catherine Early

Shale gas company Cuadrilla has been given the green light to carry out fracking at a second well at its site at Preston New Road, Lancashire. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Farm subsidies will be based on environmental and animal welfare improvements, rather than the total amount of land farmed, government confirms in new legislation. CATHERINE EARLY reports

The Green Party promises “fiercer resistance” to projects such as fracking and the HS2 rail link as it unveils its new leadership team.

“Squishies” – soft foam toys which have become a craze due to their squeeziness and scent – have been banned in Denmark after government tests found high levels of harmful substances.

Campaigners have slammed a decision to allow test drilling despite opposition from the local council over night time noise, the impact on local roads and the green belt. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Proponents and opponents of the controversial concept met in London to persuade a live audience to support their stance, writes CATHERINE EARLY

The UK is not on course to meet its carbon targets and risks increasing the cost to consumers of dealing with climate change. CATHERINE EARLY reports

The House of Commons has passed a government amendment to strengthen environmental protection in the EU Withdrawal Bill. However, critics said it would still result in lower protection than the UK has currently, writes CATHERINE EARLY

The red squirrel, wildcat and the grey long-eared bat are all under severe threat, according to the first comprehensive review of their populations for more than 20 years, writes CATHERINE EARLY

The majority of meat, fish and dairy suppliers are not managing environmental and social risks, according to an analysis of 60 global food companies. Meanwhile, Scottish campaigners are asking for more sustainable food. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Reforms should be made to the Bank of England’s mandate to make climate stability a core purpose, according to a new report. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Bee-killing insecticides will face a near total ban in Europe following a vote by member states in favour of proposals by the European Commission. The UK government supported the ban, which it says it will maintain after Brexit. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Police have arrested two activists taking part in a protest against an open cast coal mine in County Durham. Campaigners claim the eviction could collapse tunnels and injure protesters inside. CATHERINE EARLY reports

The European Union's top court ruled today that increased logging in Białowieża broke EU nature laws. The Polish government must now reverse decisions that allowed logging, or face fines of up to tens of millions of euros. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Charities including WWF, the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts are joining together to campaign for legislation on the environment - similar to the Climate Change Act - writes CATHERINE EARLY

Claims by pro-pesticide groups that pesticide use has halved in the UK since 1990 are 'misleading' since they do not reflect the higher toxicity of modern products, according to campaigners. CATHERINE EARLY investigates

A combination of community resistance, phase out commitments by governments, cities and businesses, and rapid cost reductions in renewable energy has resulted in a huge slump in construction of new coal plants. CATHERINE EARLY reports

Campaigners have welcomed chancellor Philip Hammond’s call for ideas on financial carrots and sticks to drastically cut single-use plastics in his spring statement. However, they stressed the need for more rapid action, reports CATHERINE EARLY

The tables have been turned on trappers illegally killing songbirds on a British military base in Cyprus after conservationists used camera traps to catch them in the act. Bird charities are urging further support from the Ministry of Defence to stamp out the practice for good. CATHERINE EARLY reports

TV presenter and animal welfare campaigner Chris Packham has criticised conservation charity the RSPB - of which he is vice president - for accepting sponsorship from binoculars manufacturers who promote hunting. BRENDAN MONTAGUE and CATHERINE EARLY report

Campaigners reacted with shock and anger at the news of the violent death of one of the world’s leading researchers into the illegal ivory and rhino horn trade, Esmond Bradley Martin. CATHERINE EARLY reports

The Wildlife Trusts is urging developers to build homes that simultaneously give people an inspirational place to live and help reverse wildlife and habitat decline, reports CATHERINE EARLY

Ideas to protect the UK’s natural resources and reduce waste and pollution have been published in the government’s long-awaited 25-year plan. But campaigners fear the proposals are not strong enough, CATHERINE EARLY reports

New years’ resolutions typically consist of promises to exercise more, sleep better and generally be more healthy and less stressed. As everyone returns to work this can be a real challenge. A practice originating in Japan and now being trialled by the RSPB and on Forestry Commission holidays could help you achieve all this and more. CATHERINE EARLY reports