Catherine Harte

You may think it's only twenty-something humans who are reluctant to leave the comfort of the family home for a grimy flat share with eight strangers. But new research shows that some animal species are also slow to take flight, choosing to wait until a better opportunity presents itself. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The number of elephants has declined by almost a third in the last decade - and as many as 55 African elephants a day are killed for their ivory. Now the UK government is getting tough on poaching by banning the sale of ivory. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Activists are calling for the government to make public its strategy on improving air quality as reports emerge that the UK could be referred to the European Court of Justice next month for failing to bring down illegal levels of air pollution. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Our oceans act as a very effective carbon storehouse, absorbing about a third of CO2 emissions. This has led to an increase in the acidity of our seawaters - which is harmful to marine life. However, new research shows that seaweeds can influence the acidity of the water around them and in turn provide vital shelter for organisms at risk from higher pH levels. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Poland will host the 24th session of the UN’s climate change conference ( COP24) later this year but the government is already under fire for a controversial bill that would ban spontaneous protest. A number of leading activist groups are calling for it to be repealed. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Less than a quarter of the Earth’s land surface has escaped the impact of human activity - and by 2050 experts estimate this will fall below 10 percent. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) today warns land degradation will negatively impact two thirds of humanity and is the biggest contributor to species extinction. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Today, 80 percent of current animal welfare legislation comes from EU law. But animal charities are concerned that post-Brexit new trade agreements could be made with countries with lower standards. The RSPCA is calling for the government to use Brexit as an opportunity to incentivise famers to increase their levels of animal welfare. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Plans for an open-cast coal mine beside a stretch of coast in Northumberland have been overturned. Local councillors had previously approved the controversial plans for the site at Druridge Bay despite protests from environmentalists. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The organisers of this year’s Colourfest promise a “calm and uplifting ambience” inspired by yoga for those looking to kick back, switch off and reconnect. But this festival will have no drink and drugs. CATHERINE HARTE looks at what’s on offer

Experts urge shooters to proceed with caution when shooting woodcock as the UK experiences more unseasonably cold weather. They say the birds need extra time to recover and reenergise in these challenging temperatures. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Hundreds of tonnes of precious metals needed to develop green technologies are being lost due to a lack of recycling in the vehicle industry. Scientists are urging a change in policy to prevent these much needed materials going to waste, reports CATHERINE HARTE

The major US brands that do place a high value on sustainable production methods can now add a new certification to their eco credentials. But to become Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) requires an increased commitment to soil health, animal welfare and farm labour, as CATHERINE HARTE reports

Countries in South America are at risk of losing their indigenous bee populations due to the introduction of alien species to support government agricultural policy. Scientists warn urgent international action needs to be taken. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The internationally important seabird colony of the Shiant Isles has officially been declared rat-free following a four year programme to eradicate an invasive species of rodent. CATHERINE HARTE reports on how wildlife experts now predict a brighter future for seabird populations on the islands.

Honeybee populations have been in decline for several years. Scientists now believe they've made a breakthrough in finding out why. For the first time they've identified the spread of diseases shared with other pollinator groups - such as the hoverfly - as a significant factor. CATHERINE HARTE reports

Scientists at the University of Alberta say the way to put the threatened grizzly bear on the road to recovery is to close routes that drive through their habitats. Their recent study was the first to make strong links between low grizzly bear populations in areas of high road density. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The Beast of the East has dumped snow all across Britain just as we should be looking ahead to Spring. The RSPB has today warned that birds will struggle to cope with the plummeting temperatures and urges people to give them a helping hand by providing food and shelter. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The largest deposit to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault was made yesterday to mark ten years since the opening of the facility. There are now more than a million crop varieties in storage, reports CATHERINE HARTE

Wildfire prevention methods in California are not only harming avian populations - but are also *increasing* the risk of fire, according to a new study by scientists at the universities of Arizona and California. CATHERINE HARTE reports

The expansion of logging quotas in the Bialowieza Forest in Poland threatened one of Europe's oldest woodlands. However, the resignation of a minister and today's legal opinion from the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU suggest the trees are safe. CATHERINE HARTE and BRENDAN MONTAGUE report

One of the world's most endangered animals is being smuggled out of Central Africa into Asia via remote ivory trade routes. The highly prized Pangolin is being targeted by animal traffickers for its much sought after meat and scales. CATHERINE HARTE reports