World Oceans Day: Why Our Blue Planet Needs Us More Than Ever

Mark World Oceans Day by discovering why healthy oceans are vital for wildlife, climate stability and our future, and learn simple ways to help protect them.

Every year on 8 June, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Oceans Day, a reminder of just how important our oceans are to life on Earth.

Covering more than 70% of our planet's surface, the world's oceans are far more than vast stretches of water. 

They help regulate our climate, provide food for billions of people, generate much of the oxygen we breathe and support an incredible diversity of wildlife, from tiny plankton to majestic whales.

Yet despite their importance, our oceans face growing challenges.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most visible threats. Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the sea every year, harming marine life and breaking down into microplastics that can eventually make their way into the food chain. Sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals are particularly vulnerable, often mistaking plastic waste for food.

Climate change is also taking its toll. Rising ocean temperatures are contributing to coral bleaching, disrupting marine ecosystems and altering migration patterns for many species. At the same time, increasing levels of carbon dioxide are making oceans more acidic, creating additional challenges for shellfish and coral reefs.

Overfishing and habitat destruction continue to put pressure on marine environments, threatening both wildlife and the communities that depend on healthy oceans for their livelihoods.

The good news is that individuals can make a difference.

Simple actions such as reducing single-use plastics, recycling responsibly, choosing sustainably sourced seafood and taking part in local beach or river clean-ups can all help protect marine ecosystems. Even small changes, when adopted by millions of people, can have a significant impact.

World Oceans Day is also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our seas. Whether it's a walk along the coast, learning about marine conservation projects or supporting organisations working to protect ocean habitats, there are countless ways to connect with the natural world.

The theme of World Oceans Day is ultimately one of hope. Around the world, scientists, conservationists, governments and local communities are working together to restore habitats, protect endangered species and develop more sustainable ways of living alongside our oceans.

As we mark World Oceans Day, it's worth remembering that every drop of water on our planet is connected. Protecting the oceans isn't just about safeguarding distant coastlines and marine wildlife, it's about protecting the health of the entire Earth.

Our oceans have given us so much. Today is the perfect day to think about how we can give something back.

The Hidden Financial Risk of Biodiversity Loss: Why Nature Matters to the World Economy

The Hidden Cost of Nature Loss Could Push Nations Towards Financial Crisis.

New research warns that biodiversity loss could increase national debt costs, weaken economies and push some countries closer to financial crisis. 

Here's why protecting nature makes economic sense.

When we talk about biodiversity loss, most of us think about disappearing wildlife, shrinking forests, or declining bee populations. But new research suggests the consequences could reach much further than the natural world, all the way into government finances, national economies, and even taxpayers’ pockets.

A major new study published in the scientific journal Nature warns that financial markets are currently failing to account for the economic risks posed by environmental degradation. The result? Trillions of dollars of assets could be significantly mispriced, leaving countries exposed to serious financial shocks.

Researchers from the University of Sussex, University of Sheffield, Edinburgh Business School and SOAS examined what would happen if key ecosystem services suffered even a partial collapse. These services include wild pollinators that help grow crops, marine fisheries that support global food supplies, and tropical forests that provide valuable natural resources.

Their findings are striking.

The team estimates that biodiversity loss in these areas alone could reduce global GDP by around US$2 trillion every year. That economic damage would then ripple through financial markets, affecting countries’ credit ratings and making it more expensive for governments to borrow money.

Some of the world’s largest economies could be hit particularly hard. The study suggests India’s sovereign credit rating could fall by four grades, while China could drop by more than five grades. Together, the two countries could face an additional US$119 billion in annual debt interest payments.

Across the 23 countries included in the research, annual borrowing costs could rise by more than US$162 billion. That is close to three-quarters of the world’s total overseas development aid budget.

Researchers argue that current credit rating systems fail to recognise nature loss as a major economic risk. Professor Matthew Agarwala of the University of Sussex warned that governments may ultimately face difficult choices, including raising taxes, cutting public spending, or allowing inflation to rise if environmental decline continues to undermine economic performance.

The study draws parallels with the 2008 financial crisis, suggesting that markets may once again be overlooking a growing threat until it becomes impossible to ignore.

Perhaps the most important message is also the simplest: protecting nature is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences of losing it.

As governments around the world debate how to fund conservation and biodiversity recovery, this research offers a powerful reminder that healthy ecosystems are not simply environmental assets, they are economic ones too.

You can read the report here https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-026-03081-7

How Your Garden Lighting Could Be Harming Wildlife. And What You Can Do About It

Is Your Garden Lighting Harming Wildlife? Why Dark Nights Matter More Than You Think.

Leaving garden lights on overnight can disrupt bats, hedgehogs, moths and other wildlife. Discover how to create a wildlife-friendly garden after dark.

Many of us love a well-lit garden. Solar path lights, decorative lanterns, security floodlights and illuminated patios can make outdoor spaces feel welcoming and safe after dark.

But while garden lighting may look attractive to us, it can create significant problems for some of the wildlife that visits our gardens every night.

As awareness grows about biodiversity loss and declining wildlife populations, experts are increasingly encouraging homeowners to think carefully about how much artificial light they use outdoors.

Why Darkness Matters

For millions of years, wildlife evolved around natural cycles of daylight and darkness. Many animals rely on darkness to hunt, forage, navigate, breed and avoid predators.

When gardens remain brightly lit throughout the night, these natural behaviours can be disrupted.

Artificial light can affect:

Bats searching for insects

Hedgehogs moving between feeding areas

Moths and other pollinating insects

Owls and other nocturnal birds

Amphibians such as frogs and newts

Even relatively small amounts of light can alter how these animals use a habitat.

The Impact on Insects

One of the most visible effects of garden lighting is on insects.

Moths, beetles and other flying insects are naturally attracted to artificial light sources. Instead of feeding, pollinating plants or finding mates, they can spend hours circling lights until they become exhausted or fall victim to predators.

This not only affects the insects themselves but also the many animals that depend on them for food.

With insect populations already under pressure across the UK, reducing unnecessary lighting can provide valuable support.

Bats and Hedgehogs Need Darkness Too

Many bat species avoid brightly lit areas altogether. A floodlit garden may effectively create a barrier that prevents bats from accessing feeding routes.

Hedgehogs can also become reluctant to cross illuminated spaces, making it harder for them to travel between gardens in search of food and shelter.

As gardens become increasingly important wildlife corridors, maintaining dark areas can help these animals move more freely.

Simple Ways to Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

The good news is that you do not need to sit in complete darkness to help wildlife.

Consider:

Using motion sensors instead of lights that stay on all night

Switching lights off when they are not needed

Choosing warmer-coloured bulbs rather than bright white LEDs

Directing light downwards instead of allowing it to spread widely

Creating "dark zones" where wildlife can move undisturbed

Using timers to limit lighting during late-night hours

Even small changes can make a significant difference.

A Better Balance

Garden lighting certainly has its place, particularly for safety and security. However, by using it thoughtfully, we can enjoy our outdoor spaces while also supporting the wildlife that shares them.

Sometimes one of the most environmentally friendly things we can do is surprisingly simple: switch off the lights and let nature enjoy the night.

And you'll be doing your bit for your nocturnal visitors. 

Rewilding in Action: New Somerset Report Shows Nature Fighting Back

(c) Pete Matthews Heal Beaver

As the UK continues to grapple with a biodiversity crisis, a new report from national charity Heal Rewilding offers something that is often in short supply when talking about nature recovery: evidence that positive change is possible.

The charity has published its first-ever Heal Somerset State of Nature 2026 report, documenting the remarkable ecological progress being made at its rewilding site in Somerset since acquiring the land in December 2022.

Designed to mirror the format of the UK's wider State of Nature reports, the publication focuses entirely on nature-led recovery and highlights how rewilding can play a significant role in restoring biodiversity, improving climate resilience and rebuilding healthier ecosystems.

The findings are encouraging.

Thirty-five surveys have been carried out so far, including five formal baseline studies. Researchers recorded 60 breeding bird species, 15 bat species, 404 invertebrate species and 113 vascular plant species. A comparative survey of small mammals found five species and 49 individual animals at Heal Somerset, compared with just three species and 17 individuals on a nearby organic dairy farm.

Informal observations have also revealed an impressive diversity of wildlife. Since 2023, visitors and surveyors have recorded 94 bird species, including 21 red-listed and 28 amber-listed species, alongside 24 species of butterfly.

The report arrives at a time when rewilding is gaining momentum across Britain. According to Rewilding Britain, more than 1,000 rewilding projects covering over 206,000 hectares are now part of its national network.

Heal Rewilding co-founder Jan Stannard believes that while inspiring wildlife stories are valuable, hard evidence is essential if rewilding is to become a recognised part of national nature recovery strategies.

The charity says its monitoring programme is about more than simply counting species. Long-term data collection aims to understand how ecosystems recover when nature is allowed greater freedom to shape the landscape itself.

Beyond supporting wildlife, rewilding can deliver wider environmental benefits. Healthy ecosystems help store carbon, improve soil quality, manage water more effectively and increase resilience to extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and heatwaves.

Perhaps most importantly, the report offers a rare sense of optimism. While the UK's biodiversity challenges remain significant, Heal Somerset demonstrates that when land is given space to recover, nature can respond surprisingly quickly.

The charity plans to publish updated reports every four to five years, creating a long-term record of ecological recovery and helping ensure rewilding has a stronger voice in future national assessments of Britain's natural environment.

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk/

Friends continue to make a difference on the A82 in Scotland

Volunteers from JP Morgan & AECOM turned out on a rainy Wednesday 3rd of June morning to try to reduce the litter which continues to gather along the shores of Loch Lomond.

The event was organised by The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (FOLLATT), a long established conservation charity which operates in and around Scotland’s busiest National Park, and was assisted by the Grab Trust who provided the litter picking equipment.

Their Chairman, John Urquhart, told That's Green: “This, our second Make a Difference (MAD) event of 2026, concentrated once again on tackling the ongoing problem of littering which blights the loch side along the busy A82 between Arden and Ardlui. 

"We were especially keen to see how the removal of our lay-by bins was impacting the situation and were initially heartened to note that the lay-bys and intervening verges were generally quite presentable. 

"However, as we feared, the cleanliness was only superficial, as it quickly became clear that a substantial number of people were once again disposing of litter by throwing it into the undergrowth.

"Enquiries revealed a workforce from Argyll and Bute had indeed carried out a litter clearance operation of the road a few weeks ago, as they normally do at the start of the tourist season, but it was obvious to us this had not been an in-depth operation.

"Sadly, this just reaffirms our view that the two responsible authorities, Argyll and Bute and The National Park are continuing to neglect their duty to tackle this important issue effectively.

Meanwhile it looks like our hard-working volunteers are going to have to keep turning out to do their best to keep the bonnie banks looking their best.”

Mr Urquhart added that he wished to thank the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel for hosting the event and supplying FOLLAT’s somewhat damp volunteers with a delicious snack at the end of the event.

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Incidentally, That's Green has launched a nationwide initiative some under the title "Don't Be a Sinner, Be a Binner!"

It calls for everyone to do their part in helping to ensure that bins are used for rubbish and that our environment is kept clean. Discarded rubbish and trash can kill pets and wildlife so it's not merely a matter of discarded items looking a mess.  

If you follow this link to the blogpost you will find useful resources and advice on how to help to be a binner and not a sinner.

https://thatsgreen.blogspot.com/2026/03/dont-be-sinner-be-binner.html

Devon Conservation Charity Defies Odds with Rare Lemur Quadruplets

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is celebrating an extraordinary "baby boom" following the birth of four critically endangered red-ruffed lemurs. 

The quadruplets, born on May 4th to mother Eka and father Nero, represent a significant milestone for the small Devon-based charity and for the European breeding programme.

While twins are common for this species, quadruplets are an incredible rarity, occurring in fewer than 6% of births worldwide.

Despite being one of the UK's smaller wildlife charities, Shaldon is known for punching well above its weight on the international stage. 

These newborns are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) breeding programme, a vital Europe-wide effort to ensure the survival of red-ruffed lemurs, which are only found in a small area in the Northeast of Madagascar. 

Alongside being part of the breeding programme, Shaldon Wildlife Trust directly supports the protection of these animals in the wild through their field conservation partner, the Lemur Conservation Association (AEECL).

The news comes on the heels of the Trust being featured in National Geographic as one of the top zoos globally dedicated to conservation, further cementing the small zoo’s role in global wildlife preservation.

The four youngsters are already keeping mom, Eka, very busy. Visitors to the Trust may soon be able to catch a glimpse of the youngsters as they become more active in their habitat.

"To have four healthy infants at once is a real testament to the care our team provides," sZak Showell, Director, told That's Green.

"We’ve had a lot of excitement recently with the National Geographic coverage, but there is nothing quite like the arrival of 'quads' to remind us why we do what we do. It’s a huge win for the species and a proud moment for Shaldon."

https://www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Britain’s Hidden Jungle? Scotland’s Tiny Rainforest is Full of Dennis the Menace Lichens and Ancient Magic

When people think of rainforests, they usually picture the Amazon, tropical heat, parrots screeching overhead and maybe the odd snake lurking in a tree.

But Britain has its own rainforest.

And honestly? It is wonderfully weird.

Tucked away beside beautiful Loch Katrine in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, visitors can now explore one of the easternmost surviving fragments of Scotland’s incredibly rare temperate rainforest thanks to a brand new nature trail celebrating this ancient landscape.

Yes, rainforest. In Scotland.

The newly opened Scotland’s Rainforest Nature Trail has been created by the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust and winds its way through mossy woodland near Trossachs Pier, an area often described as the birthplace of Scottish tourism.

And this is not just any woodland stroll.

These forests are part of Scotland’s Celtic Rainforest, a habitat that now covers less than one percent of the country. Think twisted ancient trees, emerald-green mosses, rare lichens, damp air and the sort of scenery that looks like it belongs in a fantasy film.

The rainforest has been quietly evolving since the end of the Ice Age, creating the perfect conditions for all sorts of unusual wildlife to thrive, including butterflies, moths, liverworts and lichens so strange-looking they have nicknames.

Which brings us to perhaps the greatest rainforest resident of all.

A shaggy lichen affectionately nicknamed “Dennis the Menace” because it looks like the famously wild-haired Dennis the Menace from DC Thomson.

Naturally, the trail now includes the comic troublemaker himself on one of its information panels after special permission was granted to mark Dennis’s 75th anniversary year.

Only in Britain could a rainforest conservation story somehow involve Beano comics.

The trail has been carefully designed to help protect the fragile habitat too, with enclosed pathways and boardwalks guiding visitors through sensitive areas while reducing erosion and disturbance.

It also links directly to the Scenic Tower & Lookouts above the loch, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the water and surrounding hills, the same landscapes that inspired Sir Walter Scott when writing The Lady of the Lake.

With more than 250,000 people visiting Loch Katrine every year, the new trail is helping shine a spotlight on one of Britain’s most magical and overlooked ecosystems.

So next time somebody says Britain does not have rainforests, you can tell them we absolutely do.

Ours just happen to come with lichens named after comic book characters.

https://www.lochkatrine.com