Nature is in decline across the UK. 2023 data shows the abundance of terrestrial and freshwater species has on average fallen by 19% across the UK since 1970. Yet working with nature may be part of the answer to reversing this decline.  

As the Environment Agency release a new position statement on nature-based solutions, we’re joined by their Director of Water, Helen Wakeham and the CEO of the Rivers Trust, Mark Lloyd.

Hear Helen and Mark discuss the rationale behind sharing their position on these types of solutions and what role they have to play in the environment we want to nurture.  We explore whether they can be seen as greenwash and if the wider value of these solutions is really accounted for by our current regulations.  And we discuss the challenge of insufficient performance data making it difficult to confidently allow wider scale adoption.  There are seeds of positivity as we consider how taking a catchment-view could enable some bold decisions that leave a positive legacy for our environment.

As ever, find out what Helen and Mark both want to make possible with the Planet Possible Magic Wand.

Read the new position statement on Nature-based Solutions. (Launched 17th July '25)

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Thanks to our sponsors BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment for supporting Planet Possible.

Credits

Presented & Produced by Niki Roach

Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited

With thanks to Alastair Chisholm

Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland