Environmental & Energy

Sellafield AFO Recruitment Opens, Applications Now Accepted

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary has opened recruitment for Authorised Firearms Officers at Sellafield as part of a rolling national programme to maintain armed protection at one of the UK's most sensitive nuclear sites. Successful applicants receive a starting salary of £31,164 and undertake a Level 4 Non-Home Office Police Officer Apprenticeship with a 19-week Initial Foundation Programme followed by 20 months of structured development at their Operational Policing Unit.

CNPA Board Minutes - March 2025

The Civil Nuclear Police Authority published redacted minutes from its March 2025 board meeting on 10 April 2026. The document is provided in PDF format (707 KB, 8 pages) as part of government transparency requirements. Accessibility options are available upon request.

CNPA Board Minutes September 2025

The Civil Nuclear Police Authority published redacted board meeting minutes from its September 2025 session. The 11-page PDF document provides transparency data on the authority's governance activities. The minutes were published on the UK Government website on 10 April 2026.

UK Scientists Unite for Seabed Survey Off South-West Coast

The UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), comprising over 30 public sector organisations, will conduct a four-week seabed mapping survey (CSM2026) from 20 April to 19 May 2026. The survey will deploy 26 scientists from 11 member organisations aboard Research Vessel Cefas Endeavour to collect hydrographic, geological, and environmental data along the UK's south-west coastline.

£60 Million Species Recovery Programme Funding Announced for England

The UK government has announced £60 million in funding over three years for the Species Recovery Programme administered by Natural England, more than double previous funding. An additional £30 million will support species recovery on the national forest estate. The first five species to benefit are the turtle dove, diamond-backed spider, Eurasian oystercatcher, red-billed chough, and glutinous snail. A new campaign called "Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife" will consolidate government conservation efforts.

£90 Million Species Recovery Programme Funding Announced

The UK government has announced £90 million in funding for threatened species recovery in England, comprising £60 million for Natural England's Species Recovery Programme over three years (2026-2029) and £30 million for the national forest estate. This represents more than double previous funding levels. The announcement includes the new "Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife" campaign to coordinate species protection efforts. Successful projects will be confirmed by Natural England in May 2026.

Coast Path Route Variation Proposals for Titchwell, Norfolk

Natural England has submitted proposals to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to vary the approved route of the King Charles III England Coast Path at Titchwell in Norfolk. The public comment opportunity closed on 15 April 2026. Objections will be forwarded to an independent planning inspector who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State.

Green-winged Orchids, Adders, Skylarks at Somerset Reserve

Natural England published a press release promoting spring visitation to the Mendip National Nature Reserve in Somerset, England. The reserve, declared in October 2023 as the 2nd in the King's Series of National Nature Reserves, spans over 1,400 hectares and includes habitats from rocky gorges to wetlands. Visitors are encouraged to explore between April and early June to view orchids, adders, skylarks, and bats.

UKAEA Fusion Strategy 2026-2030, Targets, Economic Benefits

UKAEA launched its 2026-2030 organisational Strategy for the UK's national fusion laboratory, aligned with the UK Government's Fusion Strategy. The strategy sets 2030 objectives including supporting completion of STEP Fusion prototype detailed design, increasing UK companies in global fusion supply chains, completing research facilities at Culham Campus, and growing the fusion workforce. Fusion is projected as a multi-trillion pound global industry in the latter half of the century.

UKAEA and National College Launch CROSS Robotics Training Centre in Cumbria

UK Atomic Energy Authority and the National College for Nuclear and Clean Energy have launched CROSS (Cumbria Robotics Operations Skills Centre) in West Cumbria. The facility will provide hands-on robotics and automation training for the UK's nuclear and clean energy workforce. UKAEA has provided over £700,000 of robotics equipment through its FOSTER programme to support the training centre.