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Uncovering Ukraine's War-Torn Soils: A Research Project's Quest
1 Aug
Summary
- UK government provides £500,000 for soil research in Ukraine
- Significant soil damage found, including heavy metal contamination
- Cumbria's river restoration project named finalist for global award
As of August 1st, 2025, a research project led by the Royal Agricultural University is working to uncover the long-term impact of the war on Ukraine's soils. The UK government has provided £500,000 in funding for this critical endeavor, which has already identified substantial damage to the country's soils, including heavy metal contamination from bombardments.
In a separate development, a 'whole Cumbria strategy' involving three River Trusts, the Environment Agency, and Natural England has been named as one of only four finalists for the prestigious Thiess International River Prize. This innovative approach to river management, which includes reconnecting floodplains, re-wiggling rivers, and slowing the flow upstream, has been recognized for its ability to reduce flood and pollution risks while encouraging greater biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is urging farmers in the UK to prepare for the upcoming winter by ensuring adequate storage for their slurry, a crucial step in managing agricultural waste and protecting the environment.
