Sandy Watt

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Why are the British flooding parts of their coast? Once farmland protected by flood defenses, Steart Marshes in southwest England now thrives as a restored salt marsh. As the defences weakened, the land became increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Instead of rebuilding defenses, conservationists, the government and local communities made a bold choice to let the sea reclaim the landscape. Just over 10 years ago the sea wall was breached, allowing the sea to take over the land, transforming the area into a vital wetland habitat. Salt marshes, which have declined by 85% in the U.K. since the 19th century, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. They provide shelter for wetland wildlife, act as natural flood defenses by absorbing storm surges, stabilize coastlines against erosion, and store carbon to help combat climate change. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Steart Marshes now provides a model for future restoration projects, proving that working with nature can protect communities while rebuilding lost habitats.

Why are the British flooding parts of their coast?

Leo Plunkett, Sandy Watt 19 Mar 2025

The last of the sea nomads cling to their roots in a changing world

Thailand’s last sea nomads confront a changing world

Sandy Watt, Thomas Cristofoletti 26 Feb 2025

Why do child marriages persist on Jakarta’s coast?

Rizky Maulana Yanuar, Sandy Watt 28 Oct 2024

Will a forest in Borneo be gutted for ‘green’ energy?

Hans Nicholas Jong, Sandy Watt 21 Oct 2024

Java activists risk jail for exposing shrimp farm pollution crisis.

Java activists risk jail for exposing shrimp farm pollution crisis

Basten Gokkon, Nanang Sujana, Sandy Watt 16 Sep 2024

If a giant tree dies, these scientists want to know why

Patrick Vanier, Sandy Watt 29 Jul 2024

To wipe or to wash? That is the question

Abhishyant Kidangoor, Sandy Watt 31 May 2024

Rolling towards circularity? Tracking the trace of tires

Abhishyant Kidangoor, Sandy Watt 12 Jan 2024

Chocolate bar

Consumed: What is the environmental impact of chocolate?

Sandy Watt 22 Aug 2022

News and Inspiration from Nature's Frontline.

César Rodríguez-Garavito, Chair of the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at NYU School of Law, details groundbreaking victories in climate litigation and law, highlighting the inspiring, long-term work of activists ranging from European grandmothers to Indigenous youth.

Ochieng' Ogodo

Saiga herd during a calving period. Image by Albert Salemgareyev and courtesy of the Association for the Conservation Biodiversity of Kazakhstan/Vera Voronova.

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