UK moves to expand seabed trawling ban as global ocean protection effort builds

April Lara
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UK moves to expand seabed trawling ban as global ocean protection effort builds

The UK Government is proposing to extend a ban on bottom trawling across a broader stretch of English waters, potentially tripling the area currently protected from the destructive fishing practice.

Bottom trawling, which involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed, has long been criticised for damaging fragile marine habitats and indiscriminately catching marine life. The expansion would increase the ban from 18,000km² to 48,000km² across designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The proposal is now open for a 12-week consultation with the fishing and marine sectors, closing in early September.

If implemented, the plan would protect 41 of England’s 181 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aiming to safeguard sensitive seabed ecosystems and rare marine species. The move follows recent warnings from environmental groups and members of Parliament, who have called for stronger safeguards against seabed exploitation, including dredging and mineral extraction.

The announcement coincides with the start of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where world leaders are being urged to ratify the High Seas Treaty. The treaty, which aims to protect 30% of international waters by 2030, has been ratified by 47 countries so far. The UK has yet to sign.

At the summit, concerns were also raised about deep-sea mining. France and Costa Rica have called for a global moratorium, urging caution until more is known about the environmental risks of harvesting critical minerals from the ocean floor. A growing consensus is emerging among scientists regarding the need to pause exploration efforts while further research is conducted.

The expanded trawling ban, if enacted, would represent a major step in the UK’s marine conservation efforts and align with broader global moves to preserve ocean biodiversity.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville

College receives £600k to train skilled agri-food workforce

Tess Egginton
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College receives £600k to train skilled agri-food workforce
Students at Riseholme College are to benefit from enhanced agriculture and horticulture facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution deal. Riseholme, based on the outskirts of Lincoln, will receive £600,000 of investment for new skills training infrastructure as a result of the deal agreed with the government last year for Greater Lincolnshire to get a new combined authority headed up by an elected mayor. Land-based college Riseholme will invest in a new state-of-the-art Centre for Plant and Soil Science with the funding. It will be created by expanding the current practical learning space at Riseholme Park and creating a specialist horticulture laboratory and teaching area at the college’s Showground Campus, next to Lincolnshire Showground. The centre will support the delivery of a range of qualifications across further education, higher education, apprenticeships and short and part-time courses in agriculture and horticulture. A range of industry-standard agricultural equipment, including a telehandler, tractor and loader and a portable weighbridge platform will be purchased with the funding as well. The new equipment will also include a crop sprayer and virtual welding simulator. Beth Curtis, vice principal at Riseholme College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which will directly benefit our students by giving them access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard equipment. “This funding is not just about new resources – it represents a significant step forward in our mission to prepare learners for successful and meaningful careers in the ever-evolving fields of agriculture and horticulture. “It is essential that our students develop the hands-on skills, knowledge and adaptability that employers are looking for both now and in the future. “We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition of the work we do and the role Riseholme College plays in shaping the future of the agri-food sector. “It reinforces our commitment to excellence in education and training, and our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled, innovative and work-ready professionals who will drive these crucial industries forward.” Riseholme is one of six educational bodies to receive a share of £2.5m under the devolution deal.   Image shows Agriculture studies at Riseholme College

North East Lincolnshire wants your say on learning for grown-ups

April Lara
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North East Lincolnshire wants your say on learning for grown-ups

Whether you’re curious about pottery, upskilling for work, or thinking of a career switch, North East Lincolnshire wants to know how you’d prefer to hear about adult learning opportunities.

An online survey is open to locals aged 19 and over, asking how people usually find out about short courses, workshops, and training programmes, and what might get them to sign up. With many options available for free or at a subsidised rate, the Council is keen to remove the biggest barrier: a lack of awareness.

It’s part of a wider push to refresh how adult education is promoted in the borough. The feedback will help the Council and local providers tailor future campaigns, from online ads to posters in town, so more people know what’s available.

The survey is open until Friday, 18 July and takes just a few minutes to complete. Those who would rather share their thoughts in person can visit Freshney Place (outside Bakers and Baristas) on Wednesday, 18 June, where the Adult Learning Team will be available from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Paper copies are also available on request.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jacob Lund

Funding secured for Lincoln Arts Centre VE and VJ Day commemoration project

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Funding secured for Lincoln Arts Centre VE and VJ Day commemoration project

Lincoln Arts Centre has secured £15,000 to deliver a new VE and VJ Day community commemoration project called Our Freedom: Then and Now.

Our Freedom: Then and Now is a new programme of community-based events taking place in arts centres, museums and libraries throughout the UK. Lincoln Arts Centre will work with the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) to bring its Digital Archive to life through a series of stories, workshops and large-scale displays. The project builds on Lincolnshire’s strong RAF heritage and the involvement of ‘Bomber County’ in World War Two. Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this programme will give communities a unique opportunity to reflect on the end of the Second World War and to explore what freedom means for them, then and now. Ben Anderson, director of Lincoln Arts Centre, said: “Local artists and communities in Lincoln are once again taking their place on the national stage. This time through our involvement in an initiative with real local significance. “I’m excited to get started and eager to see communities come together to explore and activate the University’s unique cultural assets: Lincoln Arts Centre and the IBCC Digital Archive to create something truly unique and memorable.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Robert L Parker

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance to save more lives than ever with second helicopter

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Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance to save more lives than ever with second helicopter
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Charity is gearing up to save more lives than ever with the addition of a second helicopter. The charity, which saves lives across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, has secured a spot on the production line in Italy for a new helicopter at a cost of around £7m. LNAA currently operates with one helicopter, its iconic yellow AW169. But as mission numbers rise, the doctors, paramedics and pilots who respond to an average of four missions a day, know that there are patients they can’t currently get to. Medical Director Dr Gareth Davies said: “We want to bring our skill and experience to the side of more patients, more quickly, and across a wider area. A second aircraft is a game-changer for these patients and for us as we expand what we can do to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.” The charity is completely funded by donations and the project has taken flight thanks to initial fundraising efforts which have raised £4m. The Michael Cornish Charitable Trust and BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation have each given £1m towards the second helicopter. The Jones 1986 Charitable Trust and Nottingham-based company Experian have also made generous contributions to the project, along with LNAA contributing thanks to its fundraising efforts. Michael Cornish said: “Our charitable trust has existed to help charities who have a tangible, positive impact on communities, including saving lives. LNAA does this 365 days of the year, across a vast area, so it fits entirely with our vision. We are excited to be part of something that will unquestionably help to save lives.” A spokesperson for BNA said: “BNA have been a major contributor over the years and are pleased to have generously donated to this important strengthening of LNAA’s cover of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.” A spokesperson for The Jones 1986 Charitable Trust said: “The Trust has been a major supporter of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance over the years because we know how important the charity is in being able to deliver life-saving care on the scene. We’re pleased that we have been able to make a sizeable donation to help ensure that LNAA can get to more patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.” The plan for a second helicopter emerged after data gathered by the charity showed there are people in need who the service cannot get to with just one aircraft. In the last five years, the charity has seen a 135 percent increase in mission numbers and recent data has shown that there’s an average of 1.4 missions every day the crews are not able to currently respond to. The second helicopter will be an AW109 GrandNew model and is scheduled to land at the charity in summer 2027 with a view to being fully operational by autumn that year. LNAA’s CEO Karen Jobling said: “We are absolutely delighted to share this incredible news with our supporters. The addition of a second helicopter means that we will be able to attend more emergencies, more quickly, and provide critical care to more patients who might not otherwise have access in time. This is truly a life-changing development for the communities we are here to serve. “Every life we save is a thanks to the people who support LNAA. The second helicopter will belong to everyone who has ever donated, fundraised, or supported us in any way. It will save many more lives, and we could not achieve this without them.” To find out more, visit https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/mission-possible-2-appeal/

Families invited to join the Big Butterfly Count

Tess Egginton
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Families invited to join the Big Butterfly Count
Butterfly Conservation is calling nature lovers, puddle splashers and beach bathers to join the world’s largest butterfly count this summer. The Big Butterfly Count, which runs from 18 July to 10 August is an invitation to explore the great outdoors, learn about the wildlife on your doorstep and inspire a love of nature in curious young minds. As well as being an important tool that helps Butterfly Conservation understand how butterflies are faring across the UK, the Big Butterfly Count is a great way to add a twist to spaces you already know and love or find a new outdoor space to enjoy as a family. For families on a budget, the count has the added bonus of being absolutely free and it can be done in as many spaces and as many times as you like throughout the count period. The Big Butterfly Count can be made into a butterfly scavenger hunt to add variety to a Sunday afternoon stroll, an “I spy” style garden game or inspiration for a butterfly themed art session at home. If you do your count in your garden, why not keep a note of how many butterflies you see this year and see whether adding favourite butterfly and caterpillar food plants, such as lavender, nettles and buddleia, helps you spot a higher number next year? It’s also a great activity to springboard conversations about metamorphosis, climate change and habitat loss with children of all ages. If that’s not enough to get you out with a butterfly ID guide this summer, all of the data collected during the count helps paint a bigger picture of how delicate butterfly species are faring in the UK. Having people taking part right across the country, from Lands End in the south to John O’Groats in the north, Ness Point in the east to Ardnamurchan Point in the west and everywhere in between, provides a wealth of data for Butterfly Conservation scientists. This information shows where butterflies are doing well, where they are struggling, and whether species are returning to the same areas or being pushed further north due to climate change. This year’s survey is particularly important in light of the current Butterfly Emergency, which was called following last year’s Big Butterfly Count. On average participants spotted an average of just seven butterflies during a 15 minute count compared to an average of 12 in 2023 marking an all-time low. With that in mind, the future of UK native butterfly species really is in the hands of our children and Butterfly Conservation wants as many families as possible to enjoy the simple pleasure of butterfly spotting. Kate Merry, head of engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is a great way for families to connect with nature during the summer holidays. Children love spotting butterflies, and with a little help to identify them it’s a fantastic introduction to wildlife while contributing to real scientific research. “Whether you’re in your local park, on a countryside walk, or enjoying a camping holiday, every count matters. It’s simple, free and has the potential to turn everyday outdoor moments into mini adventures filled with colour, curiosity, and learning. “By taking just 15 minutes to look more closely at the world around us, we’re not only creating joyful memories, but also helping to protect the future of the UK’s butterflies and the wider environment they depend on. So grab a guide, head outside, and be part of something truly important this summer.” The Big Butterfly Count can be completed in a garden, park, woodland, meadow, city balcony or on holiday by the coast, wherever you happen to be, every count helps paint a big picture. If you’re feeling inspired visit the Butterfly Conservation website for fascinating butterfly and moth info, fun free activities and downloads for children, plus gardening tips and guidance on how to find butterflies and moths where you live. Favourites, including a poster to colour in and display in your window to encourage others to get out for the count, have been put into a Big Butterfly Count family pack, with something for all ages come rain or shine. Find it at https://butterfly-conservation.org/family-fun Getting involved in the count, is a simple three step process:
  1. Get ready with the FREE Big Butterfly Count app or by downloading Butterfly Conservation’s FREE butterfly ID chart
  2. Join in between July 18 and August 10
  3. Add your counts via the website or app
Download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org to learn more and start planning your butterfly adventure.

Everything you need to know about the 140th Lincolnshire Show

Tess Egginton
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Everything you need to know about the 140th Lincolnshire Show
The much-loved Lincolnshire Show returns on Wednesday 18th June and Thursday 19th June, and is set to welcome 60,000 people – including 6,000 school children and over 500 exhibitors. Ahead of opening day, organisers have shared their answers to the event’s frequently asked questions, providing you with everything you need to know ahead of your big day out. What time is the Show open? The gates open at 8am and the Show closes at 6pm on the 18th and 19th June. All trade stands and concessions are open until 6pm on both days. Where is the Lincolnshire Show and how can I get there?  The Lincolnshire Show takes place at the Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA. When travelling to the Show by car, we recommend using either the AA or RAC route planners on the day to ensure you can follow the latest travel updates. Parking is free and all the car parks are within reasonable accessibility of the entrance gates. When travelling by taxi, drivers are advised to use Gate 6 (Burton Road) for both dropping off and picking up. For those wanting to use public transport, Stagecoach will be running a bus service from Lincoln Central Railway Station and Gainsborough Bus Station to the Showground on both days of the Show. More details can be found on the Stagecoach website. How much are tickets and how do I buy them?  Tickets are cheaper if bought online in advance, but tickets can also be purchased on arrival (subject to availability). Advance prices: Adult (over 16) – £26 Child (5-16) – £8.50 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) – £63 Under 5s: Free Advance tickets are subject to booking fees and are available to purchase until 11pm on 17th June. They can be bought through www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/ourshows. On the day prices: Adult (over 16) – £36 Child (5-16) – £11 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) – £75 Under 5s: Free Who organises the Lincolnshire Show? The Show is organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS), a registered charity dedicated to championing the importance of food, farming and the countryside. It aims to educate, inspire and connect communities by celebrating Lincolnshire’s rich agricultural heritage and representing the county with pride through engaging events, outreach and collaborations. What’s new for 2025? Well-known faces: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be attending the Show on 18th June, as well as television presenter Matt Baker MBE on 19th June. The Knights of Middle England: The Knights of Middle England are a professional team of stunt riders, performers, actors and combatants who will be bringing an action-packed performance to the Main Ring. You can see their performances on 18th June at 10:45am and 2:30pm and on 19th June at 11:00am and 4:00pm. Rural Voices Stage: This new area will spotlight all things countryside, offering engaging panel discussions and expert-led networking. It will give people working in agriculture and related industries the chance to deepen their knowledge of British farming, land management and sustainability. Is the Beach back? First introduced for last year’s Lincolnshire Show, the artificial beach will be back bigger and better for 2025. After it proved a hit with visitors of all ages, the Beach has been expanded to include a live DJ performing themed sets and pop music throughout both days, as well as ‘Boogie by the Bay’ sets for the children. There will also be giant beach huts, an ice cream van and even a boat. What are some of the must-see attractions outside of the White Hart Hotel Main Ring? As well as new attractions, there are also lots of traditional favourites including the Lincolnshire Kitchen, sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln. Here, local celebrity chef, Rachel Green, will host professionals who will demonstrate exciting ways to cook the best local produce. Food lovers can also enjoy a variety of food and drink in the Food Court, which offers cuisines from around the world. Nature lovers will be inspired by the return of the Garden Show, where 12 award-winning plant nurseries will compete to display the best small garden. Meanwhile, The Potting Shed will see garden experts share their best tips and tricks. Close by, stunning bouquets and sculptures will be blooming at the Floral Arts marquee. Shopping lovers can visit The Mews, a premium shopping area sponsored by The White Hart Hotel, offering luxury goods, gifts and clothing. And with over 500 exhibitors, there’s plenty to see and do for all the family, including seeing farm machinery up close and speaking to agriculture experts in the Agricultural Lines and Allied Trade zone. The Listers Toyota Countryside Area will host jaw-dropping displays including BMX stunt riders, chainsaw sculpting and falconry. Visitors can also see the return of the Farrier Competitions, get involved with hands-on attractions in the Activity Zone and learn life-saving skills in the Blue Light Zone. Meanwhile, there will be a variety of prestigious competitions taking place in the Equine Ring, and the Livestock Rings will showcase the best in agriculture, as farmers from across the area show their beautiful animals across a wide range of judging categories. Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome at the Lincolnshire Show, provided they are kept on a short, fixed lead at all times. Dogs are welcome in animal areas but cannot enter livestock marquees or buildings, and only guide dogs are allowed in eating areas (which includes the EPIC Centre and Food Court) or the Livestock areas. Dogs must not be left in any cars or vehicles. Is the Show suitable for people with mobility issues? The Showground has a lot of hard-standing and tarmac roads to facilitate access and toilet facilities across the site are accessible for those with mobility issues. Event Mobility will be providing electric mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs at the event for the use of mobility impaired, disabled and elderly visitors. Bookings are full for Wednesday 18th but to reserve an electric mobility scooter or manual wheelchair for Thursday 19th, please book online at least two days in advance at www.eventmobility.org.uk/lincolnshire-show. Bookings cannot be taken during the event and any spare equipment is offered on a first come, first served basis only. There is also a Changing Places toilet located in the EXO Centre, opposite the EPIC Centre. Where is lost property? During the Show, lost property can be taken to or collected from the Rotary Stand on 10th Avenue, between the EXO Centre and Toilet Block 5. Are there baby-changing facilities? Yes – each toilet block, as well as the facilities within the EPIC Centre and the additional disabled facilities on site, all have baby changing facilities. What happens if I need help at the Show? More than 200 Stewards will be on hand to help when visiting the event. You can spot them by their distinctive bowler hat or straw hats and they’ll be happy to help. Where can I find First Aid? St John Ambulance will be located on 8th Avenue, on the West side of the EPIC Centre and next to the Society Offices. How can I keep hydrated at the Show? The Lincolnshire Show encourages visitors to bring a reusable water bottle that can be filled up at drinking water taps, which will be located across the Showground. This also helps reduce single-use plastic and waste. There will also be a wide range of refreshments available from stalls throughout the Show. Where can I buy a Show programme? Show Guides will be available to buy from booths near the entry gates or along the Livestock and Equine lines. The catalogue, giving full details of the entries for Show competitions and classes, is available from the same outlets. Can I get cash at the Showground? There will be two cash machines available during the Show days. We always recommend that visitors bring both cash and card to the Show, as some exhibitors will accept one and not the other.

New employment park planned for Scunthorpe growth corridor

Tess Egginton
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New employment park planned for Scunthorpe growth corridor

A 77-acre business park is set to be developed near junction 3 of the M180 as part of the Lincolnshire Lakes strategic growth zone. The project, named Forge Point, is being led by property developer Hargreaves Land and will form part of a wider mixed-use development that includes thousands of new homes and community infrastructure.

Forge Point is positioned to accommodate up to 959,300 square feet of new commercial space and is expected to offer both freehold and leasehold design-and-build options. It sits adjacent to land earmarked for 550 homes, forming part of a larger 6,000-home target across the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme.

The business park aligns with the area’s Area Action Plan, which supports the integration of high-tech business units, offices, and hospitality facilities to drive long-term economic development.

The site’s proximity to major transport links and a growing residential base is expected to appeal to logistics, advanced manufacturing, and professional services firms seeking scalable space in the North Lincolnshire region.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya

Cleethorpes walks reveal nature’s quiet power

April Lara
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Cleethorpes walks reveal nature’s quiet power

Cleethorpes’ saltmarsh is gaining attention not just for its beauty, but for its critical role in climate defence. In the spring, this overlooked stretch of coastline sequesters carbon in its mud, mitigates tidal surges, and provides sanctuary to wildlife. Now, with the help of a new Coastal Ranger, efforts are underway to help more locals and visitors appreciate what’s quietly thriving at their feet.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the newly appointed Coastal Ranger, Josh Forrester, is leading guided walks through the Cleethorpes Nature Reserve. Beginning behind the Leisure Centre, the route showcases a rare mix of sand dunes, scrubland, and saltmarsh,  habitats that support everything from Southern Marsh Orchids to migratory birds by the tens of thousands.

This stretch of coastline, which extends into the 30 km-long Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve, is protected under several international conservation agreements due to its unique biodiversity. Yet, it’s just steps away from Cleethorpes’ bustling tourist spots — a contrast that brings both opportunity and risk.

Josh’s walks are designed to spark curiosity and caution. He explains how Sea Buckthorn stabilises dunes with its roots, and why even the seemingly harmless cobwebs of Brown-Tail Moths deserve respect. He also highlights how accidental disruption, like paddleboarding through salt marsh or letting dogs roam off path, can damage fragile ecosystems.

The events, timed with National Nature Reserves Week, are part of a longer-term effort to reduce recreational disturbance and increase local awareness. With no barriers separating the wild from the well-trodden, Josh believes that understanding is the best protection.

Image source: North East Lincolnshire Council

Young talent eyes steel future in Scunthorpe

April Lara
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Young talent eyes steel future in Scunthorpe

More than 200 people have applied for just 30 apprenticeship places at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site, as the company prepares to welcome its first new cohort in three years.

The roles include 24 engineering craft apprenticeships and six technical apprenticeships, forming part of a wider recruitment push that includes 180 additional permanent jobs across various departments.

Successful applicants will enter a three-year training programme that blends technical learning with hands-on experience, delivered in partnership with local training providers. The goal is to prepare them for long-term careers in the business.

The application window for the apprenticeships closes at 11.59 pm on Friday, 6 June 2025.

This wave of interest in British Steel’s apprenticeship programme signals a renewed enthusiasm for skilled trades and industry-backed career pathways, especially in regions with a strong industrial heritage, such as Scunthorpe.

Alongside the apprenticeships, British Steel has open vacancies in various fields, including engineering, safety, chemistry, cleaning, and legal support, offering a diverse range of entry points for those looking to be part of the company’s evolution.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/riachsion
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