Author: OMN AI

Gardeners are being encouraged to plant native “tredges” to help boost England’s tree cover.The call from the Royal Horticultural Society supports government plans to raise woodland cover from 10% to 16.5% by 2050. Tredges are plants that sit between a hedge and a tree, offering wildlife benefits without dominating small gardens.Experts say England’s 25 million gardens could play a key role in restoring biodiversity. The approach will be showcased at the Chelsea flower show by the Woodland Trust.Its garden design will demonstrate how damaged woodland can be regenerated using native species. RHS specialists recommend small native trees such as hawthorn,…

Government scientists are releasing crayfish, insects, and fungi to control invasive species across Britain.The work targets threats such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and floating pennywort. The programme is led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency under targets set by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.Ministers want to cut the establishment of invasive species by 50% by 2030. Researchers carefully test biological control agents to ensure they harm only target species.A South American weevil is reducing floating pennywort in rivers. Scientists at Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International are also deploying insects and fungi against knotweed and balsam.Early…

At first light in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s main city, residents begin a frantic search for water. Christmas is approaching, but dry pipes dampen the festive mood. With a population of six million, the city faces serious water shortages that have persisted for months. In some homes, plastic containers line the doorsteps, ready to be carried whenever a nearby tap flows again. City authorities ration water, supplying homes once a week, though some families wait far longer. The crisis, fueled by drought and rising demand, has forced many to turn to private vendors. These vendors source water from boreholes and…

Across the United States, heart warming acts in 2025 captured public attention and inspired millions. Acts of kindness, courage, and compassion spread widely online and offline. These moments reminded people that goodwill still plays a strong role in daily life. Throughout the year, many simple actions became powerful stories. Strangers helped strangers without expecting anything in return. These acts often appeared on social media and quickly went viral. Viewers shared them as symbols of hope during uncertain times. One common theme was kindness in everyday settings. People paid for meals, helped elderly neighbors, or offered rides to those in need.…

The US government has immediately paused leases for offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast, citing national security risks. Interior department cites radar and security threats The Department of the Interior announced the suspension of five large-scale wind projects to assess possible radar interference and risks to east coast cities. Officials said rapid technological developments abroad make the projects potentially vulnerable. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum warned that offshore wind farms could complicate airspace monitoring. He cited recent drone strikes in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East as examples. Burgum said officials must ensure the ability to distinguish friend from…

A Victorian fisher has filmed an unusually pink platypus while fishing in Gippsland.Cody Stylianou first mistook the animal for a trout before seeing it surface nearby. The platypus had clearly pink feet and bill, making it easy to spot in sunlit water.Stylianou believes it may be the same animal he noticed years earlier in the area. Online speculation suggested the animal could be albino.However, biologist Jeff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy said this was unlikely. Williams explained platypus vary widely in colour and this individual sits at the lighter extreme.He described it as unusual, but not rare or scientifically…

Researchers warn that extremely hot, humid conditions during pregnancy could stunt children’s growth. Millions of children risk shorter stature if heat-trapping emissions continue to warm the planet. Heat already threatens human health The dangers of extreme heat are well documented. The World Health Organisation reports that high temperatures worsen illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. This summer, heatwaves killed around 24,400 people across Europe. Scientists calculate that 16,500 of these deaths could have been avoided without human-caused warming, meaning climate change tripled the death toll. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara now say the risks of extreme weather extend…

A seal pup has been rescued after becoming wedged between large boulders on the island of Westray in Orkney.The animal was spotted stuck in coastal rock armour at Rapness on Thursday evening. British Divers Marine Life Rescue assessed the situation on Friday before carrying out a rescue on Saturday.The operation was supported by local firm Cooke Aquaculture, which helped remove a rock. Rescuer Tom Hadley said the pup was trapped in a difficult and dangerous position.The seal was described as aggressive but calmed once it was freed. A rescuer distracted the animal while another carefully restrained it.The pup was checked…

Record Octopus Bloom in the South West Warm waters off the south west of England produced the largest octopus bloom in 75 years, according to conservationists. Divers and snorkellers reported multiple sightings of the creatures walking, mating, and even interacting with underwater cameras. Fishers found them in crab and lobster pots and during trawling. Matt Slater, marine conservation officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, described the surge as “an exceptional octopus population explosion, the like of which hasn’t been seen in our waters for 75 years.” Despite causing some concern for fishers, local ports quickly developed markets to sell the octopuses…

The fragrant resin that scents festive seasons and fuels the wellness industry faces a serious threat. Its natural sources are rapidly declining, putting livelihoods and traditions at risk. A life devoted to frankincense Salaban Salad Muse has devoted his entire life to frankincense. He lives in Dayaha, a small town in Somaliland’s Sanaag region, and works as an experienced harvester of the aromatic resin. Frankincense comes exclusively from the Boswellia tree, a desert species with papery bark and sparse leaves. Each year, Salad Muse camps for three to six months near the grove his family has owned for generations. He…