ScienceNatural Sciences

Counting the Earth

Sue Nelson and Alice Hope explore the numbers behind nature and pick apart the jargon and misinformation surrounding climate, the environment and biodiversity. Each month, they start with a number and investigate what it really means. From net zero to hedgerows, worms to water, Sue and Alice aren’t afraid to get their feet muddy in the quest for facts.
Producer: Rachael Buchanan
A Boffin Media production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

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#22
October 27 · 35 min
22: From peat to paddies: 12
This episode explores the challenge of protecting the UK’s lowland peatlands while sustaining food production. Visiting a trials site at Oxwillow Farm in the Cambridgeshire Fens, hosts Sue Nelson and Alice Hope uncover pioneering UKCEH research into paludiculture, or wetland farming, where higher water tables help preserve peat while supporting alternative crops. Speaking with UKCEH scientists Professor Richard Pywell, Dr Nadine Mitschunas and Dr Terhi Riutta, they visit experimental plots growing crops ranging from salads and cucumbers to miscanthus for bioenergy, reedmace for biofibres and even cold-hardy rice. Site owners, farmers Craig and Sarah Taylor, whose family have farmed in the Fens for over 500 years, discuss the opportunities and challenges of farming on rewetted peat in a changing climate. With early trials showing potential to reduce carbon emissions, boost biodiversity and maintain productive agriculture, the episode explores how innovation could help balance food production, climate resilience and nature recovery across the Fens. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: Rice takes root in British soil for the first time The research is part of the AgZero+ project, which is jointly funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Related episodes Nature for Net Zero:0 Top of the Crops: 2080
#21
September 2 · 44 min
21: The invisible pollutant: 200 million
Most nitrogen is a harmless gas that makes up 78% of the air we breathe. Reactive forms of nitrogen are more of a challenge, such as those found in fertilisers essential to help our crops grow. When excess nitrogen escapes into the environment, it can become a major pollutant, damaging ecosystems, air quality and human health. In this episode, Alice and Sue visit Whim Bog, a peatland research site 20 km south of Edinburgh that is globally unique and managed by UKCEH. There, site manager Dr Matt Jones explains how 25 years of research have revealed the impacts of nitrogen pollution on the environment. Nearby at the woodland experiment site, Glencorse, Dr Ajinkya Deshpande discusses research on the effects of ammonia throughout the woodland canopy, including mosses and lichens. They also hear about a sister project in Sri Lanka investigating how tropical species respond to nitrogen pollution. UKCEH environmental physicist Professor Mark Sutton highlights the global significance of the issue, explaining how changes to agricultural practices can reduce nitrogen losses to the environment while conserving resources and reducing pollution. He also outlines solutions that could help deliver a future where pollution mitigation and food security go hand in hand. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: LicheN app Download via Google Play Download via the Apple Store UNEP facts about nitrogen pollution
#20
June 9 · 29 min
20: Back garden biodiversity: 9,600
Recorded at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Alice and Sue explore the vital role our gardens play in supporting wildlife and how we can help shape these thriving mini ecosystems. At the UKCEH Nature Decoded exhibit, they meet UKCEH data scientist Alyssa Duffy, who introduces the innovative biodiversity‑monitoring technologies on display — from soil and freshwater acoustic sensors to the LepiSense, affectionately known as the “moth photo booth”. They also speak with UKCEH ecologist Dr Michael Pocock about how anyone can contribute to science by recording the wildlife in their gardens using apps like iRecord, and the wellbeing benefits that come from taking part. The Big British Garden Survey, a collaboration between UKCEH and the National Garden Scheme, offers another way for people to help build a richer picture of the wildlife around us. Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, shares more about this survey and the importance of taking part. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: UKCEH Nature Decoded at RHS Chelsea Flower Show featuring soundscapes of worms, ants, beetles and more! iRecord, UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme and other citizen science apps. Big British Garden Survey Wellbeing benefits of participating in citizen science
#19
March 31 · 47 min
19: Unpacking Oil Palm: 80 million
From chocolate and shampoo to food, palm oil can be found in a range of packaged goods on the supermarket shelves and is used throughout industry. Its versatility makes it difficult to replace yet its production remains controversial due to high greenhouse gas emissions, the extensive deforestation carried out in Southeast Asia in the 1990s to make way for oil palm plantations, and habitat loss for a range of endangered species. So how can the oil palm industry become more sustainable? In this episode Alice Hope and Sue Nelson visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to meet palm house manager Will Spoelstra, who offers insight into the plant. UKCEH scientists Dr Julia Drewer and Professor Niall McNamara share insights from their research in Malaysia to improve soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Plus Sue and Alice hear from the Malaysian partners in that research – Dr Reza Azmi from the Social Enterprise Wild Asia - about how this trial is helping small-scale producers adopt more sustainable practices to support livelihoods and the environment. Finally the conversation shifts to Africa, where the oil palm originated from, as Dr Nick Cowan explains how lessons learned in Asia are being applied to new regions. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: Building a sustainable future for oil palm in West Africa Wild Asia Innovations in Practice : The Pathway to Nature-Positive, Low-Carbon Palm Oil Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard
#18
February 10 · 38 min
18: Whiplash weather: 90
Let’s talk drought. Yes, that’s right, drought! Our weather is experiencing extremes - from flooding to drought - so Alice and Sue delve into this whiplash weather with UKCEH senior hydrologist Lucy Barker. With the latest Hydrological Summary showing that January has been much wetter than average, they explore whether that is enough to replenish water reserves following the extended drought in 2025. Alice and Sue also catch up with UKCEH micro-meteorologist Dr Jon Evans at a COSMOS-UK field site at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire, one of 39 sites which make up a national soil moisture monitoring network that’s literally out of this world. Soil moisture is just one measure alongside rainfall, river flows, groundwater data that UKCEH gathers in partnership with others to produce monthly hydrological summaries – an essential tool for environmental regulators, government agencies, water companies, researchers and farmers. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: Hydrological Summary UK Water Resources Portal brings together all the data from the Hydrological Summaries – including COSMOS-UK – in near real time. COSMOS UK Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) Water UK’s Waters Worth Saving page.
#17
Oct 16, 2025 · 38 min
17: The Burning Issue: 3.7 million
Wildfires are evolving. Around the world they are becoming bigger, burning hotter, and harder to control with devastating impacts on humans, the economy and the environment. In this episode, Alice and Sue talk to UKCEH wildfire scientist Dr Douglas Kelley who outlines the causes of this change, drawing on examples from California and the Pantanal, the worlds’ largest tropical wetland. Closer to home, it has been a record year for wildfires in the UK. Alice catches up with Station Commander and Wildfire Tactical Adviser Andy Elliott from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. They visit Holt Heath National Nature Reserve in Dorset, the site of a fierce large scale blaze in August. Andy reveals that, due to the fire’s intensity, the lowland heath landscape may take up to 30 years to recover. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: UKCEH press release on the State of Wildfires report. The State of Wildfires project, including the latest report. The State of Wildfires project is co-led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, University of East Anglia, the Met Office and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire Aware campaign.
#16
May 12, 2025 · 39 min
16: Encounters of the Invasive Kind: 2,104
What do raccoons, purple pitcher plants, signal crayfish and the yellow-legged hornet all have in common? No, this is not a joke - far from it. They are all on the GB invasive non-native species alert list. The introduction of invasive non-native species is one of the top causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. In this episode Sue and Alice meet up with UKCEH ecologist Professor Helen Roy to delve into the challenges posed by invasive non-native species and explore their environmental, economic, and social impacts. They also catch up with Dr Olaf Booy, Technical Coordinator for the GB Non-native Species Secretariat, part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, to find out about the work that goes on to identify, detect, monitor and eradicate invasive non-native species. Olaf also spoke about how events such Invasive Species Week (12-18 May) help to raise awareness of the issue and what you can do to help and get involved. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more: Invasive Species Week – 12-18 May 2025 Non-native Species Secretariat ID sheets for Invasive Non-native Species Check, Clean, Dry Be Plant Wise Record a sighting of an invasive non-native species, especially an alert species
#15
Mar 27, 2025 · 34 min
15: Resistance Rising: 1.14 million
In this episode, Alice and Sue visit the River Kennet and the Reading Sewage Treatment Works to explore antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global issue. In 2021 1.14 million deaths were attributed to antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections, according to the UN Environment Programme. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the medicines that are meant to kill or treat them. Microorganisms from our waste, along with chemicals from our homes (like medications, cleaning products, and antifungal shampoos), contribute to this problem when entering our watercourses, along with agricultural and urban runoff. Alice and Sue meet with Dr Holly Tipper and Dr Isobel Stanton, molecular microbiologists at UKCEH, to learn more about their research on AMR, what we know and where the knowledge gaps are and role of the environment in the development of AMR in microbes. Then, they put on boots, hats, Hi-Viz jackets, and goggles to see for themselves the wastewater journey through the treatment works with Dan Freeman, lead for Thames Water’s Chemical Investigation Programme, providing insight into monitoring of emerging contaminants. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Find out more about AMR research at UKCEH https://www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/blogs/our-research-will-inform-action-tackle-amr-environment-and-risk-human-health The Naked Scientist podcast on AMR, featuring Dr Andrew Singer from UKCEH https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/naked-scientists-podcast/amr-unleashed-silent-pandemic
#14
Jan 24, 2025 · 35 min
14: Top of the crops: 2080
In this episode, Alice and Sue time travel to the year 2080, to explore what crops we might be growing in the UK, after 50 years of a changing climate. They speak with UKCEH Spatial Ecologist Dr John Redhead about horizon- scanning research on how climate change could shape the suitability of crops in the UK and the challenges this brings for UK farming systems. Alice also speaks with Josiah Meldrum from the UK-based wholefoods supplier Hodmedods to explore the benefits of beans and uncover how crops like chickpeas and lentils are already being cultivated in the UK. They also discuss ongoing trials of other crops, which are setting the stage for a more diverse and sustainable agricultural future. Read more about the research in our media release https://www.ceh.ac.uk/press/scientists-predict-what-will-be-top-crops-2080-due-climate-change and the paper in Environmental Resilience and Sustainability https://doi.org/10.1002/cli2.70007
#13
Dec 12, 2024 · 30 min
13: Slow the flow: 5.7 million
In England alone, an estimated 5.7 million properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water and groundwater. In this episode and in the wake of Storm Bert, Alice and Sue visit the Bruern Estate in Oxfordshire to explore how Natural Flood Management measures are reducing flood risks downstream in Milton-under-Wychwood. UKCEH senior hydrologist Dr Alejandro Dussaillant explains how a holistic nature-based approach can work alongside more traditional flood management techniques to help address the challenges presented by the climate crisis and changes in land use. Alice and Sue also speak with Ann Berkeley from Wild Oxfordshire, to learn how features such as leaky woody dams, swales, wet woodlands and field corner bunds are helping to manage water flow through the catchment, bringing co-benefits along the way. UKCEH hydrologists Neeraj Sah and Ponnambalam Rameshwaran share insights from the ongoing monitoring activity to evaluate the longer-term effectiveness, co-benefits and any trade-offs to consider of these innovative approaches. For more information about the work done at the Bruern Estate and across the Evenlode Catchment please see the website for that project Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#12
Nov 25, 2024 · 43 min
12: Breaking down microplastics: 115
Microplastics are everywhere—tiny plastic particles that permeate our soil, water, food, drinking supplies, and even our bodies. But how much do we actually understand about their long-term effects on our health and the environment? In this episode, Alice visits UKCEH labs in Wallingford to explore these questions. Pollution scientist Dr Richard Cross shares insights into how microplastics impact the environment, and Dr Gbotemi Adediran introduces the innovative CoreMis facility, which is pushing the boundaries by studying even smaller particles: nanoplastics, which are so tiny they're invisible to the naked eye. Also, Sue discusses how microplastics are present in the air we breathe and what that could mean for human health with Dr Stephanie Wright, from the Medical Research Council’s Centre for Environment and Health at Imperial College London. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#11
Oct 22, 2024 · 34 min
11: Chilling facts about forever chemicals: 1000
In this episode of Counting the Earth, we find out about forever chemicals – persistent pollutants that can pose serious environmental and health risks. Alice and Sue brave the icy freezers of the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS) in Lancaster to meet UKCEH ecotoxicologist Lee Walker and discover how studying dead birds like buzzards and barn owls can offer critical clues about how these chemicals accumulate. They discuss innovative projects ensuring that future chemicals are designed to be sustainable from the start, and explore what actions individuals can take to reduce their exposure. Listener discretion: this episode includes a detailed description of an autopsy performed on a dead bird. Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme website We are an independent, not-for-profit research institute and need your help to support this unique scheme: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/predatory-bird-monitoring-scheme Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#10
Aug 8, 2024 · 30 min
10: Into the woods: 30,000
In this episode, Alice and Sue take you on an exploration of the past, present and future of the UK’s woodlands. Sue visits the enchanting Heartwood Forest in Hertfordshire, where she meets Chris Nichols from the Woodland Trust to uncover the latest insights from the Bunce Woodland Survey. The survey reveals how our woodlands have changed over the past 50 years, and highlights the pressing challenges they face today, from climate change to shifts in land use. Looking to the future, Alice and Sue then speak with UKCEH scientist Stephen Cavers to discuss whether the UK is on track to meet the Government’s ambitious goal to plant 30,000 hectares of trees by the end of 2024 and investigate the role of genetics in building forest resilience. Tune in to discover how past lessons inform future strategies, and why every tree counts in the journey towards a more sustainable landscape. Read the full report https://www.ceh.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/Final-Bunce-report-50-years-of-change-in-British-broadleaved-woodlands_08082024.pdf The Bunce Woodland Survey https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bunce-woodland-survey Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ Future of UK Treescapes programme https://www.uktreescapes.org/ Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#9
Jul 23, 2024 · 40 min
9: Puffin patrol on the Isle of May: 52,000
Sitting at the mouth of the Firth of Forth in Scotland, the Isle of May is a sanctuary for nesting seabirds and the destination for this episode. Join Alice and Sue as they journey to the island and meet UKCEH Field Manager Mark Newell and his dedicated team. Discover the critical work they do to monitor seabird colonies, including the iconic puffin, providing valuable insights into the health of our marine ecosystems. Alice and Sue also chat with Assistant Reserve Manager Thomas Skinner to uncover the rich history of this National Nature Reserve, meticulously managed by NatureScot since 1989, and find out about the tireless efforts of the Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust volunteers. UKCEH Isle of May Long Term Study (IMLOTS) https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/isle-may-long-term-study Seabird Monitoring Programme JNCC - https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/seabird-monitoring/ BTO - https://app.bto.org/seabirds/public/index.jsp NatureScot – Isle of May National Nature Reserve https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/isle-may-national-nature-reserve Isle of May Bird Observatory https://isleofmaybirdobs.org/ Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#8
Jul 3, 2024 · 36 min
8: A deep dive into Windermere: 79
Stretching over ten miles through Cumbria’s countryside, Windermere isn't just England's largest lake – it’s a real-life classroom, helping us to understand how our environment is changing over time. Join Alice and Sue as they venture onto the water with UKCEH scientists Eleanor Mackay and Heather Moorhouse. Together, they explore the deep waters and vibrant ecosystem of this iconic lake, where researchers have been monitoring everything from water quality to wildlife for nearly eight decades. They also catch up with Taylor Butler-Eldridge, from the University of Exeter, to discuss his fascinating research into the world of open water swimming. UK Lakes Portal - https://eip.ceh.ac.uk/apps/lakes/ UKCEH Algal bloom app - https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#7
Jun 6, 2024 · 34 min
7: What's the buzz: 1500
In this episode, Alice Hope and Sue Nelson get knee-deep in flowers to hear which plants attract the most pollinators – those vital bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, flies and moths – and why. UKCEH ecologist Dr Claire Carvell takes Sue on a tour of the office wildflower meadow in Oxfordshire, discussing how citizen science is enhancing what we know about pollinators, and the latest findings from the UK pollinator monitoring scheme. Alice and Sue also explore the gardens at RHS Wisley in Surrey, where wildlife specialist Helen Bostock explains why they’re introducing wildflowers into formal gardens and talks about the work of their dedicated volunteers. For more details see: The UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme The FIT count app The Royal Horticultural Society Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#6
May 30, 2024 · 39 min
6: Reflections on our rivers: 14
In this episode, Sue and Alice dive into the factors affecting the ecological health of our rivers. Alice goes wading in the River Kennet with Anna Forbes from ARK to explore river health monitoring first hand, encountering some fascinating river residents along the way. Then Sue and Alice chat with Dr Mike Bowes and Dr Eleanor Mackay of UKCEH about how both the state of our rivers and our approach to monitoring them is changing over time. https://www.riverflies.org/
#5
Mar 27, 2024 · 38 min
5: The secrets of the saltmarsh: 450
Sue and Alice explore these complex coastal ecosystems and discover their amazing benefits – from providing wildlife habitat to storing carbon. https://www.ceh.ac.uk/solutions/emerging-challenges/saltmarsh-blue-carbon Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#4
Feb 27, 2024 · 33 min
4: Soil Superheroes: 50 trillion
Delve into the vital statistics of earthworms, as Alice and Sue uncover the unsung heroes of our soil. Worm resources Garden worm ID chart Earthworm Society UK diagram of worm habitats Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
#2
Jan 30, 2024 · 26 min
2: Hedgelife: 390,000
Sue and Alice poke around that great staple of the British countryside - the hedgerow - and discover a surprising variety of residents, from mice to molluscs. Hosts: Sue Nelson and Alice Hope Producer: Rachael Buchanan Counting the Earth is a Boffin Media Production for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

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