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.

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LicheN app
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Download via the Apple Store

UNEP facts about nitrogen pollution

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

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