NERC - Planet Earth

The science we support is amazing. Our researchers study every aspect of our planet, and how humans are changing it - from the poles to the tropical rainforests, and from the depths of the ocean to the edge of space. Planet Earth brings you the latest stories, pictures and videos about their work.

Listening in: Sounds of minke whales recorded for first time

The minke whale is one of the largest marine species regularly visiting the Scottish coast, but its secretive and unpredictable lifestyle means much of its behaviour remains a mystery.

12 March 2019

How are plankton changing?

Scientists are one step closer to understanding how plankton communities are changing in coastal waters and shelf seas around the UK.

1 Mar 2019

Working with China to find a solution to pollution

Scientists are delving underground to study the agricultural impacts to soil and water, and are one step closer to finding a solution to land degradation and pollution.

7 Feb 2019

Plastics are being glued together in the ocean

Loch Ness trees to help Scotland's carbon store

Climate change spells disaster for small businesses in southern Africa

Missing ocean monitoring instrument found after five years at sea

Trees can help mitigate ammonia emissions from farming

Saving the forest on a shoestring

The Goldilocks effect: Weighing the world's forests

Smoother and safer flying

Uncovering energy hidden in the cracks

Protecting biodiversity in palm oil

The plastics journey: Where are we now?

From "trivial issue" to primetime TV: A researcher's journey through plastic

I'm a bat biologist

Better cocoa crops for better livelihoods

Flood research by numbers

How can we work with nature to reduce flood risk?