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.

Get to know the UK's new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough

Once you have set eyes on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, you won't forget her. From rock drills and marine robots to the intriguingly named moon pool, take a closer look at everything the ship has to offer.

11 June 2019

What happened to Helike?

There is little to see today of Helike, just a few walls and artefacts scraped clean by archaeologists. The great Greek city, famed across the classical world, sunk into the coastal mud of the Gulf of Corinth in 373 BC during a terrible earthquake.

6 Jun 2019

Cliffs, clams and coral reefs: Looking below the sea's surface

The ocean covers more than two thirds of the world, but we have a detailed map of less than 20% of its floor. But slowly, marine geoscientists are filling in the gaps.

24 May 2019

Change of tune for Hawaiian crickets?

From childhood ambition to ocean explorer: Looking back on a life at sea

Copepods: The unsung heroes of the ocean

Widespread British pollinator losses

Listening in: Sounds of minke whales recorded for first time

How are plankton changing?

Working with China to find a solution to pollution

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