Thousands of new species have been discovered by scientists this year – here are some of the weirdest.

From Lough Neagh to Belfast Lough, concerns about the health of our waterways hit the headlines.

Welsh Water confirms a form of oil has got into the river, adding it was investigating the source.

Huge infrastructure projects are planned for East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, despite local opposition.

Conservationists released the critically endangered snails to help restore a remote island habitat.

There is an ever-growing list of the benefits of nature prescriptions – now researchers say nature could offer a cure for loneliness too.

Those involved in the project hope the trees will provide food, shelter and habitats for wildlife.

In the UK more than 100 million bags of rubbish get sent to landfill each Christmas.