The Hive Effect
Many Minds.One Hive. Every Cell Connected
A non‑profit community and environmental project reconnecting people with nature — and with each other.
ENVIRONMENTAL
STATE
uk #1 most toxic district
atrocity
SANDWELL is the NUMBER 1 area in England with the most TOXIC LANDFILLS with potentially hazardous waste per square km.
According to agency data mapped by the Ends Report, there are more than 21,000 old landfills scattered across England and Wales.
Of these, 1,287 are categorised as containing hazardous waste, which could pose a health risk to people and the environment if it escapes into the surrounding air, water, soil and vegetation.
Some 7,265 of the old landfills harbour industrial waste, with many containing “industrial liquid sludge”.
At 413 further sites the waste has been categorised by the Environment Agency as unknown.
Landfills whose contents are recorded as unknown tend to be older sites, explaining the lack of information.
One environmental professional who deals with remediating sites for development told the Ends Report and the Guardian that landfills from the 1950s and 60s were “a complete mess” and that “you can find anything in there”.
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Ends Report has mapped the sites, revealing that 35% of the hazardous sites – 449 – lie under green spaces.
A further 21% lie beneath farmland, 15% are below industrial sites, 10% are under parkland, 9% are under housing estates and 4% are under commercial sites containing shops and restaurants – assuming none were removed on development.
About 746 toxic dumps are located within 500 metres of water bodies.
13 are beneath golf courses.
4 are below school grounds.
Another 4 are situated under racing tracks.
3 lie below cricket pitches.
Of the 413 landfills where the contents are unknown to the Environment Agency:
6 lie beneath schools
10 beneath playing fields
75 are under housing
26 are under parkland.
THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Natural England, the government’s natural environment adviser, has said that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with nearly one in six species threatened with extinction. Natural History Museum scientists have concluded that only around half of the UK’s natural biodiversity remains intact.
SOIL DIRT MUD
Soil is an important natural capital resource. It provides us with many essential services. Soil biodiversity and the many biological processes and soil functions that it supports are thought to be under threat. There are insufficient data on the health of our soils. Investment is needed in soil monitoring.
IN ENGLAND AND WALES
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almost 4 million hectares of soil are at risk of compaction
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over 2 million hectares of soil are at risk of erosion
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intensive agriculture has caused arable soils to lose about 40 to 60% of their organic carbon
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soil degradation was calculated in 2010 to cost £1.2 billion every year
THE REPORT
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​Soil is an important natural capital resource, providing many essential services, as highlighted recently by the Natural Capital Committee. These include:
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supplying a suitable environment and conditions to grow food.
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reducing the risk of flooding by absorbing water.
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filtering water.
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absorbing and reducing pollutants regulating our climate and gases in the atmosphere.
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providing habitat for soil dwelling organisms and their associated services such as pest control and pollination.
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protecting cultural heritage.
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providing raw materials.
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the potential for new life saving medicines.
UK SOIL OBSERVATORY
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Soil Sealing is the destruction or covering of soils by buildings, constructions and layers of completely or partly impermeable artificial material such as tarmac and concrete. It is the most intense form of land take and it is essentially an irreversible process.
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Soil contamination is the occurrence of contaminants in soil above a certain level causing deterioration or loss of one or more soil functions.
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‘Point pollution’ is caused by a specific event or series of events to a particular place, such as a former factory site. This is relatively well mapped and understood.
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‘Diffuse pollution’ involves low levels of contaminants spread over very wide areas that become lodged in the soil as it acts as a sink. This is difficult to analyse and track.
HOW IMPORTANT IS UK SOIL?
UK Parliament Publication
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Compaction and the loss of organic carbon are serious threats to soil health. They affect agricultural production and our resilience to climate change.
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UK soils currently store about 10 billion tonnes of carbon. This is roughly equal to 80 years of annual UK greenhouse gas emissions.
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Wasting food and growing crops for bioenergy are putting additional pressure on soils.
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Spreading of some materials to land is poorly controlled and can give rise to contamination.
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Some 300,000 hectares are contaminated in the UK.
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Microplastics are widespread in soil with unknown consequences.
GOVERNMENT PROMISES
UK Parliament Publication
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Soil has been overlooked in environment policy in recent decades. However, the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan states that:
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England’s soils must be managed sustainably by 2030
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Steps must be taken towards restoring the UK’s soils
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A new system of public money for public goods will reward farmers for environmental outcomes such as emphasising healthy soils. There is a huge opportunity if the new Environmental Land Management scheme is properly funded to incentivise farmers by rewarding them for protecting and regenerating soils.
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Contamination of soils is often thought to be a thing of the past. However, new and emerging chemicals and waste management practices bring new regulatory challenges and environmental risks. The first step towards understanding these risks and challenges is to understand our soils and how they’re changing.
The England Trees Action Plan 2021-2024 May 2021
The England Trees Action Plan is not only to stem the tide of nature loss, but to turn it around – to leave the environment in a better state than we found it. The England Trees Action Plan is central to this. It sets out our long-term plan for the whole treescape - trees, woodlands and forests. It includes our vision for trees in 2050 and the economic, environmental, and social benefits that we will realise through our new trees and woodlands.
Together with the England Peat Action Plan and wider plans and strategies for nature, it sets out how we will tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. Trees and woodlands have a vital role in delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, achieving the goals of our 25 Year Environment Plan, and delivering on our ambitions to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
As well as tackling climate change and providing vital habitats, trees and woodlands are a pivotal part of our landscapes – particularly when planted and supported in and around our towns and cities – and can provide space for people to connect with nature. Trees and woodlands also play an increasingly important role in building thriving rural economies, helping to level up the whole of the UK, and supporting a green recovery by stimulating markets for timber and wood products as renewable resources.
THE STATE OF THE WILDLIFE
HALF THE UK'S WILDLIFE IS IN DANGER INCLUDING HEDGEHOGS AND DOORMICE.​​
DYING BIRDS
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In the current report, there are 28 species of birds for which our best long-term trends show statistically significant population declines of greater than 50% over periods of 32–50 years (see Latest long-term alerts).​
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These are Little Grebe, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Redshank, Woodcock, Snipe, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Skylark, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Starling, Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Nightingale, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Greenfinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting (taxonomic order).​
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BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY
DYING AMPHIBIANS
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Many populations of our once common amphibian species are in decline. Common frog, Common Toad and Natterjack Toad populations have been reported as being in decline since the 1970s. Recent research in 2016 by FROGLIFE and the University of Zurich has shown that common toad populations have declined across the UK by 68% over the past 30 years, which approximates to a 2.26 % decline per year. This value is comparable to the declines in many of our iconic mammal species and highlights that significant declines may be widespread across our native fauna.
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The reasons for the decline in the common toad are similar to those affecting hedgehogs including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and climate change.
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The adder, being the only native venomous snake in the UK, often has a poor perception from the public. However research by Natural England and Froglife in 2002 has indicated significant population declines in the adder, especially from the Midlands. In this study one third of adder populations were estimated to consist of less than 10 individuals which puts them at HIGH RISK OF EXTINCTION
DYING POLLINATORS
Pollinators are in trouble and soon we will bee. Bee warned!
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Half of our 27 bumblebee species are in decline
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Three of these bumblebee species have already gone extinct
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Seven bumblebee species have declined by more than 50% in the last 25 years
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Two-thirds of our moths and 71% of our butterflies are in long term decline.
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Across Europe 38% of bee and hoverfly species are in decline; only 12% are increasing.
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Pollinators face a perfect storm of problems:
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Unpredictable/extreme weather resulting from our changing climate
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Intensive farming, which has fragmented and isolated flower-rich habitats and affected the quality of much that still remains
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Pesticide use – intended for the ‘troublesome’ insects but killing the beneficial ones too
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Loss of flowery habitat to urban growth and the associated sanitising of the nearby countryside
GOVERNMENT PROMISES
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The STATE OF NATURE REPORT also found that the area inhabited by officially designated “priority species” has shrunk by 27%. The species are those deemed most important and threatened, and include hedgehogs, hares and bats, many birds such as the willow tit and the turtle dove, and insects such as the high brown fritillary butterfly.
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The report uses assessments from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list to assess the number of UK species at risk of extinction. As well as mammals and birds, it found 440 PLANTS, 405 INVERTIBRATES and 232 FUNGI and LICHEN IN DANGER!
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THE STATE OF WATER IN THE UK
The most recent figures published by the Environment Agency, under obligations originally established by the EU Water Framework Directive, show that only 14% of English rivers met good ecological status and no river met good chemical status.
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Water pollution remains a major impediment to achieving targets established under the Directive (requiring all European surface water to reach ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 with a maximum deadline of 2027), and measures to address pollution in rivers, other surface water and groundwater in England will be crucial to achievement of the Government’s objectives for water quality in the 25 Year Environment Plan.
The Rivers Trust Organisation
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England’s rivers, including 85% of the world’s precious chalk streams, are widely agreed to be a national treasure, yet only 14% are in good ecological health, and every single one fails to meet chemical standards.
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Of these failing rivers, agriculture impacts nearly two thirds (2,296 river water bodies); the water sector impacts over a half (2,032 river water bodies); and the urban and transport sector a quarter.
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Pollution is not the only problem, though, as abstraction and habitat destruction also put the future of rivers in jeopardy.
The Guardian
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Despite only 14% of English rivers meeting the criteria for "good" ecological status, 43% of people questioned in a new survey believe that Britain’s freshwater systems are in good condition.
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However, the Troubled Waters report for a coalition of charities, including the RSPB, the National Trust and the Rivers Trust, reveals how even wildlife-rich protected wetlands and rivers are threatened by pollution, while restoring water quality is hampered by a lack of effective monitoring and enforcement.
HOW IMPORTANT IS UK WATER?
UK Parliament Publication
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Healthy rivers are vital for biodiversity and to human health and well-being.
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Rivers provide habitats for a range of wildlife, protect against flooding and provide beautiful places for recreation and reflection.
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Freshwater ecosystems are in crisis globally and in England there are concerns about the multiple stresses being placed on riverine biodiversity.
GOVERNMENT PROMISES
UK Parliament Publication
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In its 25 Year Environment Plan, issued in 2018, the Government pledged to deliver cleaner air and water in England’s cities and rural landscapes, to protect threatened species and to provide richer wildlife habitats.
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It promised to secure clean and plentiful water by ‘improving at least three quarters of our waters to be close to their natural state as soon as is practicable’.
THE STATE OF OUR PARKS
From the moment we are born, through to old age, the environments we live in shape our lives and our wellbeing. Having a safe home, a sufficient income and support networks around us make a substantial contribution to a life in good health. And the importance of our surroundings also extends to our natural environment. ​
The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us all the more aware of how much we value and rely on our outdoor spaces to support our health and wellbeing. There is increasingly compelling evidence showing that access to greenspaces really matters for our health.​
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Anyone who loves being outdoors might instinctively feel a boost from spending some time in our parks or woodlands, but it is now formally recognised that green environments are associated with reduced levels of depression, anxiety and fatigue and can enhance quality of life for both children and adults.
We gain physically too. People with better access to greenspace enjoy a wide range of health benefits from lower levels of cardiovascular disease through to maintaining a healthier weight. It should be a concern for all of us, however, that evidence also shows access to good quality greenspaces such as parks, woodlands, fields or allotments varies greatly depending on where we live.
Neighbourhoods dominated by the most recent generation of housebuilding (2009 – 2021) have up to 40% less green space provision than neighbourhoods dominated by late 19th- and early 20th-century housing
Green spaces near new housing developments in England and Wales down in last 20 years.
Parks near new homes shrink 40% as developers say they cannot afford them.
Active identification and promotion of opportunities to restore urban watercourses, no matter how small, to realise benefits for the local community and environment. This particularly applies where watercourses now run below ground in fully enclosed culverts.
Green spaces make us happier and healthier. They help reduce heart disease, obesity, and depression and save the NHS more than £100 million each year in GP visits and prescriptions.
They also perform other valuable functions such as reducing flooding, cutting carbon emissions, and protecting nature.
DESPITE ALL OF THESE BENEFITS, ALMOST 10 MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND LIVE IN AREAS WITH VERY LIMITED ACCESS TO GREEN SPACE.
Are you one of the unlucky ones? Find your neighbourhood by exploring the map at the link below.
CORRUPTED WATER
FOLLOW THE WATER & YOU WILL SEA, NO FUTURE HERE FOR HUMAN NOR BEE!
Healthy rivers are vital for biodiversity and to human health and well-being. Rivers provide habitats for a range of wildlife, protect against flooding and provide beautiful places for recreation and reflection.
Freshwater ecosystems are in crisis globally and in England there are concerns about the multiple stresses being placed on riverine biodiversity from bacteria from sewage pollution.​
UK PARLIAMENT PUBLICATION
AND ALL WE WANTED WAS A BEEHIVE!
The Hive Effect
TIME HAS RUN OUT - IT IS TIME TO STAND OUR GROUND
We know that we, as a civilisation, must make projects like The Hive Effect work. At The Hive Effect we know how to make this work, without it costing the earth, but all that Sandwell Council can see are pound signs - at our expense.
Sandwell Council should never have come here and they should never be able to walk these lands with their heads held high, ever again.
Free Water
Situated on the side of the River Tame, Brandhall Golf Course & Bee Sixty-Eight have access to all of the water they will ever need to sustain not only the plots, but to the wider surrounding areas. What's more is that the water that re-enters the water table will be cleaner than when it left the source! Managed, maintained, monitored water.
Food For All
Food. We don't need to go into detail about the global food chain but mentioning the cost, the shortage, and the demand is something that affects us at a local level. The Hive Effect can alleviate some of those problems by making fresh produce available to local people who may never have had access to such produce before.
This IS Food For All - so Join In and dig in!
Hands On Education
Every possible way to educate is explored at The Hive Effect, and at Bee Sixty-Eight that education really is evolutionary.
Come into the open apiaries or don a beekeeping suit. Plant a seed or take a cutting. Pick food or make a jam. Get involved here or take our ideas home.
Next Level Education
For the engineers out there, for the inventors and the problem solvers, we have some projects to whet your appetite too. They are all very hush right now but all will be revealed at our launch. It may turn out that you have an idea that is the best idea ever and you want to shout about it. Contact us by pressing the button below.
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IT IS LOUDER IF WE SHOUT TOGETHER.
This Is Permaculture
THE HIVE EFFECT
The Ethics on which permaculture are built:
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"Care of Earth: Provision for all life systems to continue to multiply"
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"Care of People: Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence"
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"Set limits to consumption and reproduction, and redistribute surplus"