'State of the environment in South West' report now published

19 June 2006:

The Environment Agency has recently published a State of the Environment report for the South West for 2006. The report explains the environmental issues with respect to the South West, the pressures upon the environment and the underlying trends.

According to the Agency:

- almost all aspects of the environment have seen significant improvements over the last decade, with river and bathing water quality in the South West amongst the highest in the country.
- people are taking more care over what they throw away, with household recycling increasing by over 40% since 1996/1997.
- despite the above points, there is no room for complacency as there continues to be pressure on the natural resources of the South West.

Aimed at environmental specialists as well as the general public, the summary report offers a range of relevant information and analysis, written in conjunction with many environmental organisations throughout the region, but led by the Environment Agency South West region. The aim was to provide an independent view of the environment, highlighting how the way its people live and work impacts on the land, water, atmosphere and wildlife.

The report also examines the environmental regulations in place and the technology to hand to monitor the position and trends in the South West, looking across local, regional, and national trends.

To access 'The South West State of the Environment Report 2006':

Web: [www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/southwest/1393817/?version=1&lang=_e]