Heritage and nature charity and membership organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The National Trust says a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree, grown from seeds of the Hadrian’s Wall tree, has been stolen from Wray Castle in Cumbria. The theft is being investigated by Cumbria Police. This sapling was part of a 2026 joint initiative with St Mary’s Hospice to bring nature-based wellbeing to communities.
The Climate Change Committee has urged ministers to invest in cooling measures for public services and workplaces, set a maximum indoor temperature, and strengthen flood, water and energy infrastructure as part of a 2050 adaptation plan. The report warns of rising heat, floods and droughts with potential billions in annual damages unless action is taken.
The government has announced £132.5m to fund after-school clubs and enrichment activities in schools, aiming to broaden access to music, engineering, debating and sports. Ofsted will weigh a school’s enrichment offer in personal development assessments, and the move responds to loneliness among digitally connected youth. Online-safety restrictions for under-16s are expected soon, with discussions around an Australian-style ban.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.