The CLR’s work in the Cambridgeshire Fens was highlighted on BBC platforms at the end of 2025, showcasing the importance of this unique landscape and the innovative research supporting nature, farming, and climate solutions.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May, guest editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on December 31st, had heard about CLR’s work and chose to feature it in her segment. The programme included interviews with CLR’s Emily Shuckburgh and Laurie Friday, as well as CLR collaborators Oxwillow and Fenland SOIL, along with a local farmer, providing a holistic view of the Fens and highlighting practical approaches to farming, conservation, and research in the region. You can listen to the full Radio 4 programme on BBC Sounds (at 38m and 1h50m).
The segment prompted a BBC News article that further explored the challenges and opportunities of the Fens, drawing on interviews with Emily and others involved in the project along with drawing paralells to the Great Fen Project. Professor Shuckburgh also discussed our research further in a follow-up interview on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire (at 2h19m), reflecting on the aims and objectives of creating a sustainable and secure future for the Fens, balancing both food production and the challenge of maintaining the peatlands, which are contributing to climate change.
This coverage is a wonderful way to close out the year, highlighting the work of the CLR and the people who make it possible, and giving hope for all the projects and collaborations to come in 2026. For more detail on the Radio 4 programme, see our LinkedIn post and follow us to stay updated on all out research.