Green and Pleasant Land

Tom Clarke reports from a Surrey hillside where butterfly numbers have soared off the back of good summer weather. Elsewhere, however, the picture for butterflies is not as sunny.

Trees in an Essex cemetery have been covered by a giant silvery blanket, described as “spooky” and “ghost-like” by locals. But the strange phenomenon is in fact the work of a legion of caterpillars.

Jon Snow interviews Simon Jenkins from the National Trust and the MP James Morris who’s on the government’s planning committee about the fine balance between preserving nature and building homes.

In the last of Channel 4 News’ series of special reports about the plight of Britain’s nature, ornithologist and author Mike McCarthy voices his fears about the price nature is paying for progress.

Our Green and Pleasant Land series has exposed worrying declines in the natural world across the UK. But what about in your back garden? Check out the interactive graphic.

Earthworms are the secret superheroes of the garden, according to new research showing how they offer protection against slugs.

Britain’s botanists are heading out across the country collecting seeds from our most iconic and threatened trees, in an effort to combat invading pests and diseases.

Brown hare numbers have been falling for many years as a result of shooting parties and habitat loss, claim conservationists. Now they are calling on the government to do more to protect the species.

The British countryside is facing unprecedented change with “wildlife in crisis”. In a special series – Green and Pleasant Land – Channel 4 News finds iconic species and habitats facing wipeout.

Live debate: In a special report Channel 4 News reveals iconic species and habitats facing wipeout. What can we do to halt the decline? Watch our Google Hangout.

Britain’s changing climate is prompting the free fall decline of some wildlife, scientists warn. But while some species struggle, Channel 4 News tracks down the winners in our green and pleasant land.

As part of the Channel 4 News Green and Pleasant Land series, comedian and wildlife enthusiast Bill Bailey tells Jon Snow he has a “deep sense of worry” about a world that is changing forever.

Channel 4 News is examining the alarming changes taking place in the British countryside. Science Editor Tom Clarke takes a look at trees – and why they have never had it so tough.