UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a world-leading independent research institute focused on delivering integrated environmental science to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society and the planet. With over 50 years of expertise, UKCEH operates at the interface of ecology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and data science, providing evidence and tools to support sustainable environmental management.

Core Activities

UKCEH’s work spans monitoring, experimentation, modelling, and data science across terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Its research is structured around three overarching goals:

• Creating and Enhancing Sustainable Ecosystems – UKCEH investigates biodiversity trends, ecosystem resilience, and restoration strategies to support nature recovery and sustainable land use.
• Reducing and Preventing Pollution – It assesses chemical risks, air and water quality, and the impacts of pollutants on ecosystems and human health.
• Mitigating and Building Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change – UKCEH models climate impacts, supports net-zero transitions, and develops tools for managing flood and drought risks.

Areas of Expertise

UKCEH’s scientific capabilities are organised around ten integrated themes:

• Biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Chemical risks and pollution pathways
• Clean air and atmospheric processes
• Ecosystem restoration and resilience
• Flood and drought impacts
• Greenhouse gas emissions and net-zero strategies
• Sustainable agriculture
• Water quality and resources
• Climate and land interactions
• Soil health and carbon dynamics

National and International Role

UKCEH plays a key role in UK national capability, including long-term environmental monitoring through programmes like UK-SCAPE, which integrates data on land, water, air, and biodiversity to support policy and research. Internationally, UKCEH collaborates across borders to tackle global environmental issues, contributing to frameworks such as IPCC scenarios and supporting sustainable development goals.

Innovation and Impact

UKCEH is at the forefront of environmental data science, developing cloud-based platforms, predictive models, and spatial tools to inform decision-making. Its work supports government agencies, industry, NGOs, and communities in managing natural resources, responding to environmental hazards, and planning for a changing climate.

We have excellent skills and experience in remote sensing with satellites and aerial drones.