Official feed for Defra, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Please note: we do not respond to queries on social media.

Joined June 2009
8,083 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
There are 13 newly designated bathing sites across the country – but how does a body of water become designated in the first place? Find out more: gov.uk/government/news/13-ne…
10
4
8
15,306
Defra UK retweeted
It's #DrowningPreventionWeek. Do you know how to stay safe in the water during this week's warm weather? If you find yourself in trouble, #FloatToLive. @RLSSUK @RNLI
1
534
The UK and China are working to protect nature and grow trade. In Beijing, I met Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, championed British food and drink, and visited Milu Deer Park to see an iconic species back from the brink thanks to UK‑China collaboration.
18
15
42
3,012
Defra UK retweeted
Delighted to be appointed Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs. Being asked by the Prime Minister to serve our country in this role is an immense privilege. Alongside the Environment Secretary and the @DEFRAgovuk team, my focus will be clear: driving a green economy, protecting our natural environment and ensuring our rural and coastal communities truly thrive. I look forward to working with the sector to help farms become more profitable and sustainable and backing our world-leading food, farming, and fishing industries. Let’s get to work.
410
117
473
52,093
I'm delighted to welcome @stephenmorganMP to the Defra team! Stephen will do a great job supporting our food, farming and fishing sectors. I want to thank @angelaeagle for the dedication and hard work she brought to the role and will take to her new role as Security Minister.
23
21
99
7,301
At Milu Deer Park in Beijing, Environment Secretary @EmmaForWycombe saw what successful UK-China collaboration looks like. We’re continuing to work together to protect nature, tackle pollution and strengthen economic security. Five questions on why that is so important 👇
3
1,017
Small farms, big impact. The first window of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive is scheduled to open 30 June, for small farms and farms without existing Environmental Land Management agreements first. Simpler, fairer, and backed by £240 million - gov.uk/government/news/290m-…
3
7
9
4,832
Bovine TB devastates farming communities across England. Our goal is a TB-free England by 2038. We've brought together over 100 farmers, scientists, vets and conservationists to develop a new strategy, with cattle at the heart of it.🐄 Find out more: gov.uk/government/news/gover…
1
7
10
1,618
Dog attacks in homes from banned breeds are on the rise. We’re taking action. New rules from 1 November 2026 mean children under 12 must not be left without adult supervision near a banned breed dog in a domestic setting. gov.uk/government/news/new-s…
5
1
9
1,091
This £50 million investment will protect homes, livelihoods and farms in Somerset from flooding for years to come. Somerset has felt the full force of extreme weather this year, which is why we’re delivering solutions that protect the community for the future.
Somerset faces unique challenges when it comes to extreme weather. That's why we're investing £50 million into flood resilience measures to increase protection for homes, farms and food security across the region. gov.uk/government/news/50-mi…
3
5
19
4,790
Defra UK retweeted
We’re hard at work protecting communities across the country. 93% of our flood assets are at or above their target conditions, but what does this mean for you? It’s simple: fewer properties damaged, less businesses disrupted, and faster recovery.
8
5
2,502
Somerset faces unique challenges when it comes to extreme weather. That's why we're investing £50 million into flood resilience measures to increase protection for homes, farms and food security across the region. gov.uk/government/news/50-mi…
7
4
11
6,651
This #WorldOceansDay 🌊 we’re highlighting our successes and continuing to take action to protect and restore our seas. Read the thread to learn more 👇 🧵1/5
3
13
22
3,316
More than 60% of our marine protected areas already have protections in place. We’re now considering further fisheries rules to better protect our seas where needed. Our Marine Recovery Fund will drive nature recovery whilst unlocking clean power. 🧵4/5
1
1
534
Internationally, we’ll be working with partners and global leaders at the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya to drive solutions to the world’s most pressing ocean challenges. 🧵5/5
1
521
13 newly designated bathing water sites across the country will be subject to rigorous testing by @envagency. Defra’s Chief Scientist @anjgoswami explains how this can help you make informed choices before you swim. Find out more: gov.uk/government/publicatio…
2
4
3
1,528
Could you spot an unregistered waste carrier? If you use one, your rubbish could end up illegally dumped and you could be fined. Check if your waste carrier is licenced here: environment.data.gov.uk/publ…
2
6
4
2,576
SFI26 is designed to support more productive and sustainable farming. Today we published near-final guidance, actions and application information for our Sustainable Farming Incentive. Check eligibility and prepare to apply: gov.uk/government/publicatio…
4
5
8
5,350
Defra UK retweeted
If you’re visiting a bathing water this weekend, check Swimfo for the latest on water quality data. King Edwards Bay in Tynemouth is classified Excellent for bathing water quality ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ It’s one of over 460 designated bathing waters across England. environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/…
5
8
3,313