Statement - 22 May 2020:
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) continues to be committed to delivering our important environmental science safely, and we are putting in place a range of measures to support this.
Laboratory and field work
In light of the updated UK Government guidance on 11 May, we are resuming some high priority field and laboratory work in the UK where it is safe for our staff and the general public to do so, where this is permitted by the relevant government, and subject to landowner approval.
We are also continuing our air quality monitoring in the UK, which has been identified as essential by the UK Government as part of the ongoing evaluation of health risks during the pandemic, because of the potential impact of air pollution on respiratory illnesses.
In carrying out these activities, we are following UK Government guidelines for working safely outdoors and working safely in laboratories and research facilities, and taking all steps necessary to protect the well-being of those involved. These guidelines are reflected in our published generic risk assessment and in specific risk assessments for each site and each programme of work.
Our contribution
UKCEH has provided scientific expertise and donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our staff
Most of the staff who are normally based at our four sites in Bangor, Edinburgh, Lancaster and Wallingford, will continue to work from home in order to ensure their safety and reduce transmission of COVID-19. Our emails and phone numbers remain unchanged.
Our sites
Our sites in Bangor, Edinburgh, Lancaster and Wallingford remain closed to staff, students, visitors, contractors and suppliers, except those required to attend to carry out or facilitate the high priority work mentioned above. We regret that we cannot accept deliveries to our sites currently, except by prior arrangement. Please contact procurement@ceh.ac.uk if you have any queries regarding deliveries.
Travel
To limit the transmission of COVID-19, we are asking our staff not to travel either in the UK or overseas, except for the purposes outlined above.
Communication
As the situation evolves, we will continue to post updates on our website and Twitter account @UK_CEH. If you are a partner in any of our research projects and have questions about the delivery of the project, please contact the relevant Principal Investigator. If you wish to commission new projects, please contact our business development team. For other enquiries, please use our general enquiries form.
We thank you for your understanding at this challenging time.
Professor Mark J Bailey
Executive Director