Europe's largest elephant sanctuary causes controversy
Noah's Ark near Wraxall plans to open a 20 acre elephant enclosure next summer. The RSPCA has spoken out against the plans.
Bristol is bidding to become European Green Capital
Bristol is hoping to become green capital of Europe
Drought causes risk to wildlife
The Environment Agency has officially declared drought in the West Country. It's concerned the dry weather will affect wildlife.
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New bins let people know when they need emptying
New "brainy" bins are being introduced in Bath. They come with much more than just a plastic bag. Run by solar power they monitor how full they are and notify street cleaners when they need emptying. They also have their own wi fi system. Tanya Mercer reports on this bin revolution.
Campaign to give barges legal protection
A campaigner says that more than eighty old barges should be given legal protection. The hulks were stranded on the shore of the river severn at Purton in Gloucestershire more than a century ago so that silt would collect around them and strengthen the banks, protecting the nearby canal.
Now, though, they are slowly rotting away, but are also being targetted by vandals. Ken Goodwin reports.
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Forest report to publish recommendations
A report out today is expected to recommend transferring the Forest of Dean and other publicly-owned woodland into a new trust. It follows the outcry over plans to privatise the service.
Japanese Knotweed battle along River Avon
by Jonty MesserA West council is being accused of letting Britain's most invasive plant grow out of control. Japanese Knotweed can spread so quickly there is actually a law against planting it or growing it in the wild.
But that is exactly what has happened along parts of the River Avon in Wiltshire. Jonty Messer reports.
Bristol is bidding to become European Green Capital
Bristol is hoping to become green capital of Europe
Read the full storyBristol bids for green city status
Representatives from Bristol are in Brussels today (Thursday) to put their case for the city to be awarded for its green credentials. Bristol is hoping to become European Green Capital for 2014. Those travelling to Brussels say the accolade could bring new jobs and investment to the cit.
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The world's best beaches
The west has some of the best beaches in the world. That's according to Keep Britain Tidy, which has just announced its annual Blue Flag Awards. 44 beaches across the region received awards. England as a whole has been ranked in the top ten across the world for Blue Flag beaches.
MP shows support for Severn Barrage
Plans for a controversial barrage across the Severn estuary have gained the support of the former Welsh Secretary Peter Hain. The MP says he is leaving the Shadow Cabinet to devote himself to the project
Support for Severn Barrage
Plans for a controversial barrage across the Severn estuary have gained the support of the former Welsh Secretary Peter Hain.
The scheme for a network of underwater turbines between Weston-super-Mare and Cardiff could generate 5% of Britain's energy by harnessing tidal power. Mr Hain says he is leaving the Shadow Cabinet to campaign for the barrage.
Full report into region's drought status
by Seth ConwayThe entire South West has been declared a drought area by the Environment Agency.
In 2010 we had 20% less rainfall than the average. Last year we had 16% less than we'd normally expect.
Water levels have fallen to such a low level that it's taking its toll on agriculture and wildlife.