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Ordnance Survey Launches Land Data Tool To Boost Biodiversity Net Gain And Speed UK
The tool could help speed up the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes sustainably
Ordnance Survey (OS) has come up with a ready-to-use tool for rural and urban developers in England to support their target of providing a ten per cent Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Defra’s BNG legislation means that as part of planning applications, land and property developers are required to assess baseline habitats using Defra’s biodiversity metric, submit a biodiversity gain plan, deliver ten per cent gains on- or offsite through credits, and maintain and monitor habitats for 30 years. Last week, Defra confirmed that BNG will become mandatory for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from this November.
OS Enhanced Land Cover (ELC) Beta provides an efficient tool to support the new BNG challenges, potentially speeding up the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament. It is a foundational dataset combining topography and land cover from the OS National Geographic Database, OS aerial imagery and OS terrain 5 with a range of third- party open habitat data. This includes information from Natural England’s Living England, the Rural Payments Agency’s Crop Map of England and UKHab’s classification system. UKHab is the UK standard classification for referring to habitats and underpins the statutory biodiversity metric which developers must use.
Most significantly, the product can be used to conduct BNG assessments – both for early workflow desktop analysis and for use by ecologists in the field. Developers, landowners, and ecologists can also better understand the composition of their land cover at scale before conducting more detailed surveys. For example, Wessex Water has used OS ELC data to understand the biodiversity of hundreds of sites in one spatial picture and apply this data to their 30-year projections for BNG.
Linckia, one of a recent Geovation Accelerator cohort, is the partner that takes OS ELC data and serves it to Wessex Water via their Habitat Fabric dataset and BNG application. Co-founder Luke Chittock said:
“We really like OS Enhanced Land Cover, which we integrate into Linckia’s BNG solution on the ESRI platform. It gives us a scalable, authoritative, and auditable approach that we can trust, delivering better outcomes for our customers. Applying our ecology expertise to the data to create Habitat Fabric, we have seen a 40% reduction in data processing costs from earlier approaches, rising to 90% reduction when compared to processing imagery for the same outcomes.”
ESRI has highlighted the journey of OS ELC data flowing into Habitat Fabric via ESRI tools and into the hands of ecologists in its latest blog, showing how digital information can make a real impact on the ground. With the far-reaching Government housing target, the increased efficiencies offered by OS ELC data could be crucial.
Dr Jack Parkin, product manager for the built and natural environment at OS, said:
“The Government’s home-building target, combined with Defra’s BNG legislation, has made a market condition where ecologists are in high demand. One of the benefits of OS Enhanced Land Cover is to boost the productivity of those ecologists and to make their time count. We aggregate multiple geospatial datasets together to provide a provisional assessment of habitats on the ground which saves ecologists time both in desktop analysis and pre-screening in the field. This can shave days, or even weeks, from development times, and with 1.5 million homes in the pipeline, that could really add up.”
Built as a foundational geospatial dataset for ecology management, OS ELC could also help support the planning of nature-based restoration projects, such as re-wilding, flood risk management and green corridors.
OS ELC is available exclusively via Ordnance Survey’s extensive partner network. For more information, visit OS Enhanced Land Cover (Beta) | Data Products | OS.
Birmingham Pilot Launches Shared EV Depot Charging To Accelerate UK Fleet Electrification
- First live deployment of a fully integrated charging, energy and payments solution removes key barriers to electrification for both SMEs and major fleets, enabling faster, scalable rollout across the UK
- Welch Group unlocks revenue and utilisation with integrated energy procurement and infrastructure
Garmin Smartwatch Integration Unlocks FDA-Cleared Birth Control App For UK Users
Garmin users can now integrate with the temperature-powered Natural Cycles app, which turns Garmin skin temperature data into fertility insights for women’s health
OLATHE, Kan./March 31, 2026 – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced a product integration with Natural Cyclesº, the company behind the first and only FDA-cleared app for birth control on the market. By tracking skin temperature on compatible Garmin smartwatches – including fēnix® 8, Forerunner® 570, Forerunner 970, Venu® 4 and Venu X1 – women can unlock fertility insights in the Natural Cycles app, empowering them to better understand their reproductive health.
“Women all over the world utilize Garmin products for activity and health tracking, which is why this integration with Natural Cycles, a pioneer in women’s digital health, is so important. As we continue to help women meet their fitness and wellness goals, we are proud that Garmin skin temperature can be used within the Natural Cycles app for those looking for a non-hormonal approach to birth control.”
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Sleep. Track. Unlock.
The Natural Cycles (NC°) app, an FDA class II medical device intended to prevent and plan pregnancy, analyzes body temperature and other key fertility indicators to determine each user’s unique daily fertility status. With the launch of this integration, Natural Cycles users can now wear a compatible Garmin smartwatch to bed; skin temperature is tracked overnight and automatically syncs with the NC° app in the morning.
“For Natural Cycles, integrating with a hardware leader like Garmin is a natural next step as we expand our wearable ecosystem. This product integration marks an exciting milestone, enabling us to bring our non-hormonal birth control to even more women worldwide and offering an effective, hormone-free way to prevent or plan pregnancy.”
—Dr. Elina Berglund Scherwitzl, Natural Cycles Co-Founder and CEO
The Garmin and Natural Cycles integration is available in the following countries at this time: Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Union, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.
To learn more about the integration, go to the Natural Cycles landing page.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.
British Buyers Drive Surge In Costa Del Sol Property Demand As Spanish Prices Rise
- Spanish property prices up 14.3% in past year (TINSA)
- Britons then Spaniards top list of buyer nationalities at Almazara Boutique Residences in Malaga
- New Taylor Wimpey España homes blend traditional village living with easy access to the coast
British buyers account for 15% of all homes reserved at Almazara Boutique Residences in Malaga, followed by buyers from Spain. Figures from leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España shed light on who’s buying Spanish property, at the same time as the latest data from property valuation firm TINSA shows prices in Spain have risen by 14.3% in the past year.
Buyers at Almazara Boutique Residences – a collection of townhouses, apartments and penthouses – are generally between 30 and 59 years old and married, according to Taylor Wimpey España’s data. Altogether, the development has attracted buyers of 25 nationalities, with Britons and then Spaniards leading the charge.
A key part of the attraction is the unique location, close to the traditional village of Istán and surrounded by nature. The stunning coastline and bustling resorts of the Costa del Sol are within easy driving distance, while the homes provide the serenity and peace of their setting in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves. Istán, known as the spring of the Costa del Sol, offers dramatic mountain views, freshwater springs, a 500-year-old Castaño Santo tree, traditional cuisine and authentic Moorish architecture. Perfect for quiet strolls in the sunshine soaking up the sounds of nature all around.
The latest phase of Almazara Boutique Residences is Almazara Gardens, consisting of two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses priced from €460,000 plus VAT. Offering beautiful forest and sea views, along with communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and an underground parking space and storeroom for every home, the properties suit both second home buyers and year-round residents. Certified ‘A’ for their energy efficiency, the homes are due for completion in October 2027.
Buyers keen for a property to use sooner can find all they need at Almazara Forest. There, three-bedroom penthouses with sea views are priced from €580,000 plus VAT and include a complimentary furniture bonus of €10,000, with completion due in May 2026. Townhouses at Almazara Views, meanwhile, are priced from €620,000 plus VAT, with a €10,000 furniture bonus. The three-storey homes are due for completion in November 2026.
“The mix of property types at Almazara Boutique Residences reflects the breadth of demand we’re seeing from buyers looking for high-quality, sustainable new homes in a stunning natural setting. The charm of the area is undeniable, with both the Concepción Reservoir and the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park on the doorstep. The latest phase of homes – Almazara Gardens – delivers all of these benefits at an outstanding price point.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.
Spring Allergy Warning Issued For UK Pets As Warmer Weather Triggers Itching And Skin Issues
Record-Breaking Wind Turbine Installed At East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
- First turbine installed at ScottishPower and Masdar’s £4 billion East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, featuring 115-metre blades – the biggest manufactured and used in the UK
- All 285 blades for the 14MW turbines are being manufactured in the UK at Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull
- When complete, the 1.4 GW East Anglia THREE project will produce enough clean power for more than 1.3 million homes
ScottishPower and Masdar’s East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm has set a UK offshore wind record with the installation of its first turbine – the first in the UK to feature 115 metre blades, each one longer than a Premier League football pitch.
All 285 of the record-breaking blades for the project’s 95 turbines are being manufactured in the UK at Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull.
Standing around 262 metres tall – higher than the observation deck at the Shard – the 14MW Siemens Gamesa turbines have a rotor diameter of 236 metres.
A single revolution of just one turbine will produce enough electricity to power a UK home for more than four days, charge around 1,700 mobile phones, or brew nearly a thousand cups of tea.
Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables CEO said: “This is a defining moment – and a UK industry first – for ScottishPower, Iberdrola and Masdar as we celebrate and accelerate the deployment of homegrown renewable energy at scale.
“East Anglia THREE will be the biggest and most powerful offshore windfarm in our portfolio. That means billions of pounds invested in UK and global supply chains; thousands of jobs supported during construction; more than a hundred long-term roles created in the East of England; and greater energy security, with more clean power coming on to the grid than ever before.
“This achievement is testament to successful collaboration with our strategic investment partner, Masdar, and the dedication and excellence of our own teams and supply chain partners. East Anglia THREE will play a crucial role in the UK’s clean energy future and it’s fantastic to see our vision come to life.”
Located off the Suffolk coast in the UK, East Anglia THREE will be one of the world’s largest offshore windfarms when it comes into operation, delivering enough homegrown, clean electricity to power the equivalent of 1.3 million British homes.
Husain Al Meer, Director of Global Offshore Wind at Masdar said: “This is a milestone moment for the UK’s offshore wind sector, with the completion of the first turbine for East Anglia THREE representing a truly monumental achievement.
“We are proud to work alongside ScottishPower and Iberdrola to bring this project to fruition and to be playing our part in securing the UK’s clean energy future, while helping to create jobs and drive sustainable growth. We see tremendous potential for offshore wind, not just in the UK but across the wider European market, where offshore wind can provide critical energy security, power economic progress and help nations achieve their clean energy objectives.”
The blades used on the East Anglia THREE turbines are seven metres longer than the previous record of 108 metres – also manufactured by Siemens Gamesa.
Darren Davidson, UK Head of Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, said: “These are the biggest blades ever built for a project in UK waters – a real landmark for offshore wind. We’re proud that these record-breaking blades have been manufactured at our factory in Hull, where we now employ more than 1,400 people, and where we’re also investing in the future by training our next generation of workers through a well-established and successful apprenticeship scheme.”
The turbine installation was executed by Cadeler’s O-class Wind Osprey jack-up vessel, which will be joined later this month by the next generation P-class Wind Pace on its first deployment in European waters as the installation programme continues.
Mikkel Gleerup, Cadeler CEO said: “We are proud to support ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar on East Anglia THREE – our first project together and a strong starting point for future collaboration.
“By deploying two of our vessels in parallel, we can maintain a consistent and efficient installation pace throughout the campaign. This also marks Wind Pace’s first project in European waters since her delivery last year. Built to install the next generation of turbines, she brings increased capacity and operational flexibility, enhancing installation efficiency and supporting a more streamlined programme. Together, this strengthens our ability to deliver safely, reliably and at scale.”
£5.1m High Court ruling deepens transatlantic dispute over US cancer clinic
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Sukhi Ghuman, who moved to the United States in 2013, invested in the South Bay Cancer Centre, a medical practice owned and operated by Dr Al Kourainy. According to Ghuman, the pair entered into an agreement in 2018 under which control of the practice would transfer to him once the doctor had achieved £8.5m in net profit.
Ghuman says his role was limited to non-clinical operations, while all medical decisions, including the sourcing and prescribing of medication, remained the responsibility of the clinic’s clinicians in line with US regulatory requirements.
Following Dr Kourainy’s retirement in December 2020, Ghuman assumed control of the business. Subsequently, US authorities began investigating the clinic after receiving information that some medicines may have been sourced from outside the United States. Ghuman maintains that he relied on assurances from medical professionals that all medications were legitimate, effective, and compliant with regulatory standards. He further states that there have been no concerns regarding the quality or efficacy of the medication, and no patients have reported any issues.
He said: “I am not a doctor. I have never prescribed anything in my life. All medical decisions were made by the clinician in charge. That is how the system works. I trusted a qualified professional to do his job and relied on that duty of care. I was told time and time again that all medications had FDA approval.”
Ghuman disputes allegations that he personally benefited financially from the clinic’s operations. He said: “They say I pocketed millions. That is completely false. I have disclosed all of my financial details and not a penny has landed with me. That money was wired directly to Dr Al Kourainy, I have the bank statements to prove it.”
He also points to the role of another physician, Dr Ramesh Kumar Moolani, in how the allegations emerged. Ghuman claims that Dr Moolani worked as lead physician at the clinic without complaint and that the issues only arose after legal action was taken against him. He said the complaint “suddenly materialised” following a lawsuit against Dr Moolani for alleged breach of trust in a claim valued at more than $3m.
The dispute led to extradition proceedings initiated by US authorities against Ghuman and his wife while they were in the UK. Both were later released on bail.
Ghuman also highlighted that the clinic maintained a strong commitment to patient care, treating an average of 15 patients per month free of charge.
After what Ghuman describes as a two-and-a-half-year legal battle, the High Court has now awarded a judgment in excess of £5m against Dr Kourainy. The case remains ongoing, with further legal challenges expected.
“At its heart, this is about accountability,” Ghuman said. “The doctor had control of the clinic, he made the medical decisions, and he received the money. Yet I am the one who has had to fight to clear my name.”
He added: “I have rebuilt my life on purpose. I made a decision that I would not let false accusations define me. But rebuilding your life does not mean forgetting the truth or walking away from justice. It means standing up, fighting back and making sure the facts come out.”
American Airlines To Open New Admirals Club Lounge At Nashville Airport
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines continues to invest in elevating the customer experience with plans for a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Nashville International Airport®’s (BNA®) new Concourse A.
When complete, the approximately 17,400-square-foot lounge will be the largest airline lounge at BNA and nearly three times the size of the current lounge space, offering customers a more spacious and premium place to relax, work or recharge before their flight.
The new location will feature sweeping views of the airfield and a design inspired by Nashville’s vibrant culture and the natural landscapes of Tennessee.
A standout feature of the new lounge will be its outdoor terraces providing airfield views and an indoor balcony overlooking the concourse — unique spaces with a nod to Nashville’s welcoming and social atmosphere.
“The new Admirals Club® lounge at BNA reflects American’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the travel experience,” said American’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design and Strategy Rhonda Crawford.
“This lounge is designed to give customers the spirit of Nashville while enjoying the comfort, amenities and service they expect from American.” The Nashville project is part of American’s broader strategy to modernize and expand its Admirals Club® footprint across the system, with new and renovated lounges designed to reflect the character of the cities they serve while delivering consistent hospitality, comfort and amenities for customers nationwide. Construction on the new Admirals Club® lounge is targeted to begin in 2027.
American’s existing lounge space in Concourse C, Level 4 at BNA will remain open for customers throughout construction to ensure uninterrupted lounge access. “The airport authority is grateful for our long-standing partnership with American Airlines and their decision to continue investing in BNA.
The long-term investment by American Airlines in the new Concourse A ensures we will continue to elevate the passenger experience as we grow to more than 40 million passengers over the next decade,” said Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen.
“As we continue to grow, we are committed to working together with our airline partners to provide outstanding customer service and enhanced facilities that meet the ever-evolving needs and interests of travelers. Thank you to American Airlines for continuing to raise the bar.”
Inspired by Nashville, driven by care The Admirals Club® lounge at BNA reflects more than premium design — it reflects the values of the Premium Guest Services team that brings it to life. A signature example is the club’s “celebrity guitar,” which captures autographs from artists and celebrities traveling through Nashville before it’s donated to a nonprofit selected by the lounge team. Often supporting causes close to their hearts, the guitar transforms Music City moments into meaningful community impact.
That same spirit of care and purpose carries through every interaction in the lounge, where team members play distinct roles in creating a thoughtful, premium experience for every guest.
At the heart of Premium Guest Services is genuine care. These team members approach each itinerary — and each guest — with compassion, recognizing that every trip is personal and every solution matters.
Karen Crandall has worked in Premium Guest Services for 15 years. Premium Guest Services representatives play a key role in delivering American’s most personalized experiences. From planning and booking trips to managing itineraries when plans change, dedicated team members like Karen Crandall work behind the scenes to ensure premium guests enjoy a seamless journey from start to finish. For customers looking for a more personalized journey, American’s Five Star Service offers just that — with help from team members like Brenda Deley, a Premium Guest Services representative at BNA.
From curb to gate, Brenda helps escort customers through the airport, delivering thoughtful, one‑on‑one service inspired by the welcoming spirit Nashville is known for. Brenda Deley has worked in Premium Guest Services for 11 years.
Penn Mason has worked in Premium Guest Services for five years. Premium Guest Services representatives like Penn Mason serve as dedicated advocates for guests, listening closely and acting with care to support their needs.
Whether planning ahead or responding in real time, he approaches every interaction with thoughtfulness and accountability. The AAdvantage® program makes access easy American Airlines is making it easier than ever for AAdvantage® members to enjoy premium lounge experiences.
For those traveling domestically, Admirals Club® lounge access is available through an Admirals Club® membership, qualifying oneworld status or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® cardholders can also use one of their four Admirals Club® Globe™ passes, valid for 24 hours. Customers can also purchase a One-Day Pass, valid for 24 hours, for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage® miles.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually.
Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world.
American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today.
The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.


