An audit has found that EU-funded energy efficiency projects are not cost-effective in EU member states. The projects examined by the Court of Auditors were in the Czech Republic, Italy and Lithuania. Those countries received the most EU funding for such projects in 2007-2013.

Chalara dieback of ash has been confirmed at five sites on Forestry Commission land in Wentwood and the Wye Valley in south east Wales, and at Glynllifon college in Gwynedd.

The UK bird population has declined by 44 million since 1966, according to a report by conservation groups.

Wales’ first case of ash dieback disease has been confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It was found in a newly planted tree on private woodland in Carmarthenshire but Defra has refused to be more specific.

Some scientists warn the outbreak has the potential to devastate the UK’s population of 80 million ash trees.

A nursery forced to destroy 50,000 ash trees after dieback fungal disease was found is considering taking legal action against the government for failing to block imports sooner.

Simon Ellis of Crowders in Lincolnshire says the disease was found in 15 trees in June but officials issued an order preventing the firm from taking action.

A cattle farmer from Flintshire is beginning a 46-week jail sentence for flouting TB regulations.

Mark Payne, 45, from Brynford, near Holywell, admitting moving animals illegally without pre-movement testing.

The judge at Mold Crown Court said Payne had ignored trading standards officials’ instructions and had a history of doing so.

Animal health officials said it should be a warning to farmers to obey rules to stop the disease spreading.