The sky is officially a deeper shade of blue this spring, thanks to decreased air pollution levels and a nationwide slowdown in human activity following lockdown, new research has found.
According to William Collins, a climate professor at the University of Reading, pollution adds a layer of haze to the air, making the sky look paler than it really is. But, after a drop in global air and road travel, the once smog-filled sky is cleaner, clearer and bluer than its been in years.
'The absence of traffic will be having an effect,' William told the Daily Mail. 'At the moment, the wind direction is coming over the channel from the continent which we would normally expect to be very polluted, and which would also make our skies hazier.'
He also explained that 'the current skies were the kind of blue you'd expect to see on a nice tropical island somewhere. Everybody's been noticing it'.
Professor James Lee, an expert in atmospheric chemistry at the University of York, added: 'Since the lockdown there has been quite a large drop in nitrogen dioxide pretty much uniformly in every city that we've looked at by 30 to 40 per cent.'
He explained that although many of us are confined to our homes, the brighter sky can help to boost our moods: 'I may be sitting in a study surrounded by computer screens. But I can look out of the window and see a nice blue sky – so that does make being shut away slightly more bearable.'
In some of the UK's major cities, views which were once hindered by thick layers of pollution have become visible once again — and it's certainly some good news during the ongoing pandemic.
Elsewhere around the world, lower pollution levels has resulted in India's skyline looking bluer for the first time in years, while a decline in carbon emissions in China has cleared the air there, too.
Take a look at the images from around the UK below...
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The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio this spring
This two-tone terracotta pot, with its rough-edged floral design, makes an uplifting style statement. It’s not perfectly weatherproof, so you should expect some natural wear and tear over years of use — but it kind of adds to the charm.
Bushy shrubs and homegrown lavender would look especially suited in this little iron bowl. Its elegant curves are bringing plenty of modern appeal.
As Sarah Raven says, smaller flowers and plants are best displayed clustered together, as shown here to brilliant effect. Use this Auricula stand to add some charm to patio corners, or as a statement tablescaping centrepiece for garden parties. You can buy with or without the terracotta pots.
Small spaces don't have to be drab. This inexpensive set of over-railing planters will add some cheer to even the most bijou of balconies.
The wood in this reclaimed oak planter was used to mature whisky in a former life. Now, it’s been beautifully prepared to house your plants.
This wide-brimmed bowl, made from 100 per cent recycled materials, will bring a more Mediterranean sensibility to your space.
You've got your plants, you've found the right pots, so now you need somewhere to show off all your hard work. This 'plant theatre', as the brand calls it, will showcase your shrubs and it's ideal for a herb garden.
This simple wall hung planter will turn a drab fence or unloved bit of wall into a feature in its own right. Stock up on several to amplify the effect.
It may look like stone, but this elegant pot is in fact made from frostproof clay. We love the ornamental ‘lugs’ on the sides — it’s all in the detail.
Ideal for a container garden, this woven basket effect planter is lightweight yet durable, and with the right plants, is great for zoning spaces in your garden.
Sleek, modern and ultra cool, this bench has a built-in planter for some added flair. Just finish with some comfy outdoor cushions to complete the look.
Although you wouldn't think it, these striking outdoor plant pots are made from recycled oil drums, so they're both eco-friendly and stylish.
Striking latticed decoration adds depth and interest to this handmade terracotta pot. The frostproof finish should ensure years of use — perfect for perennial plants.
This recycled plastic pot comes with a detachable set of wheels, allowing for easier movement of heavy plants (and compost). We like the frieze detail.
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
With a deep reservoir tray, these inexpensive plant pots ensure you won't have to worry about needy plants wilting without frequent watering.
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer.
Once you've got your bigger planters sorted, layer up with some smaller ones like this to make a pretty eclectic display on the edge of your patio or garden steps.
For a European-style vibe, this roomy terracotta-style plant pot is the ideal accompaniment for fruit trees as well as your larger shrubs.
This is a great price for a set of three roomy planters — and you can paint or stain them however you like.
Make efficient use of outdoor space by installing this chic wall-mounted planter. You’ll need to use your own wall fixings.
