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Tributes paid to hedgehog society founder
Major Adrian Coles
Major Adrian Coles
wore the famous scarlet coat with pride.
Major Adrian Coles passed away peacefully in Chelsea

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has paid tribute to its founder, Major Adrian Coles, who has died at the age of 86.

In a statement, the charity said it was deeply saddened by the loss of someone who did so much for hedgehogs.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Adrian, who leaves our thriving, active charity as a legacy to us all,” said Fay Vass, chief executive of the society.

Major Adrian Coles passed away peacefully at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 23 March 2017.

In 1982 he founded the BHPS and was instrumental in giving the hedgehog the high profile it enjoys today.

Major Coles was also a Shropshire county councillor, civic head and chairman, former chairman of South Shropshire District Council and former chairman of his parish council.

Well-known to members of parliament for his campaigns to protect the hedgehog, he appeared countless times on television and radio.

In 2000, he was awarded an MBE for his services to his community, was an honorary alderman of South Shropshire and was a Freeman of the City of London.

Major Cole recently moved to London where he wore the famous scarlet coat with pride.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.