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Consultation ‘last chance’ to keep Minsmere safe
The Marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest birds, is particularly sensitive to artificial light and noise.

RSPB calls on developer EDF to protect important wildlife site

The third and final public consultation on plans for a new nuclear power plant in Sizewell, Suffolk, launched on Friday (4 January) and will continue for 12 weeks.

In this consultation, the RSPB is calling on developer EDF to make a clear commitment to protecting Minsmere nature reserve, which lies adjacent to the proposed Sizewell C site.

It says the proposals have the potential to significantly impact the reserve’s wildlife as well as the experience of visitors.

“Minsmere is a very special and important place for wildlife, loved by the tens of thousands of people who visit the reserve each year from around the UK and abroad,” explained RSPB’s Suffolk Area manager Adam Rowlands.   

“After raising concerns about the potential impact EDF’s Sizewell C proposals could have on the reserve in two previous rounds of public consultation, we feel the time is right to ask EDF to demonstrate that they are taking our concerns seriously, by seeking a public commitment from EDF to protect Minsmere and to publish plans for how their proposals will do this.

“This is the final round of public consultation before EDF submit their proposals, and as such, it is the last chance to ask them to keep Minsmere safe.”

Minsmere is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe and, with more than 5,000 different species, it is also one of the most wildlife-rich nature reserves in the UK.

Among the concerns raised by the RSPB about the new site is the impact of noise and artificial light on rare wildlife. The Marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest birds, is particularly sensitive to such disturbance.

The RSPB has also stressed concern over the impact on its ability to manage water levels on the reserve - which is vital for managing reedbeds and other freshwater habitats - and the potential erosion of Minsmere's coastline. 

Image (C) WIkimedia Commons/AshishTripuwar

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.