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Robin voted UK's national bird
robin
Ornithologist David Lindo believes the UK should have a national bird like other countries.
Government asked to recognise the UK's first national bird

The robin has been voted the UK's favourite in a poll of more than 200,000 members of the British public.

Ornithologist David Lindo believes the UK should have a national bird like other countries, which is why he launched a poll in March this year.

More than 210,000 people voted online and thousands more sent in paper ballot forms, as well as the thousands of school children from hundreds of UK schools who voted.

Voting closed on the same day as the General Election and the results were finally announced last week.

Mr Lindo told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think the robin is totally entwined into our national psyche - it is the Christmas card pin-up and supposed gardeners' friend."

The other top 10 birds were:
2nd - Barn owl
3rd - Blackbird
4th - Wren
5th - Red kite
6th - Kingfisher
7th - Mute swan
8th - Blue tit
9th - Hen harrier
10th - Puffin

According to BBC News, Mr Lindo now plans to ask the government to recognise the robin as the UK's national bird.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.