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Survey hopes to unlock goldfinch mystery
goldfinch
Learning more about how birds use garden resources will help conservationists to provide for them when times are hard.

Garden songbird is becoming increasingly common
 
One of Britain's most charming songbirds is an increasingly common sight in our gardens. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is asking members of the public to help find out why.

Over the past 25 years, goldfinch numbers have risen dramatically, according to the trust's Garden Bird Feeding Survey. But the reasons for this increase are not well understood.

BTO is launching a new survey to find out if its increasing use of garden bird foods is helping the species to grow.

The trust wants to explore the importance of the type of food we put out and the plants we grow; whether goldfinches prefer nyger seed or sunflower seed.

Learning more about how birds use garden resources will help conservationists to provide for them when times are hard.

BTO is asking members of the public to spend two minutes watching goldfinches in their garden, reporting how many birds are seen and what they are eating.

The trust is also interested in how their feeding behaviour changes throughout the winter.

The goldfinch feeding survey will run from November 2015 to February 2016. To find out more visit: http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/about/background/projects/goldfinch-feeding-survey/instructions

Image © Francis C. Franklin / CC-BY-SA-3.0

 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.