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Garden sightings of hedgehogs in decline
hedgehog
A quarter of participants across the UK said they had never seen a hedgehog in their garden.
Survey reveals 13 per cent drop since 2014

The number of hedgehog sightings in UK gardens is continuing to decline, new data from the RSPB suggests. In fact, the population is now thought to have dipped below one million.

There were 13 per cent fewer reported sightings in the UK this year, compared to figures from 2014.

In Greater London, fewer than 6 per cent of survey participants reported seeing hedgehogs in their garden at least once a month. This is a startling 20 per cent lower than the national average.

Meanwhile, a quarter of participants across the UK said they had never seen a hedgehog in their garden - up by 11 per cent since 2014.

Foxes and grey squirrels, on the other hand, appear to be far more frequent visitors. Over 80 per cent of Londoners had spotted a fox in their garden at least once a month this year. Grey squirrels were the most common visitor, with 76 per cent of UK participants seeing one scurrying across the garden at least once a month.

The RSPB says gardeners can play a pivotal role in reversing declines in some species. Members of the public are being urged to get involved in 'Giving Nature a Home', doing at least one thing to help wildlife in their garden or outdoor space.

"Something as small as creating gaps in fences to allow hedgehogs to roam can have huge benefits to the population in your area," said communications officer Tim Webb.

The charity launched a new online tool this week that allows people to create their own personalised plan to help nature. It targets the user's own favourite species, as well as wildlife that is struggling in their part of the country. To find out more, visit rspb.org.uk/plan

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."