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Major project set to save species from extinction
The project will also help 200 species that are under threat, including hedgehogs.
Collaborative programme aims to help over 200 species

A ground-breaking new project has seen UK wildlife charities and conservation bodies come together for the first time, in a bid to save threatened species from extinction.

The ambitious programme, Back from the Brink, aims to rescue 20 species that are on the cusp of extinction. It will also help another 200 species that are under threat, including the grey long-eared bat, pine marten, willow tit, lesser butterfly orchid and hedgehog.

Natural England chairman Andrew Sells said: “This project is nothing short of a revolution in conservation. Never before have so many people pledged to work together to save so many of England’s individual plants and animals. It comes not a moment too soon for many important species and draws together a wide range of people and organisations.”

Back from the Brink has been made possible by £4.6 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Launching the project in Windsor, conservationists and volunteers prematurely aged specially selected trees, to create much-needed homes for thousands of creatures at Great Windsor Park. This involves simulating exposure to the elements and fungi that a tree would expect to see over the course of a century, in just one afternoon.

Over 2,000 species in the UK are dependent on ancient trees, but this important habitat is in decline as not enough younger trees are maturing in time to fill the gap when existing ancients pass away. As a result, species that rely on deadwood and ancient trees will have no new habitat in which to live.

Buglife’s tree experts have found a number of trees that, with a little work, can take on the features of ancients, ensuring the many rare species found in the park continue to have a suitable habitat.

School children, college students and local volunteers will also be planting native trees in the park.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.