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Widespread decline in pollinators across Britain, study finds
Researchers said wildlife-friendly farming and gardening can have a lasting positive impact on wild pollinators.
Scientists say conservation actions can have a positive impact 

A third of wild bee and hoverfly species have seen declines in areas of Britain where they were previously found, a new study has revealed.

Researchers said the findings act as a “warning” but there is an urgent need for more robust data on the patterns and causes of these declines. Habitat loss is thought to be a key driver.

The study, published in Nature Communications, measured the presence of 353 wild bee and hoverfly species across the country from 1980 to 2013. Findings suggest that, on average, the geographic range of these insects fell by a quarter, which equates to a net loss of 11 species per 1km square.

Overall losses were most notable for pollinator species in northern Britain, which could be down to climate change, with species that prefer cooler temperatures shrinking their range in response to less suitable landscapes.

A tenth of species were found to have increased and there was a rise in key bee species responsible for pollinating flowering crops, such as oil seed rape. Scientists say this could be a response to the large increases in mass-flowering crops grown during the study period, as well as government-funded schemes to encourage farmers to plant wildflowers.

Researchers said the findings support previous work that suggests conservation actions, including wildlife-friendly farming and gardening, can have a lasting positive impact on wild pollinators. However, these need to be refined to benefit a larger number of species.

Whilst this increase in some species is positive, lead author Dr Gary Powney said it would be “risky” to rely on this relatively small group to support long-term food security.

He added: “If anything happens to them in future, there will be fewer other species to ‘step up’ and fulfil the essential role of crop pollination”.

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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.