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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.