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Low awareness of threats facing wild birds - survey
“Wildlife and our natural world can recover, it can be saved for future generations."

RSPB releases song bird track to raise awareness of wildlife threats 

The UK is in danger of ‘sleepwalking into a natural tragedy’, the RSPB has warned, as a new survey reveals that just 15 per cent of people are aware of the crisis facing our wildlife.

Worryingly, the charity said over a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) mistakenly thought nature was doing well, while one in three young people were unaware that the UK has lost more than 40 million birds in the past 50 years.

Conversely, 82 per cent of people said bird song makes them feel positive. When presented with the troubling facts about declining numbers of wild birds, half (49 per cent) said they were upset, a third (31 per cent) said they were angry and 84 per cent said the government should do more. Over a third of young people want to do something to save nature.

Today (26 April), the RSPB released a track of pure bird song into the charts to raise awareness of what we may lose if nothing is done to halt the declines.

Martin Harper, RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “The signs are all around us that something is not right, that nature is falling silent and you only need to stop and listen to find the beautiful bird song that should be the background music to our life is absent.

"But no one is talking about the crisis facing wildlife and nature in the UK. We all need to start talking about this, and the Let Nature Sing track is a good starting point as it perfectly highlights the music we risk losing.

“Wildlife and our natural world can recover, it can be saved for future generations, but we need more people to talk about the issue and how much something as simple and wonderful as bird song means to each of us. Because if we do not start talking about the threats facing nature the inspiration behind so much of our music, poetry and literature may go silent.”

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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.