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Soothing birdsong to sweep the nation
The Let Nature Sing Takeover is being held by the RSPB to raise awareness of declining bird populations.

RSPB event to raise awareness of declining bird populations

Commuters, shoppers and office workers across the UK today (17 October) will be greeted by the sound of soothing birdsong.

Westfield Shopping Centre, Co-op stores and transport hubs including the London Underground are among more than 5,000 unexpected locations where the event will be taking place. Added to this will be organised community events where people can get together with family and friends and enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature.

The Let Nature Sing Takeover is being held by the RSPB to raise awareness of declining bird populations in the UK, along with losses seen in much of the UK’s most loved wildlife. 


It comes in response to new figures which reveal that, for UK adults aged 18-44, addressing climate change and the environment is the number one issue for today’s politicians to secure the long-term legacy of their government.

The RSPB hopes that, following its summer top 20 chart hit Let Nature Sing - a music track of pure birdsong - it will once again bring birdsong back everyone’s life, acting as a reminder of what could be lost if the crisis facing nature is not addressed.

RSPB’s director of communications, Rebecca Munro, said: “Earlier this year Let Nature Sing got the public talking about what birdsong means to them and the shocking fact that the UK has lost over 40 million birds in just half a century. We all need birdsong in our daily life, but our natural world is in crisis, our wildlife is falling silent.

“This summer there have been deeply concerning reports and warnings published by IPBES and the IPPC. And the State of Nature report has revealed that a quarter of our mammals and half of the UK’s bird species are threatened with extinction.

“When looking at the evidence it is no surprise to see that more people recognise that something is not right with our natural world and that the public feel strongly that addressing climate change and the environment should be a top issue for today’s politicians looking to create a legacy future generations will be proud of.”

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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.