Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.