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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th May 2022
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New app to help reverse decline in pollinators
“We are encouraging people to give just 10 minutes of their time to count the pollinating insects they see using this app" - Rebecca Pow.
Government asks public to collect data on garden visitors.

The public is being asked to count bees, butterflies and other pollinators using a free app in their gardens and green spaces.

The new FIT Counts app will help track pollinator numbers and movements, providing crucial data that the government can use to support pollinators in their natural environment. 

It forms part of Defra's new “Pollinator Action Plan”, which aims to improve nature recovery and reverse declines in these species.

FIT Counts, supported by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, asks people to spend 10 minutes a day collecting data on the number of insects that visit particular patches of flowers, including dandelion, buttercup and lavender.

Data gathered will be used to help the government and conservationists understand where pollinators are declining or how populations are shifting in response to climate change.

Defra's new Pollinator Action Plan promises to focus on a number of key areas, including:
  • strengthening the evidence base to improve understanding of trends and impacts on pollination; 
  • managing land more effectively to encourage better-connected habitat and recovered species; 
  • sustaining pollinator health of managed and wild populations’ by supporting beekeepers and bee farmers, ensuring there is surveillance of diseases and invasive species, as well as research and advice; and 
  • engaging the public through Bees’ Needs events, alongside celebrating successes and promoting a wide range of training. 

Announcing the app at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday (23 May), environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We all want to see an abundance of butterflies and bees in our gardens, parks and countryside. We are encouraging people to give just 10 minutes of their time to count the pollinating insects they see using this app to help us track their numbers and movements and support our efforts to reverse the decline of these vital species.”

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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.