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Shotton Steelworks Discover Wildlife
A new nature reserve has opened alongside an industrial steel works site.


The 'Tata Steel' site opened the reserve with their workers as well as volunteers have been developing the conservation area.  The reserve covers a circular walk of 1.6km, accompanied by charming bird hides.  The reserve has become infamous for becoming the UK's biggest common tern bird colony, and has now been regally labelled a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  These birds are an enchanting silvery -grey and white with long tails, contributing to their name 'sea-swallow.'  They are often noisy but graceful in flight when plunging to grab their fish. However, it is not just birds who seek out this mini oasis, a number of other bird and wildlife species have made the lagoons their home.

With such magical sights to see , the site is open to all those of interest. It has officially opened to school groups, so school children can get  a hands on experience with nature, outside the mundane classroom.   Although the site does include an indoor classroom (perhaps for those rainy days) which was designed by workers in their spare time.  Consequently, visitors and school children are able to explore wildlife through the natural untouched habitats whilst also learning about the area's industrial heritage.

Tata Steel's Environment Manager beautifully summarised the site as:
"A unique habitat that demonstrates how industry and nature can [sometimes] co-exist in harmony."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.