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Big Butterfly Count 2021 gets underway
Tortoiseshell butterfly.

Public urged to contribute towards a better understanding of butterfly and moth populations. 

The Big Butterfly Count 2021 is getting underway, with conservationists appealing for help after unseasonably cold and wet weather.

Using the free Big Butterfly Count app, members of the public are being asked to contribute towards a better understanding of butterfly and moth populations, by counting the amount of winged wonders they see in their gardens.

The project was launched at Winchester Science Centre on Friday (16 June) by UK charity Butterfly Conservation and its vice-president and wildlife broadcaster, Chris Packham.

“Biodiversity and climate crisis is an urgent issue and it can be overwhelming to think about what we can do as individuals to really make a difference,” said Chris. “Because butterflies and moths make excellent indicators of the impacts of climate change and other human environmental factors, collecting data on their numbers is really important.

“Something as simple as recording a butterfly spotted in your garden, at your local park or on your window box can play a part in vital research into a global problem. It’s a really valuable contribution everyone can make.”

According to Butterfly Conservation, many butterfly species experienced a poor spring or a delay in their emergence following 2021's unseasonably cold and wet weather. One species that was particularly low in numbers was the speckled wood, but the small tortoiseshell, comma, green-veined white, large white and red admiral were also down in abundance.

Big Butterfly Count's three-week citizen science event is open to everyone of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside. Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space, counting the amount and type of butterflies and moths they see.

Last year saw a record 145,000 counts submitted to the campaign - but also saw the lowest average number of butterflies logged in its 12-year history. Scientists at Butterfly Conservation are keen to see if if this trend continues into 2021.

“The Big Butterfly Count, along with our other research work, is already showing us changes in the populations of our butterflies and moths," commented Dr Zoë Randle, a senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation. "Climate change and other human-led impacts are causing some species to be found in new areas, while others are becoming harder to find in the UK at all."

She added: “We really need the public’s help to understand what is happening to our butterfly and moth populations. It’s a small but crucial thing everyone can do. This information will not only help us to protect these species but also to inform what effect the changing climate is having on our biodiversity.”

The count is now open and runs until the 8th August. For more information and to take part, visit bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.