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Scottish island designated Dark Sky Sanctuary
“Rum is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come” – Amber Harrison.
Manx shearwater population set to benefit.

The Isle of Rum has been declared Scotland's first Dark Sky Sanctuary, helping to protect wildlife on the island from light pollution.

Rum, which is designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR), hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of Manx shearwater.

Around 25 per cent of the world's breeding population visits the island each year and light pollution can have a negative impact on their welfare.

Fledglings are active at night and can be attracted to artificial lights. Light pollution can disorientate them when they are ready to leave the island, causing them to crash on land.

The Dark Sky Sanctuary designation was achieved following efforts by the Isle of Rum Community Trust and NatureScot to protect the island's nocturnal environment.

The island's 40 residents helped ensure that all lighting on Rum is dark-sky friendly and astrological events were held for the community, the local school, and visitors.

Certified by International Dark Sky Places, there are only 20 other Dark Sky Sanctuaries around the world. Ynys Enlli, or Bardsey Island, in Wales is the only other one in Europe.

Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places programme manager, said: “This certification represents the hard work and dedication of advocates, residents, and community officials who recognise the value of Rum’s natural and cultural resources and are dedicated to safeguarding them against human impacts into the future.

“Rum is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come.”

Lesley Watt, NatureScot’s NNR manager for Rum, added: “This designation is excellent news as by protecting our night skies we can ensure the island remains a safe haven for these birds and the many other species that make Rum so special.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.