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Nature lovers get nocturnal
Image RSPB's Big Wild Sleep Out
The Big Wild Sleep Out aims to help children connect with nature.

RSPB's Big Wild Sleep Out to take place in June

Hundreds of thousands of nature lovers will be spending a night or two sleeping in the UK's great outdoors this June.

This year's RSPB Big Wild Sleep Out will see campers of all ages taking to their gardens, nature reserves, camp sites and parks for outdoorsy fun in the moonlight.

The more traditional campers will opt for a tent, while others may sleep in dens and shelters, or the really adventurous nature fans simply choose to sleep under the stars.

Activities include camp fires, bat safaris, stargazing and bug-hunting. Sponsored activities will help raise money for saving wildlife.

According to the RSPB, £20 could but a nest box for starlings, while £30 pays for a GPS tag to monitor where a seabird flies to find food.

The charity offers information on wildlife species that can be seen at night, as well as tips on where to spot bats, bugs and night-time birds and recipes for camp fire cooking.

The yearly event aims to help children in the UK to connect with nature, encouraging them to value wildlife.

The Big Wild Sleep Out is taking place from 16 to 22. For a list of night-time events going on in the UK, visit the RSPB website.

Image courtesy of RSPB

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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
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.