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Buff-tailed bumblebee crowned UK's favourite insect
Bumblebee
The poll was launched by the RSB to raise the profile of the insect population which is threatened as a result of loss of habitat, climate change and pollution.
Secured victory with over 40 per cent of votes

The buff-tailed bumblebee is the UK's favourite insect, according to a nationwide poll organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

The winner secured victory with over 40 per cent of the 7,500 votes, beating the seven spot ladybird and the emperor dragonfly in second and third place respectively.

The largest of the bee species, the buff-tailed bumblebee is the first that you are likely to see in your garden in the summer.
Its name refers to the queen bees golden-coloured tail.

Speaking to the Guardian, RSB member Dr Rebecca Nesbit put the bees popularity down to its hard work, visibility and gentle sound:

"Wasps interrupt your picnic, but there is something quite appealing about sitting in your hard and seeing a bumblebee hard at work. It's very noticeable in gardens and people are more aware of the valuable role bees play for us and the challenges they face at the moment."

The poll was launched by the RSB to raise the profile of the insect population which is threatened as a result of loss of habitat, climate change and pollution.

"When lots of people think of conservation they think of pandas and the large species that need our help, but there are lots of people who do understand how important insects are for our lives," Rebecca added.

"Many crops and wild flowers alike depend on bumblebees for pollination, They contribute to our economy, our countryside and the food we eat."

The RBS hope that people will get behind the bees by planting "bee-friendly" plants, avoiding mowing flowers until late summer and calling on MPs to create a national programme to monitor numbers.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.