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Consultation ‘last chance’ to keep Minsmere safe
The Marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest birds, is particularly sensitive to artificial light and noise.

RSPB calls on developer EDF to protect important wildlife site

The third and final public consultation on plans for a new nuclear power plant in Sizewell, Suffolk, launched on Friday (4 January) and will continue for 12 weeks.

In this consultation, the RSPB is calling on developer EDF to make a clear commitment to protecting Minsmere nature reserve, which lies adjacent to the proposed Sizewell C site.

It says the proposals have the potential to significantly impact the reserve’s wildlife as well as the experience of visitors.

“Minsmere is a very special and important place for wildlife, loved by the tens of thousands of people who visit the reserve each year from around the UK and abroad,” explained RSPB’s Suffolk Area manager Adam Rowlands.   

“After raising concerns about the potential impact EDF’s Sizewell C proposals could have on the reserve in two previous rounds of public consultation, we feel the time is right to ask EDF to demonstrate that they are taking our concerns seriously, by seeking a public commitment from EDF to protect Minsmere and to publish plans for how their proposals will do this.

“This is the final round of public consultation before EDF submit their proposals, and as such, it is the last chance to ask them to keep Minsmere safe.”

Minsmere is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe and, with more than 5,000 different species, it is also one of the most wildlife-rich nature reserves in the UK.

Among the concerns raised by the RSPB about the new site is the impact of noise and artificial light on rare wildlife. The Marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest birds, is particularly sensitive to such disturbance.

The RSPB has also stressed concern over the impact on its ability to manage water levels on the reserve - which is vital for managing reedbeds and other freshwater habitats - and the potential erosion of Minsmere's coastline. 

Image (C) WIkimedia Commons/AshishTripuwar

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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
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.