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Surveying Birmingham's Bird Life

Common species of bird were found in all areas.
With the help of the RSPB, Birmingham University and hundreds of volunteers, Birmingham Parks have conducted a region-wide bird survey, the first major survey of biodiversity in streams and rivers within Birmingham, to try and map the populations of local wetland bird life.

The survey was conducted over two years and has investigated over 50kms of stream across Birmingham and recovered more than 10,000 individual bird records.

The survey revealed surprise inclusions, including a red kite, the second only to be found in Birmingham, and a little ringed plover, both found around Harborne Reservoir. The survey also recorded numerous ring-necked parakeets in Perry Park. Common species of bird were found in all areas, including woodpigeon, blackbird, magpie, great tit, wren, carrion crow, blue tit and robin. Other birds found were the chiffchaff, mallard, moorhen, grey heron, Canadian goose, coot, great crested grebe, tufted duck, cormorant, mute swan and little grebe.

The result of this survey is the capturing of new and important data for mapping bird populations in Birmingham. The findings now show a clear relationship between bird and habitat type, with some surprises, such as how common and widespread song thrush are and increasing numbers of records of grey heron and grey wagtail, both indications of improving water quality.

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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. 

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News Shorts
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.