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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.