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New Stamps Highlight Plight of UK’s Mammals
One of the stamps pictures a water vole, as shown above.
The Wildlife Trusts are working to ensure the ten species of UK mammals, featured on new stamps issued today by The Royal Mail, have a wild future - not a sticky end.

Thanks to schemes undertaken by The Wildlife Trusts across the UK, many of these species - including the dormouse, otter, water vole and greater horseshoe bat - are on the road to recovery.

Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We welcome The Royal Mail stamp mammal series in this, the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB).

“Many people are enthused and inspired by imagery of these creatures; sleeping dormice, sleek otters and the adorable water vole – known fondly as ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows – but some may not be aware of the work which goes on to ensure there is enough high quality habitat for them.

Another of the stamps features an otter.
“The Wildlife Trusts are working with landowners, local authorities and other partners on large-scale habitat restoration projects, to create A Living Landscape for wildlife and people, which will help many of these mammals, including otters, regain some ground. The Wildlife Trusts remain committed to further successes in years to come.

Paul continued: “The work we’ve been carrying out to conserve and protect these charismatic animals on reserves and in the wider landscape has been successful in preventing their further decline. But it’s vital we all see the bigger picture if we are to secure a future for these ten, and many other species of wildlife.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.