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Protecting UK's wildlife; 1 year on

Government presses ahead with the vital changes necessary to protect Britain’s wildlife.

One year on from the Prime Minister’s pledge to become the greenest government ever, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs is pressing ahead with the vital changes necessary to protect Britain’s wildlife and natural environment, to support a strong food and farming industry, and to help build a strong green economy.

Speaking 12 months in to what she describes as a ‘challenging but crucial’ role, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has been reflecting on some of the green successes since taking office.

Mrs. Spelman said:

“This government has had to face up to the twin challenges of economic recovery and mitigating and adapting to climate change. Building a strong green economy is central to dealing with these problems.
“These challenges are long-term and can’t be solved just with eye-catching initiatives that generate a few good headlines but are quickly forgotten. We’ve been working with the experts in their field to identify areas where government can work with the private sector, NGOs, and local communities to make a real difference.

“For example, we’ve created 15 new Marine Protected Areas since last May to conserve marine biodiversity, in particular species and habitats of European and national importance. And we’re investing £110m to clean up England’s rivers, tackling problems that have been sitting in the too-hard basket for too long. We’ll be working with local groups to turn our waterways into healthy wildlife habitats, sort out problems regarding ownership, access, and upkeep, and address sources of pollution.

“There’s also the international aspect of what we’re doing. The UK isn’t alone in needing to protect the environment and wildlife for future generations."

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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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.