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Shotton Steelworks Discover Wildlife
A new nature reserve has opened alongside an industrial steel works site.


The 'Tata Steel' site opened the reserve with their workers as well as volunteers have been developing the conservation area.  The reserve covers a circular walk of 1.6km, accompanied by charming bird hides.  The reserve has become infamous for becoming the UK's biggest common tern bird colony, and has now been regally labelled a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  These birds are an enchanting silvery -grey and white with long tails, contributing to their name 'sea-swallow.'  They are often noisy but graceful in flight when plunging to grab their fish. However, it is not just birds who seek out this mini oasis, a number of other bird and wildlife species have made the lagoons their home.

With such magical sights to see , the site is open to all those of interest. It has officially opened to school groups, so school children can get  a hands on experience with nature, outside the mundane classroom.   Although the site does include an indoor classroom (perhaps for those rainy days) which was designed by workers in their spare time.  Consequently, visitors and school children are able to explore wildlife through the natural untouched habitats whilst also learning about the area's industrial heritage.

Tata Steel's Environment Manager beautifully summarised the site as:
"A unique habitat that demonstrates how industry and nature can [sometimes] co-exist in harmony."

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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.