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Rain 'almost apocalyptic' for wildlife
National Trust makes statement

The National Trust has described the UK's recent rainy weather as being "almost apocalyptic" for some wildlife so far this year, with many bees, bats, birds and butterflies struggling to cope.

The breeding season has been particularly bad, with sea birds being blown off cliffs by gales and garden birds unable to find food for their young. Relentless wet weather has devastated puffin colonies on the Farne Islands, managed by the National Trust, with 90% of burrows lost on Brownsman Island.

Bats have been hit by the cold conditions, particularly lesser and greater horseshoe bats, leading to a slow-down of pregnancies and the risk of underweight newborns, and the heavy rain has left butterflies, bees, bumblebees, overflies and moths scarce this summer.

However, it is not all bad news. The National Trust pointed out that slugs, snails and amphibians have all benefited from the wettest April-June on record. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.