2025

In response to increased findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu) in wild birds and new cases in poultry and kept birds, coupled with heightened risk levels, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with housing measures is being introduced for north, central and parts of east of England to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.

Red and black spotted, round and shiny ladybirds are arguably one of the few beetles everyone can recognise. 

“The United Kingdom does not have indigenous peoples, or indigenous and local communities as understood under the Convention on Biological Diversity”.  Not sure what the Welsh or Scots will think of that?

As a contribution to Flood Action Week, Defra and Floods Minister Emma Hardy are urging us to cultivate flood-resilient plants in our gardens, and on 17th October The Independent brings us the story; “Homeowners urged to use five key plants to make gardens flood ready”.

How often do you read that policy must be science and evidence-led, and think that must be good, leading to the right conclusion? Sadly that is not always the case. 

GWCT member Annette West was delighted to receive a 20-year-old jeroboam of Taylor’s Port after picking the winning raffle ticket at this year’s Game Fair at Ragley. 

For all shoots in England impacted by the licensing arrangements introduced by Natural England this year on European Designated Sites and their buffers, there is an opportunity to feedback to Natural England on how your shoot has been affected.

Today marks the beginning of the 2025/26 muirburn season in Scotland. This season will be a special one, as many of the new provisions of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 are expected to come into force halfway through it.

Experts believe we can stop wild salmon from going extinct in our rivers – but we need to act now and we need to work together on a catchment scale.

Unlike some of our more celebrated raptors, kestrels often slip under the radar, which makes understanding their needs, and finding practical ways to support them, all the more important.