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Location of reintroduced chequered skipper butterflies revealed
Butterfly Conservation is expecting many wildlife enthusiasts to visit the location in summer to catch a glimpse of the species.
The species has not been seen in England for 45 years.

The location of the recently reintroduced rare chequered skipper butterfly species has been revealed for public viewing.

Chequered skipper butterflies, with their distinctive yellow markings, have not been seen in the wild in England since 1976. 

In order to allow the population to become stable, the location of the butterflies was kept secret as Butterfly Conservation and Forestry England worked hard to ensure the species' success.

Butterfly Conservation has now revealed that the chequered skipper population is in Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire – allowing wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to go and see this rare species in person. 

The reintroduction of this species is part of the Back from the Brink conservation project - butterflies were collected in Belgium in 2018 and 2019 to be released in Fineshade Wood. 

The organisation is hoping to establish further chequered skipper populations in additional sites, and ultimately ensure long-term sustainability for the species.

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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. 

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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.