Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th May 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RSPCA’s wildlife garden wins medal at Chelsea
The garden includes a range of wildlife-friendly features.
The charity’s Chelsea garden aims to inspire public to help wildlife.

The RSPCA’s first ever garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a prestigious silver-gilt medal by the judging panel. The garden showcases how animals, in particular wildlife, enrich our lives, and it aims to inspire the public to do small things in their own gardens and communities to reverse wildlife decline.

Approximately 40 per cent of incidents reported to the RSPCA concern wildlife, and in 2022 they took more than 100,000 calls about wild animals in need.

The garden was designed by Martyn Wilson, who took inspiration from a visit to an RSPCA specialist wildlife centre, where many of the animals rescued by the charity are rehabilitated before being returned to the wild.

Mr Wilson said: “When planning the garden, I saw first hand on a visit to the RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre the incredible rehabilitation work the charity’s team carries out, from injured seals to poorly hedgehogs, and everything in between.

"But the RSPCA can't help all wild animals themselves. And that's why I was so proud to create a sanctuary garden which is full of ideas people can easily recreate at home, whatever space they have.”

The garden includes a range of wildlife-friendly features such as bird nesting boxes, wall-mounted bee hotels, hedgehog houses, and a host of plants for pollinators.

After the show, the garden will be moved to an RSPCA wildlife rehabilitation and education centre in Cheshire.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "We are all absolutely delighted and so proud that our garden has been given such a prestigious honour by RHS judges.

"Martyn created a stunning, stylish sanctuary that perfectly showcased so many amazing ideas of how we can help wildlife in our own gardens and green spaces. From a wildlife observation hide, to nesting boxes, wildlife friendly plants, and dead hedges hiding cosy hedgehog boxes, it is a true haven for wild animals and I cannot wait to see it at its new home at our fabulous Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.

"From litter picks, to building a bird box or planting wildflowers, there's so many things we can all do to help - and that's the message we've been so proud to share with everyone at Chelsea. We can achieve so much together for animal welfare.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.