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Local Communities Benefit from Farmland Biodiversity
Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Our farmers do a vital job looking after the countryside".
Farmers who make the commitment to land management schemes aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment also provide additional income, employment and other social benefits for their local communities, a recent report has shown.

The report on the ‘Incidental socio-economic benefits of Environmental Stewardship’ reinforces how the government funding can lead to increases in local income and employment, as well as the development of farmers’ social networks and farm business skills.

Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Our farmers do a vital job looking after the countryside, protecting wildlife and habitats, as well as restoring and maintaining iconic features such as dry stone walls. Their work and involvement in these schemes also lead to important positive ripple effects on their local communities, through increases in employment, local investment and social networks.”

Key findings from the report include:

Current Environmental Stewardship (ES) scheme expenditure has supported around 665 new full-time equivalent jobs in local communities between 2005 and 2009;
Last year, £249 million was invested in ES and as a result, an additional £64.7 million was generated by the local economy;
A large proportion of the scheme work - such as ensuring wildlife, landscape and historical features are created, restored and maintained - is undertaken directly as a result of ES scheme payments; and
Farmers, contractors and advisers reported improving their skills and knowledge through participating in schemes, and through attending associated training.

Poul Christensen, Chair of Natural England, said: “This report confirms the value that is delivered by Environmental Stewardship. Not only is it securing tangible benefits to farm businesses and the environment but it is also strengthening rural communities and sustaining local jobs. Two thirds of England’s farmers are already in ES or its equivalent and this report provides compelling evidence of the benefits that all farmers can receive by coming on board.”

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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.