ANIMAL welfare campaigners have welcomed a UK Government consultation on tighter controls over the use of loud fireworks outside organised displays.

The RSPCA described the announcement as a “major step forward” and urged pet owners and animal lovers across England and Wales to take part in the consultation.

David Bowles OBE, the charity’s head of public affairs, said fireworks could cause severe distress and lasting harm to pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.

He said: “For too long, pets, horses, wildlife and farmed animals have been deeply affected by fireworks and the lack of regulation, including DIY and impromptu displays.

“Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage, while all animals can experience stress and fear, which has in some instances led to injury and even death.

“Livestock and other animals living outdoors often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process, and the consequences can be devastating.”

An RSPCA survey carried out in 2024 found that 66 per cent of pet owners considered backyard firework displays to be a major concern.

The charity has long campaigned for tighter restrictions and more responsible use of fireworks. Its work has included an annual calming programme with Classic FM on Bonfire Night and its Kind Sparks campaign, which encourages communities to consider the impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people.

The RSPCA is also a member of the Fireworks Impact Coalition, a group of 19 organisations representing people and animals adversely affected by fireworks.

Mr Bowles added: “This campaign has never been about spoiling people’s fun, but about protecting animals.

“This consultation has the potential to be a game changer. We now have an opportunity to give animals a voice by encouraging everyone who cares about them to respond and support these long-awaited restrictions.”

RSPB CYMRU has purchased a 96-hectare upland site in Carmarthenshire, describing it as a vital step towards reconnecting one of Wales’ most important wildlife landscapes.

The newly acquired area, known as Gallt-y-bere, lies alongside the River Tywi and sits between two previously separated sections of the charity’s Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve in the Elenydd uplands.

Conservationists say the purchase will reconnect fragmented habitats for the first time in around 60 years, creating a continuous landscape that will allow wildlife to move more freely and strengthen biodiversity across the reserve.

The site contains a rich mix of internationally important habitats, including rare Atlantic oak woodland – often referred to as Celtic rainforest – as well as ancient woodland, peat bogs and ffridd, the transitional habitat found between lowland farmland and open upland areas.

RSPB Cymru believes linking these habitats together will benefit a wide range of species, including pied flycatchers, hen harriers, cuckoos, wood warblers, pine martens and whinchats.

The purchase was made possible through a philanthropic loan and support from thousands of donors who contributed to the charity’s fundraising appeal.

Jonathan Cryer, site manager at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas, described Gallt-y-bere as a “truly magical place”.

He said: “I’m thrilled that we’re in a position to expand and improve its rare habitats and wildlife.

“Securing this site is a brilliant opportunity for us to strengthen ancient woodland, restore upland habitats and create the conditions needed for rare wildlife to flourish in the future.”

RSPB Cymru says the enlarged reserve is now big enough to support breeding hen harriers. Although the red-listed birds are occasionally seen in the area, they have not attempted to breed there in recent years.

The organisation has been involved in conservation work at Gwenffrwd-Dinas for more than a century, initially supporting efforts to protect red kites before acquiring land to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species.

Surveys funded by Natural Resources Wales will be carried out over the summer to identify the full range of habitats and wildlife present on the newly protected land. The findings will help shape future conservation work.

Plans include expanding and enhancing wildlife-rich grasslands that support rare plants such as whorled caraway and wood bitter-vetch, while also working with local farming tenants to demonstrate how nature recovery and sustainable agriculture can coexist.

RSPB Cymru said the acquisition marks another important step towards building a more resilient future for wildlife in Wales, with long-term plans to work alongside local communities and partners to restore and protect the newly connected landscape for generations to come.

More than 3,300 counselling sessions were delivered last year as young people described pressure from influencers, calorie-counting videos and unrealistic beauty standards

CHILDLINE is preparing for an increase in children and young people seeking support over body image concerns and eating disorders during the summer holidays.

New figures from the NSPCC-run service show that 3,364 counselling sessions were delivered between April 2025 and March 2026 to young people worried about their appearance, weight or relationship with food.

Demand was particularly high during the summer, with almost 1,000 sessions taking place across June, July and August.

Childline says warmer weather and the approach of family holidays can intensify anxiety among young people who feel uncomfortable wearing summer clothing or swimwear.

Counsellors are also hearing from children who feel under pressure to look like influencers they follow online.

Some have described repeatedly watching “what I eat in a day” and calorie-counting videos, which can encourage unhealthy habits including severe food restriction.

A 15-year-old from Wales told the service: “I hate everything about my body. I try to restrict for as long as I can, but then I binge and feel guilty that I ruined any progress that I made.

“I have so many other things I should be focusing on, like my friends and my exams, but weight and calories are all I can think about.”

Another girl, aged 12, described how bullying and comparisons with people she saw online had affected her eating.

She said: “This girl at school would always call me fat. My friends are all skinny, the girls I see on TikTok are skinny.

“I started purging and skipping meals last year and I’m finally skinny, but mum finally noticed and gets angry when I don’t eat properly. I can’t go back to eating three meals a day again, I can’t go back to being fat.”

Shaun Friel, Childline director, said the summer could place additional pressure on children who already felt anxious about their bodies.

He said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body.

“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or, in some instances, developing disordered eating behaviours.

“Children are also telling us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, particularly influencers on social media.

“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through, our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment. Seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Advice for parents

The NSPCC is encouraging parents and carers to be mindful of how they speak about their own bodies and the appearance of others in front of children.

Conversations about food and exercise should focus on health, strength and wellbeing rather than weight or appearance.

Parents are also advised to take concerns seriously, listen without judgment and avoid dismissing a child’s feelings by simply telling them they “look fine”.

They can help children understand that photographs and videos online are often edited or present unrealistic standards, while limiting exposure to content that promotes extreme dieting or unhealthy attitudes towards weight.

Warning signs can include sudden changes in eating habits, excessive exercise, low mood, secrecy around food or withdrawal from friends and family.

Early support can be important, and parents should consider seeking professional advice where they notice worrying behaviour.

Children can contact Childline free on 0800 1111 or speak to a counsellor through the Childline website using email or one-to-one online chat.

Source: NSPCC Cymru press release.