A happy new year to all our members and readers – it being early January as I am sat writing this editorial for the first issue for the WPSJ in 2013. It appears that the WPSJ is becoming ever more popular with authors – which is an excellent thing, but is also an issue that needs to be addressed! For those not well versed in editing and publishing papers at the ‘business end’ of things, our small journal is completed and prepared some four months before publication. Papers have to be proofed and checked at this time, and then the final latest news and editorial is done some 8 weeks before the issue appears (to try to be as up to date as possible). Since I have been running the journal we have seen an expansion from 8-10 papers per issue typically, up to 12-15 papers per issue. However, this increase is barely enough to keep up with submissions, which have risen dramatically in the last few years and since submission has become available electronically via ScholarOne and Cambridge Journals Online, as well as accessible via our own website. This extra backlog means that authors will have to be a little more patient about getting their paper out in press, as we have to wait until space in issues becomes available. We always ensure papers are taken in numeric order as much as possible, to save any becoming too delayed – but this depend on the nature of the paper, speed of reviewing and revision submissions. At our recent end-of-year round up of status of the Journal, we have already filled the June issue and September is nearly full as well.

I do trust you have all seen the information regarding requesting print copies from now on, otherwise this issue will be the last one you receive by post – although it will be fully available online to all members going forward. If you haven’t got your online log in information, go to the website and request it today. These changes in journal distribution are to save much needed revenue (from printing and postage costs) from the journal that can then be used in more useful ways – such as supporting the speakers bureau and travel grants. Please remember to contact the WPSA if you still require a print copy – but also consider the financial and environmental implications of extra copies before doing so – especially if others in the same department or office also receive a copy. Perhaps nominate one person in your office to get a print copy only, and share it round. Every little helps, so the saying goes, and each one removed will allow us to do more good works with the resulting revenue.

We have some new and varied topics in this issue – including two papers regarding climate change and its impact on migrating birds, which is highly topical especially with respect to disease control. I trust that you find something of relevance to your own work in this and every issue, whether in printed or electronic format. So please don’t forget about the changes in distribution, and make sure your copy in whatever form is secured for the next issue due out in June 2013.

Dr Lucy Waldron

Editor