News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Higher plant species richness may not be enough to protect ecosystems from the worst impacts of climate extremes

Higher plant species richness is not always sufficient to reduce ecosystem vulnerability to climate extremes.

Study finds ways to avoid hidden dangers of accumulated stresses on seagrass

A new study has found ways to detect hidden dangers of repeated stresses on seagrass using statistical modelling.

Bridging the science-policy interface in Wales

Inaugural meeting of the BES Wales Policy Group

Understanding the science-policy interface in Scotland

Read Emily Schofield's highlights from attending the Scottish Policy Group's Policy Training workshop in Stirling

Climate change impacts human health

Dr Samuel Myers outlined devastating impacts of climate change on human health

It takes a microclimate to raise a pinyon tree

With all the discussion about global climate change effects, new research shows that another kind of climate is an important factor in regional pinyon pine tree recovery after drought events – the microclimate.

The Eeyore of Pessimism or the Lion’s Roar of Optimism? Options for Agri-environment schemes post Brexit.

Read Ruth Mitchell's account of the Scottish Policy Group's October 2017 Pie And A Pint evening that looked at the future of agri-environment schemes in Scotland post Brexit.

2017 book prize awarded to behavioural ecologist Professor Tim Clutton-Brock

Our annual Marsh Book of the Year Award has been given to Professor Tim Clutton-Brock from Cambridge’s Zoology Department, recognising his book Mammal Societies for its influence on the science and application of ecology.

Animation meets biology - Shedding new light on animal behaviour

For the first time, digital animation has been used as a research tool to examine how the effectiveness of a lizard’s territorial display varies across ecological environments and conditions.

Protecting 'high carbon' rainforest also protects threatened wildlife

Conservation efforts focused on protecting forests using carbon-based policies also benefit mammal diversity, new research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology has found.

Controlled fires don't eliminate invasive tree

A recent study by a University of Florida researcher shows that controlled fire increases the proliferation of invasive tree species, which could cause millions of dollars in damage.

2017 Parliamentary Shadowing scheme open for applications

The British Ecological Society's parliamentary shadowing scheme offers ecologists the chance to gain an inside view of the policy world.

New mapping tool tracks elk migration to reduce brucellosis risk

New research by University of Wyoming and U.S. Geological Survey scientists has created a mapping tool for reducing the risk of transmitting brucellosis from elk to cattle.

Press Release: Humans - the disturbing neighbours of reef sharks

Shark diversity and abundance is highest in remote reefs, as far as 25 hours away from main cities, reveals a study published in Journal of Applied Ecology.

Natural Capital Committee sets ambitious goals for Environment Plan

The Natural Capital Committee has provided advice on the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan