News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

“We need more conservationists!" How a field course run by the Tropical Biology Association empowers the ecological community

Past students and course leaders talk about their "life-changing" field course with the TBA.

Ash dieback is less severe in isolated ash trees

New research finds that ash dieback is far less severe in the isolated conditions ash is often found in, such as forests with low ash density or in open canopies like hedges, suggesting the long term impact of the disease on Europe's ash trees will be more limited than previously thought.

15 practical tips for online teaching

Here are 15 top tips for pivoting teaching online during COVID-19 from experts at the Open University.

Parasite carried by grey squirrels negatively impacts red squirrel behaviour

Research reveals a new mechanism of how grey squirrels affect native red squirrels in Europe through parasite-mediated competition.

A PhD in a pandemic

One PhD student's tale about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting early career ecologists and fieldwork projects.

How to save your planet: UK Schools Outreach Project

During British Science Week 2020 the BES Education Team travelled around England to deliver outreach events in which school pupils learnt more about global environmental challenges and how to solve them.

West African lions show no preference between national parks and hunting zones

A University of Michigan-led study, believed to be the largest wildlife camera wildlife camera survey ever undertaken in West Africa, finds West African lions surprisingly show no preference between national parks and trophy-hunting areas.

Capturing Ecology: Hidden Worlds Exhibition - Ulster Museum

Our ‘Capturing Ecology: Hidden Worlds’ exhibition revealed the astounding complexity of the natural world.

Recruitment of expert panel members for the Research Excellence Framework 2021

More taxpayers’ money for the environment and public benefit

3,647 researchers call for Common Agricultural Policy reform with science to be taken into consideration.

Microbiomes of soils, plants and animals

A new book explores the vital role of microbiomes and their influence on everything from our health, to the functioning of ecosystems.

Nominate an Incredible Ecologist for the 2020 BES Awards

You have until 20 April to nominate an incredible ecologist for the 2020 BES Awards.

Fishing for Mammals: How DNA from rivers could revolutionise mammal detection on land

Scientists from the University of Salford have identified that DNA collected from river water is a new and effective way of monitoring the entire community of mammals on the landscape.

Wildlife 'porn' or a conservation tool? A summary of our debate on nature documentaries

A panel of producers, presenters and researchers debated the purpose of nature documentaries.

Why a focus on constant change is more important than a focus on stability

We talk and think in terms of things and entities that are stable and unchanging. This is understandable, but misguided, researchers argue.