News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Making a difference

BES President Richard Bardgett and CEO Hazel Norman introduce our plans for 2020-2023.

Often derided as pests, deer and elk can help young Douglas-fir trees under some conditions

Long considered pests by forest managers, deer and elk can help Douglas-fir seedlings thrive under certain vegetation management conditions.

Through the eyes of animals

Humans are now closer to seeing through the eyes of animals, thanks to an innovative software framework developed by researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Exeter.

Shark nets destructive and ineffective, study finds

Research finds that increased lifeguard patrols and emergency response a more useful approach than shark nets to beach safety.

Tiny woodlands are more important than previously thought

Small woodlands in farmland have more benefits for humans per area compared to large forests according to a new study.

Capturing Ecology – Winning images of British Ecological Society photography competition announced

An image of a Malagasy tree boa perched in a tree, taken by Roberto García Roa, has been awarded Overall Winner in the British Ecological Society’s annual photography competition, ‘Capturing Ecology’.

2019 Annual Meeting Webinars

The Annual Meeting is just around the corner and in preparation we want to help delegates prioritise, have amazing networking opportunities and avoid burnout.

Incredible Creatures at New Scientist Live 2019

Four action packed days, thousands of enthused visitors, and countless ecological insights. Headlining the Earth Zone at New Scientist Live 2019, the society’s 'Incredible Creatures' multisensory photography exhibition was a roaring success.

How to handle ‘moving targets’ in the face of climate change

The Scottish Policy Group host a Pie and a Pint night in Edinburgh.

Scientists develop new method to estimate seal breeding frequency

New research, led by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews, develops method to better record breeding histories of seals, allowing for improved fecundity calculations.

A decade after the predators have gone, Galapagos Island finches are still being spooked

A new study has found that the finches’ fearful response – known as antipredator behaviour - was sustained through multiple generations after the threat was gone, which could have detrimental consequences for the finches’ survival.

Emerging through the haze: Moving forward to tackle Indonesia’s fire crisis

With widespread forest and peatland fires occurring in Indonesia this year, a new article aims to plot a way forward from this ecological crisis by outlining the key challenges facing conservation efforts and how these might help fire prevention.

Inspiring the next generation

A new generation of ecologists complete another successful BES summer school.

Wildlife disease ecology

A new book explores studies that have driven our understanding of the ecology and evolution of wildlife diseases.

A year to look on with pride

BES President Richard Bardgett introduces this year's achievements for the 2018-19 Annual Review.