News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Did tree-forming daisies evolve due to drought stress?

Increased wood formation in plants is strongly linked to increased drought stress resistance.

Using mathematical models to save forests

How can small changes in the climate have big impacts on forest health?

Seaweeds shelter calcifying marine life from acidifying oceans

Seaweeds create a chemical microenvironment at their surface, providing refuge for calcifying organisms that are at risk from decreasing oceanic pH.

Inquiry on plant and animal biosecurity post-Brexit

A new inquiry has been launched by the Lord’s EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee to look at the impact of Brexit on plant and animal biosecurity.

Flight delays: Study finds out why some African birds stay home longer

Researchers studied the behaviour of wild southern pied babblers, which live in family groups of up to 14 in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.

BES Members Quiz Politicians at Voice of the Future 2018

Abi Gazzard is a BES member and PhD student at the University of Reading. She recently participated in Voice of the Future 2018; an event where young scientists and engineers get to ask political figures important science policy questions in the Houses of Parliament. Read about her experience here.

Shooters urged to take 'cautious approach' when shooting woodcock

To reduce the effects of cold weather on Eurasian woodcock, shooting should be restricted before energy reserves are depleted

How barbastelle bats trick moths that are able to hear their echolocation calls

Researchers have found that the rare European barbastelle bats sneak up on unsuspecting moths by gradually emitting ever fainter calls as they come closer.

Annual Meeting 2018: Thematic Sessions, Interactive Oral Sessions & Workshops

We are currently accepting proposals for Thematic Sessions, Interactive Oral Sessions, and Workshops for our 2018 Annual Meeting.

Lack of water is key stressor for urban trees

Urban trees can survive increased heat and insect pests fairly well – unless they are thirsty.

The Changing Arctic: An Environmental Audit Committee inquiry

Help the BES respond to the Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into how the Arctic is changing and what it means for the UK.

Reflections on BES Policy Internship

Account of Adele Julier's experience as a BES Policy Intern.

Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit Consultation

Help the BES respond to the Defra consultation on “Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit".

Policy in the European Parliament

Sofia Cota-Franco's account of shadowing Julie Girling MEP in Brussels

Social status influences infection risk and and disease-induced mortality

In this long-term study, ecologists monitored the health status of spotted hyena and the risk of infection with canine distemper virus.