News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

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

Press Release: A prioritised list of invasive alien species threatening the UK’s environment

More species urgently need to be considered for inclusion on the EU’s ‘List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern’.

Press Release: Fungal microbes as biofertilizers in agriculture and gardening

Companies are increasingly producing fungal inoculants and marketing these as biofertilizers to improve plant growth and soil health.

2017 Parliamentary Shadowing scheme open for applications

Apply now for an opportunity to spend up to three days in the European Parliament.

Press Release: Fish have complex personalities, research shows

Scientists from the University of Exeter studied how Trinidadian guppies behaved in various situations.

Press Release: Finding a recipe for forest restoration

Regenerating critically endangered tropical dry forests isn’t easy — but identifying the right ingredients is a big step in the right direction