News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Paying farmers to create woodland and wetland is the most cost-effective way to hit UK environment targets, study suggests

Incentivising farmers to put aside farmland for nature could cut taxpayer costs in half, while delivering for climate, biodiversity, and food production targets.

Research reveals which animals perceive time the fastest

New research reveals that the animals that perceive time the fastest are those that are small, can fly, or are marine predators.

BES response to the new Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Negotiations at the Convention on Biological Diversity's COP15 drew to a close in the early hours of this morning, with countries agreeing on a new deal to protect nature, the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

New research uncovers hidden long-term declines in UK earthworms

New research suggests significant and previously undetected declines in UK earthworm abundance could have occurred.

Green transformation day held at Durham primary school

The British Ecological Society (BES) held a ‘green transformation’ day at Laurel Avenue Primary School in Durham.

Capturing Ecology 2022 – Winning Images Announced

Captured by international ecologists and students, this year's winning images tell a powerful story about the intricacies of nature, and our relationship with the natural world.

Planet’s most unique birds at higher risk of extinction

A new study finds that bird species with extreme or uncommon combinations of traits face the highest risk of extinction.

Warmer temperatures are linked to mismatch among forest plants

In response to warming temperatures, some taller plants are advancing their leafout timing which could lead to declines in native wildflowers as they flower or leaf out later and therefore receive less sunlight for photosynthesis in the spring.

Lianas more likely to infest smaller trees in Southeast Asian forests

Lianas in Malaysian forests are more likely to infest smaller trees.

Rhino horns are getting smaller, according to analysis of artwork and photographs

Analysis of artwork and photographs has revealed that rhino horns have been getting smaller and human attitudes towards rhinos have shifted from predation to conservation.

Opening school doors to nature in North East England

The British Ecological Society has been delivering a green transformation to primary schools in North East England, improving over 10,000 school children's connection to nature.

Researchers quantify forage yield gap caused by woody encroachment

New research quantifies the economic impacts of lost herbaceous production from tree encroachment throughout the American west.

Asian elephants prefer habitats on the boundaries of protected areas

New research finds that elephants prefer habitats on the periphery of protected areas, rather than the areas themselves

Animals in national parks can be impacted by just a few people

A new People and Nature study has found that even in remote, rarely visited national parks, the presence of even just a few humans impacts the activity of wildlife that live there.

Citizen scientists wanted to help record UK’s mammal activity

Citizen scientists are being urged to help chart UK mammal activity so researchers can better understand how animals are coping with ecological challenges such as climate change.