Author Archives: Policy_Team
Badger cull: licences reissued by Natural England
In 2011, it was announced that a badger cull would be implemented to attempt to curb the spread of bovine tuberculosis. Licences were issued last summer, with culls initially scheduled to take place last autumn. Due to the combination of … Continue reading
Safeguarding the Jewels in the UK's Biodiversity Crown
The investment needed to conserve biodiversity in the UK’s Overseas Territories (UKOTs) is three to five times higher than that spent by the UK Government currently to protect the endemic species and threatened habitats in these unique ecosystems. That is … Continue reading
A countryside fit for pollinators
Pollinators are vital to the natural environment and economy in the UK, providing services worth over £440 million per year. Recent declines in their numbers and health are concerning, and evidence linking neonicotinoid pesticide use with these has prompted further … Continue reading
Contribute to the BES response to the Triennial Review of the Research Councils
The BES will respond through the Society of Biology to the UK Government’s Triennial Review of the seven Research Councils. The first phase is to consider the core functions of the Research Councils, to assess the need for these functions … Continue reading
Planning for 'No Net Loss' of Biodiversity
A briefing note published by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology this week (POSTnote 429) is critical of the quality of information, local authority decision-making, monitoring and research concerning the incorporation of biodiversity into planning decisions in England. Despite … Continue reading
Climate Change, Agriculture and Forestry in the Pacific
Contributions are invited to a consultation from PACE-Net (the Pacific Europe NETWORK for Science and Technology) on a draft white paper on climate change, agriculture and forestry in the Pacific region. PACE encompasses the 15 member countries of the Africa … Continue reading
Bees and neonicotinoids: moving towards a Europe-wide ban?
It’s been an exciting week for bee health both in the UK and Europe. Progress towards the removal of neonicotinoid pesticides from use is advancing rapidly, with several UK companies banning these products from sale, and the European Commission setting … Continue reading
BES Shadowing Scheme Open for Applications
Applications are now invited for the annual BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme. The scheme has run each year from 2007 and provides an unprecendented opportunity for members of the Society to spend two days shadowing senior policy-makers in the UK and … Continue reading
Forest estate in England to remain in public ownership
For the past two years, the future of England’s forest estate has been uncertain. Proposals to sell-off large areas of forest in early 2011 were quickly withdrawn, but not replaced by reassuring policies. The publication of the Government’s response to … Continue reading
Invasive species bans show a step in the right direction
Yesterday marked a historic day for the control of non-native invasive species in the UK. From next spring, five species of non-native aquatic plants will no longer be allowed to be sold within the UK. The ban is the first … Continue reading