News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

BES response to government plans to tackle the nature and climate crises

Jane Memmott, President of the British Ecological Society, responds to speech by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon George Eustice MP.

Nature has enormous potential to fight climate change and biodiversity loss in the UK, according to new report

A new report by the British Ecological Society details how nature can be a powerful ally in responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

New report highlights the benefits of bringing nature into our cities

Cooling our streets, reducing air pollution and improving our wellbeing, nature can provide a host of solutions to the issues facing our cities, according to a new report by the British Ecological Society.

Lack of prey reduces breeding success in puffin populations

New research finds that a lack of prey around breeding colonies in the northeast Atlantic is leading to puffin population declines.

New research reveals the resilience of Scots pine trees to drought

The effect of extreme drought on Scots pine trees has been examined, which could have implications for climate change efforts across the world.

Opportunities for Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain in Scotland

This event ‘Pie and a Pie’ event was jointly held online by the British Ecological Society (BES) Scottish Policy Group (SPG) and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Crayfish ‘trapping’ fails to control invasive species

Despite being championed by a host of celebrity chefs, crayfish ‘trapping’ is not helping to control invasive American signal crayfish, according to new research by UCL and King’s College London.

Provide shady spots to protect butterflies from climate change, say scientists

Butterfly species that mostly rely on finding shade to keep cool are at a greater risk of population decline due to climate change and habitat loss.

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

New research out today highlights the future effects of climate change on important fish stocks for south-west UK fisheries.

Debate needed on the potential culling of generalist predators such as crows and foxes to protect Europe's declining ground-nesting birds

Further studies and debate are needed on the potential culling of generalist predators such as crows and foxes as a means of protecting Europe's ever declining number of ground-nesting birds.

Research shows recovering pine marten population benefits red squirrels, but the grey squirrel still poses a problem in urban areas

Research led by Queen’s University Belfast has found that whilst red squirrels are responding positively to the increased presence of the pine marten across Ireland and Britain, its ability to control the grey squirrel is limited by the lack of forest cover and the presence of urban refugia.

Understanding deer damage is crucial when planting new forests

Scientists at the University of Southampton and Forest Research say understanding the risk of damage by deer to new and existing forests in Britain is crucial when considering their expansion.

Smaller fields and diversified crops can help spontaneous plants to make a comeback, even in the middle of fields

Scientists from INRAE and the CNRS, working with colleagues from Germany, Spain, the UK and Canada, find that increasing field border lengths could be a highly effective measure to complement agri-environmental schemes, maintaining and restoring plant diversity right to the centre of fields.

Why the British Ecological Society President mows round the dandelions in her lawn

New BES President Jane Memmott talks about how ecology affects everyone’s lives and how all of us can make a difference.

Transformative change: an idiot’s guide

Andy Suggitt reflects on the joint BES - University of York Pie and a Pint event