News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study

A study using 10 years of citizen science data has found that a variety of targeted conservation approaches are needed to protect UK bumblebee species.

Protected areas can be the beating heart of nature recovery in the UK, but they must be more than lines on a map

A report by the British Ecological Society says that the UK government’s 30x30 commitment offers the opportunity to revitalise the contribution of protected areas to nature recovery.

New research shows that current national red squirrel conservation strategies likely to undermine species survival in future

Red squirrel conservation strategies in the UK and Ireland, that favour non-native conifer plantations, are likely to negatively impact red squirrels.

Loss of tree species has cumulative impact on biodiversity

Diseases affecting different UK tree species have shown to have a multiplying effect on the loss of associated biodiversity.

Bee flight suffers under temperature extremes

Rising temperatures could help some bees fly better, but more frequent extreme weather events could push them past their limits.

Farmers help create ‘Virtual safe space’ to save bumblebees

BEE-STEWARD is a decision-support tool which provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape.

BES response to the UK National Food Strategy

BES president, Professor Jane Memmott responds to National Food Strategy.

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.