News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

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.

Daytime pastoralist activities do not negatively affect spotted hyenas

A study looking at the interactions of pastoralists and hyenas in Tanzania finds that the two can coexist, with no negative impacts to the hyenas

Flower strips and hedges combine to boost bees in orchards

New research finds hedges and perennial flower strips are complementary in supporting wild bees in orchards

Wild Food Foraging accounts for nearly 250,000 cubic metres of produce consumed annually in Zambia.

Foraging for wild foods may make up 25% of international recommendations on fruit intake in Zambia, with at least 12 million large buckets worth of wild forest foods collected each year.

Agri-environment measures boost wildlife populations in long-term farm study

Agri-environment schemes can significantly increase local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production.

Agri-Environmental Strategy Could Boost Crop Productivity and Pollination

Green infrastructure near agricultural land is essential for pollinator conservation and boosting crop productivity.

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.

Rolling wildflower blocks: benefits for biodiversity

Rolling wildflower blocks could be the more effective compensation measurement against insect decline than flower strips.

Restoring tropical peatlands supports bird diversity without impacting livelihoods

A new study has found that oil palm can be farmed more sustainably on peatlands by re-wetting the land.

Research demonstrates value ‘injurious weeds’ can bring to both pollinators and biodiversity

A new study demonstrates that weeds are far more valuable in supporting biodiversity than we give them credit for.

Bringing out the best in wild birds on farms

Natural habitat maximizes the benefits of birds for farmers, food safety, and conservation.

Study explores how temperate rainforests can aid the fight against climate change

Livestock browsing behaviour is a major determinant of the expansion of UK temperate rainforests.

Bird-friendly agriculture: finding the right balance to benefit birds and farmers

New research finds that whole-scale farm diversification can promote higher abundances of beneficial birds in farmland.

Woodland and hedgerow creation will be crucial to support pollinators in Wales

The largest survey of pollinator abundance in Wales has found that woodland and hedgerow creation can play a crucial role in action to reverse declines in insects.

Honeybees’ waggle dance reveals bees in rural areas travel further for food

By decoding honeybees’ waggle dances, researchers have found that bees in agricultural areas travel further for food than those in urban areas.