News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

A new window into plants of the past

Researchers have developed a fast, nondestructive way of estimating how millions of dried plant specimens, from herbarium collections, interacted with their environment.

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

How silent environmentalists could help protect biodiversity

New research identifying an important group of Australians with a surprisingly strong connection to nature could change political parties' approach environmental issues.

Ecologists use the latest dental scanning technology to study young coral

Inspired by a trip to the dentist, Dr Kate Quigley presents a new method for monitoring coral size and growth that reduces surveying time by 99%.

Cameras candidly capture bushmeat mammals to avert crisis

New research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology looks for the best indicators for sustainable hunting in the African rainforest.

Climate change increases wasp range, threatening West Coast oak savannas

Warming temperatures have allowed oak gall wasps to invade and potentially overwhelm new ecosystems, as they escape their natural predators.

The irreplaceable roles of crocodiles and relatives are at risk of being lost

As the risk of extinction for crocodilians grows, the unique ecosystem roles these reptiles fulfil are also at risk.

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.

Recovering biodiversity in Brazil's pioneering Atlantic Forest through conservation and ecological restoration

To recover biodiversity and ecosystem services natural remnants of old forests must be conserved alongside new restoration projects.

Agri-Environmental Strategy Could Boost Crop Productivity and Pollination

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

Brazil's ecosystem restoration benefits both people and planet

Up to 2.5 million jobs could be generated through ecosystem restoration if Brazil meets its target of restoring 12 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

Research with a bite

Scientists at the University of Bonn present a sensor system that can measure the bite force of insects.

Antarctic Midge threatened by rapidly warming winters

Simulated full length Antarctic winters show an increased likelihood of midge survival under colder conditions.

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.