News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Development of a diagnostic tool for water bodies

If a river or stream is not doing well, there are many possible causes, but they are sometimes difficult to detect. Scientists from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) have now developed a method that evaluates biological symptoms of rivers and calculates probable causes.

Using Nature to Find Solutions to Human Problems

The BES Policy Team is working with members to produce a report assessing the evidence for NBS delivery potential across the UK.

Biodiversity, Forestry and Wood: Reflecting on the Evidence

How temperature determines the sex of hatchling sea turtles

Scientists from The University of Western Australia and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have examined how temperature determines the sex of baby turtles.

Capturing Ecology: Behind the Lens - Top tips for photographers

We've collected together some top tips from the winning photographers of Capturing Ecology.

Researchers build first AI tool capable of identifying individual birds

New research demonstrates for the first time that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to train computers to recognise individual birds, a task humans are unable to do.

Sample management for biologists

In biology, even small errors in labelling and data management can lead to severe consequences, particularly when dealing large complex projects like tracking COVID-19. To reduce potential error, researchers at Queen’s University in Canada have developed a new software package called ‘baRcodeR’.

Education under COVID-19

Kate Howlett, PhD student from the University of Cambridge Department of Zoology, explores whether lockdown has provided an opportunity for increased outdoor learning

Obituary: Lord May of Oxford

John Lawton and Michael Hassell recall a great scientist, wonderful collaborator and a true friend, following the death of Lord Robert May in April 2020.

Spoof phone calls

We are aware that a number of people have received spoof phone calls that appear to be from the British Ecological Society.

How to save your planet: UK Schools Outreach Project

During British Science Week 2020 the BES Education Team travelled around England to deliver outreach events in which school pupils learnt more about global environmental challenges and how to solve them.

Capturing Ecology: Hidden Worlds Exhibition - Ulster Museum

Our ‘Capturing Ecology: Hidden Worlds’ exhibition revealed the astounding complexity of the natural world.

Recruitment of expert panel members for the Research Excellence Framework 2021

Parliament and policy-making: the importance of collaborative work between scientists and policy makers.

First come, first bred

Arriving early in the breeding area is crucial for successful reproduction in non-migratory birds.