News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

New research uncovers hidden long-term declines in UK earthworms

New research suggests significant and previously undetected declines in UK earthworm abundance could have occurred.

Green transformation day held at Durham primary school

The British Ecological Society (BES) held a ‘green transformation’ day at Laurel Avenue Primary School in Durham.

Capturing Ecology 2022 – Winning Images Announced

Captured by international ecologists and students, this year's winning images tell a powerful story about the intricacies of nature, and our relationship with the natural world.

Planet’s most unique birds at higher risk of extinction

A new study finds that bird species with extreme or uncommon combinations of traits face the highest risk of extinction.

Warmer temperatures are linked to mismatch among forest plants

In response to warming temperatures, some taller plants are advancing their leafout timing which could lead to declines in native wildflowers as they flower or leaf out later and therefore receive less sunlight for photosynthesis in the spring.

Lianas more likely to infest smaller trees in Southeast Asian forests

Lianas in Malaysian forests are more likely to infest smaller trees.

Rhino horns are getting smaller, according to analysis of artwork and photographs

Analysis of artwork and photographs has revealed that rhino horns have been getting smaller and human attitudes towards rhinos have shifted from predation to conservation.

Opening school doors to nature in North East England

The British Ecological Society has been delivering a green transformation to primary schools in North East England, improving over 10,000 school children's connection to nature.

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.

Asian elephants prefer habitats on the boundaries of protected areas

New research finds that elephants prefer habitats on the periphery of protected areas, rather than the areas themselves

Animals in national parks can be impacted by just a few people

A new People and Nature study has found that even in remote, rarely visited national parks, the presence of even just a few humans impacts the activity of wildlife that live there.

Citizen scientists wanted to help record UK’s mammal activity

Citizen scientists are being urged to help chart UK mammal activity so researchers can better understand how animals are coping with ecological challenges such as climate change.

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

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.

Making field work more equitable

Researchers share how they crafted a guide that prioritizes safety for field researchers from marginalized groups.