The

BulletinYOUR MAGAZINE FROM THE BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY infocus Photo: Frazer Bird The BES Roadies hit the Wychwood Festival n June. Will Gosling helps budding ecologists match the poo to the animal. Contents August 2013

Officers and Council for the year 2012-3 Regulars President: Georgina Mace Welcome / Alan Crowden 4 President Elect: Bill Sutherland Vice-Presidents: Richard Bardgett, President’s Piece / Georgina Mace 6 Mick Crawley Honorary Treasurer: Drew Purves Ecology Education and Careers / Karen Devine and Olivia Richardson 18 Council Secretary: Dave Hodgson Honorary Chairpersons: Science Policy 20 Andrew Beckerman (Meetings) Alan Gray (Publications) Special Interest Group News 23 Lesley Batty (Education, Training and Careers) The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management / Sally Hayns 44 Juliet Vickery (Public and Policy) Richard Bardgett (Grants) Rant and Reason / Markus Eichhorn 46 Ordinary Members Publishing News 48 of Council: Retiring David Coomes, Thomas Ezard, 2013 Book Reviews 52 Rosemary Hails Diary 60 Emma Goldberg, 2014 William Gosling, Ruth Mitchell Julia Blanchard, 2015 Greg Hurst, Paul Raven features Emma Sayer, Owen Lewis, 2016 Science Policy Special Event / Martin Smith 8 Matt O’Callaghan

Bulletin Editor: Alan Crowden INTECOL 2013 15 48 Thornton Close, Girton, Cambridge CB3 0NG Sun, Fun and Ecology / The BES Roadies 12 Tel: 07801 068458 Email: Nick Dusic 1978-2013 22 [email protected] The Quiet Places / Rose Hanley-Nickolls 28 Associate Editor: Emma Sayer Department of Environment, Earth LWEC Climate Change Impacts Report Card on Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecosystems, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA / Mike Morecroft 31 Email: [email protected] The Field Studies Council at 70 / Cathy Preston 34 Book Reviews Editor: Peter Thomas School of Life Sciences, Huxley ‘There is an App for that’: the next level of Ecological mobile technology Building, Keele University, Keele, / Yoseph Araya 36 Staffordshire ST5 5B Tel: 01782 733497 Email: [email protected] Patterns, Paradigms, and Preconceptions / John Wiens 39

Publishing in From our Southern Correspondent / Richard Hobbs 41 the BES Bulletin The Bulletin is published four times Minutes of the 32nd Annual General Meeting 61 a year in March, June, August and December. Contributions of all types Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 together with Council’s and auditor’s reports 62 are welcomed, but if you are planning to write we recommend you contact one of the editorial team in advance to discuss your plans (Bulletin@ BritishEcologicalSociety.org). Material should be sent to the editor by email or on a disk in Word or rtf format. Pictures should be sent as jpeg or TIFF (*tif) files suitable for printing at 300dpi. Books to be considered for review should be sent directly to the Book Reviews Editor Peter Thomas.

Cover: Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) roosting in the Masai Mara, Kenya

Photo: Alan Crowden

Design: Neo (weareneo.com) Print Management: H2 Associates (Cambridge) Ltd.

3 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013 welcome

The British Ecological Society is the oldest ecological society Making in the world, having been established in 1913. Since 1980 it has been a Registered Charity Ecology Count limited by guarantee. Membership is open to all who are genuinely interested in ecology, whether in August in London, and another global event where the British Isles or abroad, and excellence, respect and friendship will be to the fore. membership currently stands at about 3700, about half of whom are based outside the UK. Rather against expectations, in August last year Is all this effort worth it? Well, when MPs The Society holds a variety of the great British public engaged enthusiastically and Peers take the trouble to come along meetings each year. The Annual with the 2012 Olympics. While the 11th to hear what ecologists have to say about Meeting attracts a wide range of papers, often by research International Congress of Ecology will generate extreme events, when families spend festival- students, and includes a series slightly less excitement among the populace going time in a tent watching a bumblebee of informal specialist group at large, for ecologists it will be every bit as colony, when schoolchildren draw pictures and discussions; whereas the Annual stimulating as the table tennis, fencing and compose odes to wildlife, the answer must be Symposium and many other weightlifting that were played out 12 months yes. Advancing Ecology is not just a matter smaller meetings are usually ago at the ExCeL centre, our conference of doing our research. It is convincing other more specialised and include venue. This year it will be ideas batted to and people that it counts. invited speakers from around the fro, the sparring will be verbal and hopefully world. the weights lifted will be ideas, collaborations Much of the rest of this issue reinforces the Proceedings of some of these and new initiatives. London will again host role that ecologists play in the wider world. meetings are published by the brightest and best from across the world; European fisheries policy has more to do with the Society in its Ecological established stars will have a chance to shine politics than commonsense, but the importance Reviews book series. The Society and new talent will suddenly blossom on the of science in providing a sound basis for the distributes free to all members, four times a year, the Bulletin big stage. political debate was never more obvious (p20). Rose Hanley-Nickolls gives us a delightful which contains news and views, meeting announcements, a You’ll have to forgive my hyperbole. The BES account of the efforts to restore to New Zealand comprehensive diary and many Centenary events are now in full swing and the “melodious wild musick” heard by Joseph other features. In addition the activities that have been in the planning for Banks in 1770 (p28). Mike Morecroft (p31) Society produces five scientific months or even years are coming to fruition. explains the process of producing a climate journals. The Journal of Ecology, We’ve tried to give you a taste of most of change impacts report card that will summarise Journal of Animal Ecology, them in this issue and the last, but with the the key science for non-specialists. The Field Journal of Applied Ecology and Festival of Ecology underway and the INTECOL Studies Council does an invaluable job linking Functional Ecology are sold at Congress imminent, life is so hectic that some ecology and natural history for both amateur a discounted rate to members. Methods in Ecology and Evolution of the reporting of events will have to wait for and professional biologists: the FSC is 70 is free to BES members. The the next issue. But for now we have coverage this year (p34). While old traditions are to Society also supports research of the launch of the Ecological Issues booklet be celebrated we must not lose sight of the and ecological education with at the Palace of Westminster (p8) and a report plethora of new equipment being added to the grant aid. Further details about from the Wychwood Festival, where a group ecologists’ toolbox, so Yoseph Araya brings us the Society and membership can of intrepid volunteers spent their weekend up to date on Apps for ecologists (though no be obtained from the Executive swabbing festival-goers, cajoling them to play doubt more have been added since he wrote Director (address inside back a poo game and providing assistance with his piece on p36). Our two regular essayists cover). identifying creepy-crawlies from around the both glance back to the past for messages The Bulletin circulates exclusively Festival site. Brilliant outreach work! Emma which will apply equally well in the future to members of the British Sayer says that BES stickers were applied to (John Wiens on p39, Richard Hobbs on p41). Ecological Society. It carries nearly 1000 visitors’ lapels, though it is not Markus Eichhorn has a rant about lack of clarity information on meetings and recorded whether this was part of a human in scientific papers (p46). The proximity of other activities, comment mark-recapture experiment (p12). Karen Markus’ rant and the reports on BES journals and other topical items. Devine reports on the Centenary Wallchart (p48) and our book reviews section (p52) is Unsigned commentaries are the responsibility of the Editor and competition that attracted over 300 entries purely coincidental. do not necessarily represent the (p18). As you will see on the back cover, views of the Society. the Chelsea Flower Show also celebrates a The annual report and accounts are presented centenary this year, and the shared anniversary from p62-80. I urge you to read the report, A Limited Company, registered was celebrated with a BES stand at the event. which details the achievements of the Society in England No. 1522897 and a Ken Thompson designed the stand with and the challenges that have to be addressed Reistered Charity No. 2812134. planting styles characteristic of 1913 and 2013, in maintaining the health and vitality of our Registered Office: Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London with an overarching theme alerting visitors to publications, meetings and other events. WC1N 2JU the threats posed by invasive species. Council and BES employees work hard on

4 britishecologicalsociety.org

behalf of us all; if you want to make your own contribution, consider standing for Council. Letter to the Editor And don’t wait until you are old and grey; we need elected representatives that reflect the FROM ALAN GRAY membership, and besides, I read somewhere On Desert Island Discs that being a postdoc was the most productive time of a research career (Bulletin 42:2 p37, to (Published in the Bulletin of June 2013) be exact) so how about donating some of your time and energy to making the BES a Society I thoroughly enjoyed R. J. (Sam) Berry’s piece in the last Bulletin that meets the needs of ecologists past, present on Desert Island Discs pointing out how few ecologists have and future? been on the programme. I was mildly puzzled however by Sam’s Former BES Hon Secretary Malcolm Cherrett inclusion in a list of castaways who had asked for insect repellent, has drawn my attention to an omission on the but according to him were not biologists, of the late great stage back cover of the last issue, where we offered a and screen actress Miss Dulcie Gray. Not only was my namesake photograph of BES Presidents extant in 1988, (no relation) passionate about butterflies - she was a Vice- the 75th anniversary of the Society. Due to an oversight the Society failed to invite Professor President of the British Butterfly Conservation Society for many A R Clapham, President from 1954-56, to the years and wrote a charming, knowledgeable and beautifully 1988 symposium, and I failed to mention him illustrated book entitled “Butterflies On My Mind” - she was also a in the caption as a past-president. Roy Clapham Fellow of the Linnean Society of London. CBE, FRS was an extremely eminent ecologist who spent most of his career at the University In fact, by one of those strange little coincidences that crop up in of Sheffield. Professor Clapham was a co-author life Dulcie Gray and I were admitted to the Linnean on the same of the Flora of the British Isles known to most botanists simply as CTW, after the initials of the day (in 1984), one after the other in the small Presidential hand- three authors, Clapham, Tutin and Warburg. shaking ceremony that marks such occasions. The President of the Linnean Society whose hand we shook that day was none other Finally, it is very sad to note the death of Nick Dusic, the first Science Policy Manager for the than Professor R J Berry! BES. Nick was a warm and charming young man and we offer our condolences to his family Alan Gray on their great loss. Hazel Norman pays tribute on p00. p.s. Sam, as I recall Dulcie and I had to shake your left hand as for a reason you will no doubt recall your right arm was in a sling.

Alan Crowden / Editor [email protected]

5 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

President’s Piece Ecology goes global

Georgina Mace / President of the British Ecological Society

INTECOL 2013 promises to be an exceptional event. Lots of people, a great variety of approaches to and applications of ecological science, and a huge international gathering are ingredients for a really exciting meeting.

I think this comes at a key point in time science yet to be answered that will Ecology in demand for the science of ecology. Maybe it is keep our discipline happily involved in In my mind there is a further reason a ‘turning point’, although I hesitate to research over the next 100 years. The for us to be optimistic and excited say such a thing only partly because I emergence of several new ‘NCEAS-like’ about the future of our discipline, and try to avoid clichés! The various projects initiatives, both in Europe and the rest this is because the demands for good, that BES has coordinated as part of our of the world, suggests that ecologists fundamental ecological science is also centenary events provide great food for in several countries are very clear that growing outside the discipline, and in thought about where ecology has come there is more to be gained by bringing the areas of science that are attracting from, where it is heading, and what are ecological science synthesis and analysis most attention from policy-makers and unexplored avenues for the Society to in cooperative working groups up to new science-funders. Consider the major pursue next. levels. So we can see great confidence in topics related to food and water security, the basic science, as well as in the added alternative energy systems, natural People usually start with thinking about value of coordination and collaboration. hazard and disease resilience, and even the past, but I will start this reflection Ecology will grow but with new ways of 1 poverty alleviation. All of these topics with the future. Bill Sutherland’s paper working, perhaps including more data have in the past been undertaken rather on 100 fundamental ecological questions synthesis and ecoinformatics (whatever independently of ecologists, but we have leaves no doubt that there are important that might mean!). and interesting areas of ecological a strong set of basic knowledge, tools,

The launch of the Ecological Issues document at Westminster brought ecology and the BES to the attention of MPs and members of the House of Lords.

6 britishecologicalsociety.org

system and process understanding that will contribute in important ways to all of these. In the past few months this point has been brought home quite clearly at several events, most recently at the UK Town meeting on the international Future Earth research programme (http://royalsociety.org/events/2013/ future-earth-meeting/) co-hosted by the British Academy and the Royal Society. Despite the breadth of this programme (http://www.icsu.org/future-earth), it is clear that ecology plays a core role in delivering its ambitious goals, and those of you who heard one of the designers and instigators of Future Earth, Professor Johann Rockstrom, speak at last year’s annual meeting, can have no doubt that this is the case.

Linked to this is the success of one of our centenary projects, the cross- disciplinary meetings. Thankfully, not a cross word was spoken and these three meetings, which were designed to bring BES’ ecological strengths together with closely related disciplines and see how more integration might benefit both, proved very successful and stimulating. In fact all were successful and inspiring meetings which brought together a range of different research communities. I hope they lead to further activities to establish stronger working across these areas, which focussed on marine ecology, global change and biosphere interactions, and the evolutionary ecology of infectious disease. These three areas are just a subset of topics where ecological science can bring new insights and understanding. The BES-York Sustainability Institute meeting in April brought together a multi-disciplinary group to As I write, the Festival of Ecology discuss global change and biosphere interactions (festivalofecology.org) is just starting and for just a taster you have to refer to of you all – our BES members. None of promises to be another new venture for the compilation of 100 of the most it would have happened without the us, an important step in exploring how influential papers published in the BES outstanding support and organisation of we as the BES can engage more with the journals, a publication coordinated by the staff at Charles Darwin House. With public and other institutions to improve John Whittaker and Peter Grubb, which regard to the centenary, we especially ecological knowledge and understanding. accompanied the June edition of the have to thank Hazel Norman and Julie We have partnered with over sixty Bulletin, as well as being available online. Hodgkinson, but of course it is also a organisations across the UK to organise If you start reading this booklet you will wider team effort as will be clear when ecological events that will reach out realise how much has been achieved you read this Bulletin. beyond our normal networks, involving over the past 100 years by so many great natural history societies, museums, ecologists that the BES has supported in My thanks to everyone; we have a great national heritage sites and horticulturalists. one way or another. It is an inspiration to deal to be proud of, but also a lot of The experience so has been fantastic, all of us for what we can hope for over work yet to do, in the next few months everyone seems to be enjoying it, and the next 100 years! but also over our next 100 years! there is much more to come! I will finish by acknowledging the Footnotes To return to our history, we really can huge amount of excellent work that 1 Sutherland, W.J., et al., Identification of 100 be proud of 100 years of ecological has gone into all these projects. None fundamental ecological questions. Journal of Ecology, 2013. 101(1): p 58-67 science led by the BES. If anyone needs of them would have been possible reminding about what this includes, without the dedication and excellence

7 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Science Policy Special Event The BES goes to Parliament

Martin Smith / Martin Smith [email protected] / @BESPolicy

As part of the BES’s centenary events, the newest addition to our Ecological Issues series – ‘The Impact of Extreme Events on Freshwater Ecosystems’ was launched in splendid style at a gathering in the Members’ Dining Room in the Palace of Westminster on June 25th. BES Policy Intern Katherine Maltby reports:

The event, which was sponsored by Andrew Miller MP, Dr Julian Huppert MP and Stephen Metcalfe MP, saw over 100 people attend, all of whom welcomed the report and the much needed information it provides about the problems freshwater environments face from extreme weather events.

Andrew Miller MP introduced the document and remarked on the excellent attendance. BES president Professor Georgina Mace then highlighted the success of the BES over the past 100 years and mentioned the range of events that are being held this year as part of the centenary celebrations. The speeches were concluded by Huw Irranca-Davies MP who gave an engaged and enthusiastic welcome to the publication, encouraging ‘all to read the report, and to act upon it’ and noting the importance of understanding the ecological issues that extreme events present for both freshwater systems and wider society. Huw also highlighted the importance of societies such as the BES in holding such events in Westminster in order to further bring environmental problems to the attention of MPs.

The document itself grew out of an increasing concern over the lack of information made available to policy makers over the issues that extreme events present for freshwater ecosystems. Whilst much media and political attention centres upon the impact of extreme events upon people and their properties, far less is given to freshwater Andrew Miller MP greeted guests and introduced the report

8 A full house! systems. The document, written by Natural Flood Management (NFM), A Novice goes to a number of freshwater specialists, such as reforesting hill slopes, restoring Parliament therefore gives an insight into the river channel meanders and controlling problems such systems face and provides excessive erosion, should be more For Martin Smith and other policy- recommendations on how to attempt to widely used in order to harness natural focused members of the BES, a trip to limit the impacts from such events. As ecological and hydrological processes the Westminster corridors of power is the document presents, extreme weather to reduce flooding. Another route for pretty much a matter of routine, but events such as floods, drought and management is to implement Sustainable for more than a few of us this was a heatwaves have wide-reaching impacts Drainage Systems (SuDS), which apply a first visit to the mother of Parliaments. on freshwater systems, affecting water similar approach to NFM but instead in I don’t think I was the only one who quantity and quality, river structure and urban areas. Such an approach includes joined the queue to go through a security hydrology, in addition to causing species promoting wiser use of industrial, check at the Cromwell Green entrance loss and in some cases encouraging agricultural and domestic water and with a frisson of excitement. A bustling non-native invasive species to flourish. increasing the use of permeable mixture of staff, official visitors, tourists, Additionally, different weather events surfaces. However, implementing such and painters and decorators weaved to have different impacts which will thus approaches, whether it be NFM or SuDS, and fro in the cavernous Westminster require different management techniques. has to occur at a landscape level if the Hall, then through St Stephen’s Hall Whilst flooding and drying out are positive effects of such techniques are into the Central Lobby; Peers’ corridor natural features of freshwater systems, the to be felt more widely. to the right, Commons to the left. The intensity and frequency of such events Division bell rang out, giving MPs warning is set to increase with climate change. This latest addition to the Ecological that they had 8 minutes to get to the Therefore developing more rigorous Issues series is an invaluable document voting lobbies. On into the Members’ management and policies will help to which highlights the importance of Dining Room, with tables laid out with limit some of these impacts. By managing understanding and managing the sandwiches with the crusts cut off, cakes and limiting the impacts of extreme impact of extreme events on freshwater (of course, this is the BES) and copies of events on freshwater systems, not only do ecosystems. Through innovative the new Ecological Issues booklet and we enhance the resilience of ecosystems management techniques, resilience of the 100 Influential Papers volume. The to these events, we also provide benefits freshwater systems to extreme events room filled nicely, and any fear that to society through sustaining ecosystem can be maximised and benefits to society we might end up with a room full of health. The document highlights will also result. ecologists and no parliamentarians was many ways that managers and policy not realized; members of both the Lords The success of the event and the makers can maximise resilience of these and Commons put in an appearance, and encouraging comments received from freshwater systems. showed genuine interest. As Katherine MPs and practitioners alike further observed above, the speakers were highlights the importance of this properly engaged with the topic, and it document. As Huw Irranca-Davies felt like a real networking opportunity MP recommended, “read it, and act had been created, and the opportunity upon it”. An executive summary of the properly exploited. Congratulations to report follows, and the full document is Martin Smith and BES colleagues on an available at www.britishecologicalsociety. excellent event; to Iwan Jones, editor org/public-policy/our-position/ of the Ecological Issues volume (and to ecological-issues/ the team of authors); and to Peter Grubb The Impact Of Extreme Events On Freshwater and John Whittaker, editors of the 100 Ecosystems: executive summary and policy brief Influential Papers which also attracted Overview

Extreme weather events – such as major floods, prolonged droughts and intense heatwaves – affect people and properties directly. The disruption caused to society makes immediate media headlines but, in the longer term, policy-makers the attention of attendees. need to understand the full implications of more frequent and more extreme events as our climate changes. The impact of extreme events on the ecological health of our freshwater systems is less obvious but, nevertheless, very important. Freshwater ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to society. These include water purification, water supply, food, and flood control. Crucially, we need these ‘services’ more than ever during extreme events, but degraded or disrupted freshwater ecosystems are less able to provide them. This will mean that the effects on society are magnified. From left: Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Andrew Miller The Impact of Extreme Events on Freshwater Ecosystems summarises current knowledge about the physical and biological effects of extreme weather patterns, and outlines a range of land management strategies that can be used Alan Crowden to mitigate these effects. Many of our rivers and lakes have been greatly modified in the past and, in places, this has made the effects of floods and droughts worse. MP, Professor Georgina Mace (BES President), Dr However, there are practical steps that can, and are, being taken to manage land and water more wisely to the benefit of both society and ecosystems. Improving habitat structure and encouraging natural processes in the landscape can result in a ‘win-win’ situation by creating more refuges for wildlife while reducing the Stephen Benn (Parliamentary Affairs manager) consequences of extreme floods and drought.

Key messages Effects of extreme events on freshwater ecosystems and Hazel Norman (BES Executive Director) Extreme weather is likely to become more common as a result of climate change – especially periods of intensive The amount and quality of water can be greatly affected and rainfall and prolonged dry spells. habitats for wildlife may become seriously degraded. Freshwater systems are particularly susceptible to these Some species may be lost locally, especially where extreme changes. Ecosystem services are seriously disrupted when events disrupt breeding; non-native invasive species are conditions go beyond normal bounds. often able to take advantage of this, so extreme events can Human activities influence the severity of these impacts by cause the type of animals and plants to change. reducing the ability of freshwater ecosystems to withstand Major floods will increase inputs of domestic, agricultural and recover from extreme events. and industrial pollution to rivers and lakes and reduce water Flooding and drying out are natural features of freshwater quality. Erosion will re-shape river channels and affect the ecosystems, but when these become more frequent and movement of sediment. more intense, aquatic plants and animals are less able to Droughts will increase levels of pollution, hinder fish recover. movement, and expose water plants to damage, ultraviolet 9 light, heat stress or frost; many species will become stranded; the physical structure and chemical composition of river and lake beds will change as they dry out. BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The Impact Of Extreme Events On Freshwater Ecosystems: executive summary and policy brief

Extreme weather events – such as major floods, prolonged droughts and intense heatwaves – affect people and properties directly. The disruption caused to society makes immediate media headlines but, in the longer term, policy-makers need to understand the full implications of more frequent and more extreme events as our climate changes.

The impact of extreme events on the Key messages • Major floods will increase inputs of ecological health of our freshwater domestic, agricultural and industrial • Extreme weather is likely to become systems is less obvious but, nevertheless, pollution to rivers and lakes and reduce more common as a result of climate very important. Freshwater ecosystems water quality. Erosion will re-shape change – especially periods of intensive provide a wide range of benefits to river channels and affect the movement rainfall and prolonged dry spells. society. These include water purification, of sediment. water supply, food, and flood control. • Freshwater systems are particularly • Droughts will increase levels of Crucially, we need these ‘services’ susceptible to these changes. Ecosystem pollution, hinder fish movement, more than ever during extreme events, services are seriously disrupted when and expose water plants to damage, but degraded or disrupted freshwater conditions go beyond normal bounds. ecosystems are less able to provide them. ultraviolet light, heat stress or frost; This will mean that the effects on society • Human activities influence the severity many species will become stranded; are magnified. of these impacts by reducing the ability the physical structure and chemical of freshwater ecosystems to withstand composition of river and lake beds The Impact of Extreme Events on and recover from extreme events. will change as they dry out. Freshwater Ecosystems summarises current knowledge about the physical • Flooding and drying out are natural Policy implications and biological effects of extreme weather features of freshwater ecosystems, but • To maximise benefits to Society, patterns, and outlines a range of land when these become more frequent we need to ensure that freshwater management strategies that can be and more intense, aquatic plants and ecosystems are resilient to extreme used to mitigate these effects. Many of animals are less able to recover. events. our rivers and lakes have been greatly modified in the past and, in places, Effects of extreme events • The European Union Water Framework this has made the effects of floods and on freshwater ecosystems Directive (2000/60/EC) is helping to droughts worse. However, there are increase the ecological quality of lakes • The amount and quality of water can be practical steps that can, and are, being and rivers; the EU Floods Directive greatly affected and habitats for wildlife taken to manage land and water more (2007/60/EC) provides a mechanism may become seriously degraded. wisely to the benefit of both society and for balancing ecological impacts ecosystems. Improving habitat structure • Some species may be lost locally, alongside direct human effects by and encouraging natural processes in especially where extreme events disrupt taking advantage of nature’s own the landscape can result in a ‘win-win’ breeding; non-native invasive species capacity to absorb excess water. situation by creating more refuges for are often able to take advantage of this, wildlife while reducing the consequences • Wise use of land and effective water so extreme events can cause the type of management can provide multiple of extreme floods and drought. animals and plants to change. benefits; these include providing refuges for wildlife and reducing soil erosion and pollution.

10 • Natural Flood Management and This approach enables most current Sustainable Drainage Systems (see land uses to continue, while introducing below) at the landscape scale can controls in key areas. Incorporating NFM provide a more sustainable, longer into the Floods Directive has ensured that term solution to pollution events and its aims are closely aligned with those of flooding than traditional ‘end-of-pipe’ the EU Water Framework Directive. solutions and ‘hard engineering’ fixes. Sustainable Drainage Systems • The three principles of Natural Flood (SuDS) Management and Sustainable Drainage Systems are: slow water down, Sustainable Drainage Systems apply a encourage infiltration and encourage similar approach to NFM, but in urban natural processes. areas. Water flow is managed above ground rather than being drained Wiser use of water for industrial, from urban areas through a combined agricultural and domestic purposes sewerage or storm water system. will reduce the effects of drought. Relatively low-cost techniques can be used to slow down runoff, including: Water-friendly farming can be used to improve the natural water retention • Increased use of permeable surfaces, capacity of land, reducing the need for including permeable asphalt and abstraction. paving

Best practice in the construction industry • More ponds and wetlands can be used to reduce water demand and storm water run-off, reducing flooding • Greater recycling of roof runoff and pollution. and grey water

Policy tools (e.g. best practice guidance, • Increased use of swales and infiltration agri-environment schemes, urban trenches in low-lying tracts of land planning) should be used to incorporate next to impermeable surfaces resilience to extreme events into the • Setting any necessary hard flood natural and built environments. defenses back from the channel.

Natural Flood Management The overall effect is reduced runoff rates Natural Flood Management (NFM) and increased groundwater recharge. harnesses natural ecological and However, SuDS provide additional hydrological processes to reduce benefits by increasing pollutant retention flooding. Most of the techniques and reducing storm-water discharge. employed are already components of Similar approaches can be used in existing best practice in farming, forestry, rural areas to reduce diffuse pollution river restoration and natural habitat from agriculture and provide on-farm management. water resources.

Techniques include: • Reforesting hill slopes • Planting dense woodlands in gullies • Modifying agricultural practices • Restoring river channel meanders • Allowing target low-lying areas to flood • Controlling excessive erosion • Managing large woody debris in watercourses

11 SUN

FU& ECOLOGYn

Four of the BES Roadies share their experiences of the first music festival on the ‘Sex & Bugs & Rock ‘n Roll’ tour.

@BESroadies / besroadshow.blogspot.co.uk

12 britishecologicalsociety.org

Hannah – The Artiste example, ‘Bee the biologist’ (approx. And to answer the question everyone is 9 years old) told me that she was going surely asking: No, the poo wasn’t real to keep her special BES torch for ever so (hot sunny festival weather and trays of that she would always be able to look poo are not a fun mix) – but very realistic at animals even if it was dark, while replicas. If you want to start your own ‘Oscar the Sea Explorer ‘(no more than 7) fake poo collection visit the Nature spent a good 10 minutes educating me Watch web site. about the adaptive qualities of the mimic octopus and why they are successful Frazer – The Filmmaker in escaping predation. Perhaps even more rewarding, however, were the conversations with those who previously hadn’t paid much attention to the natural world – the people who remarked wide- eyed: “well, I didn’t know that!”.

I feel very lucky that to have had the Hannah Griffiths failing the audition for shrinking chance to be a part of such a brilliant violet of the crew project in science communication and The sun is shining, sunburnt people public engagement. Here’s to a long drift past in silly hats sipping warm pints and successful summer of ‘Sex & Bugs in plastic glasses, the smell of churros & Rock ‘n Roll’ wafting in the breeze, a uni-cyclist whizzes past… “Hello there, would you WilL – The Poomaster like to play with my poo?” comes the cheery voice of Will the Poo-Master. This was the scene for three marvellously sunny days outside the BES tent at Wychwood Festival on Cheltenham Racecourse from 31st May to 2nd June. A team of seven enthusiastic BES members spent the weekend chatting about the differences between herbivore and carnivore poo; keying out revellers to determine what UK species they What the cool guys are wearing this year resemble the most; swabbing festival goers’ clothes to culture their microbes; People at festivals tend to be enthusiastic Will Gosling surrenders to the authorities after helping excited bug hunters to identify about everything, they’re there to have being charged with peddling class A poo their invertebrate captives; and with the a good time and forget about the real team and visitors alike marvelling at a live My festival experience seemed to centre world, at least for a couple of days. I was colony of bumblebees busying away in around poo, but not in the way in which pretty sure we wouldn’t struggle to get their observation hive. most festival goers fear! Before people people to visit our stall. But what I didn’t get the wrong idea, I have to say that really anticipate was just how interested The Wychwood team was privileged the Wychwood Festival toilets were and intrigued our audience would be. to be the first to man the ‘Sex & Bugs excellently maintained throughout the Not just about our novel big blue tent, & Rock ‘n Roll’ stall for a full weekend festival – well done, Wychwood! The our silly wellies, or fake poo, but the festival this year (or ever for that matter) poo I’m referring to was contained in science we were there to show off. as part of the BES Centenary celebrations. petri dishes, which I carried around on Instead of being another tent to browse As you can imagine, we were all anxious a tray for much of the festival along for 2 minutes and move on, we were a that we do our very best to enthuse as with images of six UK animals. This hub of activity and conversation for all many people as we could about the combination of poo and pictures formed ages. People returned day after day with wonders and importance of ecology, as the basis for a simple game of “Whose new questions and the constant stream well as demonstrating the brilliance of Poo?” in which passers-by attempted of creepy-crawlies kept our identification our society. And I think we succeeded. to match the poo to the animal picture. table pretty busy. Perhaps what I noticed Of the roughly 1000 people we spoke By working through this exercise people the most was our presence around the to, some popped in for a quick look at were encouraged to think about animal rest of the festival: it was hard to walk the bees, others stayed for 30 minutes diet, digestive systems and the use of poo past a crowd of people without seeing eagerly participating in every activity we for ecologists. Taking just a few minutes a BES sticker or an “I’ve been swabbed” could throw at them and asking questions in its most basic form, the “poo game” badge (which created plenty of great – only to return the next day for more. proved to be an excellent ‘taster’ to photo opportunities). We even became The knowledge and enthusiasm of some attract people into the “Sex & Bugs & campsite celebrities with kids stopping by of our young visitors was amazing, for Rock ‘n Roll” tent. of an evening with yet more questions.

13 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The BES should be very proud of what My highlight of the festival has to be The highlight of this activity was going it has achieved with this and, most the great team that I got to meet and backstage to swab the festival organisers importantly, of how much the audience work with. Other highlights include (while Bill Bailey had dinner in the appreciated the effort. There is no stickers (people of all ages liked the background) and then taking a sample doubt in my mind that several budding stickers); seeing a giant bear and a from Greg Dread of Dreadzone, just scientists of the future will have been dragon get swabbed; meeting Tony De before he went on stage to give the final encouraged by the BES ‘Sex & Bugs & Saulles (Horrible Science illustrator) and (awesome) gig of the festival. Rock ‘n Roll’ stall last weekend. Science watching him beautify our chalk board; can be fun and cool but I think what getting my face painted (with bugs Like the rest of the team, I was absolutely really came through is that science is of course!); and enjoying the live acts thrilled to see so much interest and interesting and most people are keen with the other roadies. All I can say is engagement in our visitors. And I’m sure to find out more!! Aaahhoooyyy! this was partly fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of the team working the stall Alexe – The Busker Emma – The Worrier – everyone did an amazing job and was so excited that it was hard to get anyone to take a break. Thanks also to Graeme Merifield, Stefan Edwards and Jem Maynard-Watts of Wychwood Festival for the support and for organising such a great weekend!

We’ll be doing this all summer, so please keep an eye on our blog and, from us all: Happy Birthday BES!

Emma Sayer. Classy. I’ve spent the last 5 months in a state of anxiety about whether ‘Sex & Bugs & Rock ‘n Roll’ will work. The last week before Wychwood was a blur as I ran Alexe Rose shows a festival goer a tray of poo. around in full headless-chicken mode While I am not an expert, the recipient’s body trying to get the finishing touches in language seems to be saying ‘Eeeeww’ place – much to the amusement of On Monday I didn’t know whether to some of the team. It’s one thing to cook pack a bog snorkelling kit or suncream. up a daft idea after a few pints down I watched miserableweatherdotcom all the pub and something completely week and by Thursday morning I had different to see it become reality – so The Wychwood Team was: repacked my bag several times. If in after setting up the stall on Cheltenham Emma Sayer, Will Gosling, doubt, pack everything! Fortunately, Racecourse, I spent a couple of hours in Frazer Bird (Open University), a daze because it was really happening! everyone else had done the same, so we Helen Featherstone, Sarah left the OU in convoy with fully loaded Once the site opened to festival-goers, van and campervan – both looking great there was no more time or reason to Dalesman (University of Exeter), with the BES logo on the side. worry – we had over 300 visitors on Alexe Rose (Greensands Trust) the first afternoon and loads of positive and Hannah Griffiths (University feedback throughout the festival. We The tent looked amazing and pulled in of Lancaster). crowds. The ‘busks’ and activities worked found out that everyone loves seeing well at this family-friendly festival and we live bumblebees and even indifferent definitely have some budding ecologists teenagers want to know how ‘gross’ LINKS as a result! their festival kit is. Naturewatch website – http://www.nature-watch.com/repliscat™- The audience was great – people loved I spent most of my shifts on the stall animal-scat-set-11-scats-p-1532.html?cPath= how we are celebrating 100 years of taking swabs of hats, shoes, trousers, 142_158&osCsid=fdjg610mc9psb7fsu3 om3ac4p7 the Society and liked the fact that they rucksacks, wristbands, etc. and applying could be part of it. I got to talk about the samples to agar plates, so people Blog ‘Sex & Bugs & Rock ‘n Roll’ – mushrooms and poo all weekend and could see the microbial growth on http://www.besfest.org I have promised to source alpaca poo their festival kit. We had quite a few On twitter: @BESRoadies #BESfest and elephant poo paper! We also colourful characters take a seat in the discovered that the fibrecap fungus swab throne, including a bobby from the not only smells like Camembert, it also Gloucestershire Constabulary, ‘Snot the smells like Dad’s feet. Dragon’, and a giant teddy bear.

14 britishecologicalsociety.org

Publications workshops at INTECOL

During INTECOL the Publications Team will be running two workshops on topics relevant to publishing. The first will be held on Monday, 19 August, 13:00-14:30, and will be aimed at researchers who are interested in becoming more proactive in promoting their papers.

Maximising the impact of your Writing and publishing research paper scientific papers if English The number of scientific papers is not your first language published has increased exponentially, The most-renowned scientific journals as has the number of journals that publish in English only and competition these are being published in. How can for space in them is intense. A lack of !!!!!!!!!! authors maximise the impact of their adequate English skills often puts non- paper, so that it stands out from the native English speakers at a distinct crowd, in a world where readers are disadvantage in comparison to their overwhelmed with different demands native-English-speaking peers: their on their time? In this workshop we papers can be perceived as being will talk about how authors are using cumbersome to read, lacking clarity and many different ways to promote their flow and, generally, failing to effectively papers including blogs, social media, communicate the research findings. It is in videos, podcasts and the press. We the interest of both parties – journals and are welcoming the following speakers authors – to make sure that the language to the workshop: Corey Bradshaw, barrier does not hinder the best science University of Adelaide, Mark Kinver, BBC from being published. This workshop Environment Reporter, Mike Thelwall, aims to heighten awareness in both Professor of Information Science, authors and editors of what constitutes University of Wolverhamptonand Chuck the language barrier and offer advice Fox, University of Kentucky. During for those who struggle with article the workshop the presenters will help preparation. An expert trainer will discuss authors to understand how to make how to avoid the most common mistakes the most of social media opportunities, and the audience will be able to address be given ideas on how best to work the trainer, editors and experienced with the press, will hear discussion on authors in a Q&A session. the importance of focussing on those activities that will be most beneficial and will learn about how online activities can be measured.

The second workshop will be held on Thursday, 22 August, 12:30-14:00. Which or That? It is primarily aimed at researchers for whom English is not the first language, Among or Between? but will also be of interest to early career scientists who want additional Less people or Fewer? tips on writing and to Editors who want to understand the problems Data was or Data were? non-native English speakers face when communicating their science. Anova or Anova analysis?

15 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

INTECOL 2013

The 11th International Congress of Ecology is upon us. From August 18th to 23rd up to 3000 ecologists will be gathering in the revitalised East End of London to spend 6 days talking about ecology, meeting old friends and making new ones, presenting their science and hearing about work from all over the world.

11 Plenary Speakers What’s Coming Up at “Community Ecology of Infectious Disease”, INTECOL 2013 “Mediterranean Forests Fighting Back” and Tim Clutton Brock, University of the “Forest Microbiome”. And don’t miss Cambridge, UK Agriculture, Ecology and the 2 additional standard oral sessions. Sustainability Joel Cohen, Rockefeller University, USA So critical worldwide. Complementing Forests Sandra Diaz, Cordoba National 4 standard sessions, we have symposia on One of the most popular standard University, Argentina “Agricultural Yield”, “Soil Biodiversity”, sessions with 48 talks. And don’t miss Boije Fu, Research Centre for Eco- and “Evolutionary Management” related issues in other oral sessions such environmental Sciences, Chinese as “Above Ground - Below Ground”, Interested in Conservation, Academy of Sciences “Ecosystem Ecology”. And our cracking Biodiversity and and Climate symposia on “Mediterranean Forests”, Nancy Grimm, Arizona State Change? “Natural Forest Succession”, “LTER University, USA Not limited to 6 oral sessions on Research”, “Large Scale Manipulations in Illka Hanski, Helsinki University, Finland conservation, 5 on conservation the Tropics” and “Forest Resilience Tipping management and policy, 3 on climate, Points” Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, University and 5 on biodiversity and ecosystem of Queensland, Australia function, you’ll find mention of these Not Without Evolution Jane Lubchenco, Oregon State topics and biodiversity throughout all Evolutionary Ecology has a strong University, USA sessions. And don’t miss the symposia on showing at INTECOL. 3 outstanding oral “Phenology and Climate Change” ,“New sessions along with powerful insights Georgina Mace, University College Synthesis and Climate”, “Light Pollution”, London, UK from symposia on “Eco-Evolutionary “Altitudinal Patterns of Biodiversity”, Dynamics”, “Evolution in Ecological Martin Nowak, Harvard University, USA “Threats to Ecosystem Services”, “Global Communities” and the “Tree of Life in Change and Multispecies Systems”, “Global Ecosystems” Susan Trumbore, Max Planck Institute Change and Ecosystem Ecology” and for Biogeochemistry, Germany “Plant Invasions” Methods Galore

45 brilliant symposium topics Urban Ecology, People and 2 dedicated oral sessions on Methods 28 workshops Citizen Science and Maths, 2 symposia on Predictive Science, a symposia from METHODS IN Some of the most important science is ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, as well as happening in cities and with the help of a bevy of workshops during lunchtimes citizens, changing and influencing policy. await you. You’ll be hardpressed not to Don’t miss symposia on “Putting Applied learn some new methods at INTECOL. Science into Practice”, “Long Term Urban Core Ecology, Something for Everyone. Research”, “Island Biocultural Diversity”, Debates, resurrections and all the topics “The Importance of Basic Science”, “Ecology you know and love - don’t miss the and Citizen Science” “Ecosystem Poverty” big oral session on “Aquatic Ecology”, and “Tools to Manage Human Impact” “Community Ecology, “Population Ecology” and “Species Interactions” Parasites, Pathogens and Disease and “Food Webs”. And the symposia Always a hot topic, we’ve got symposia “Critiquing Biodiversity Studies” and crossing many boundaries, including “Reinvigorating Macroecology”. “Multi-level Disease Transmission”,

16 britishecologicalsociety.org science policy

And taking us further than ever don’t miss “Island Biogeography”, “Top Predators”, Pre-conference field trips “Mechanistic Plant Competition”, Delegates will have a chance to see some wonderful scientific sites “Altitudinal Patterns of Biodiversity” and “Plant Functional Ecology” on the Sunday before the meeting starts. The full listing is on the INTECOL website, but will include Kingley Vale, one of the first five Social Events National Nature Reserves to be created in the UK and a favourite Ecologists rarely miss the opportunity of Sir Arthur Tansley, and Wytham Woods, an icon for generations to party. Here’s two of the hottest tickets in town of Oxford staff, postgraduates and visitors.

Informal Congress Mixer Fox @ ExCeL, London; Tuesday 20 August 2013; 19.00 £13.95 per person Come along and join your fellow delegates for an evening of chat and entertainment. The ticket includes a hot fork supper, entertainment and a good company. There will also be space to relax and chat about the day.

British Ecological Society Centenary Party Old Billingsgate, London; Thursday 22 August 2013; 19.30 £18 per BES Member / £42 per non Member (limit of 2 tickets per delegate) All delegates are invited to celebrate the British Ecological Society’s centenary at Old Billingsgate in central London. This venue has fantastic views over Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and London’s newest attraction the Shard, so you truly feel in the heart of the city. It is quick and easy to get to from ExCeL and you can even take a leisurely river voyage to the party.

Entry includes food, three drinks and entertainment. We hope to see you there!

For a complete listing of Symposia and The veteran Yews of Kingley Vale are among the oldest living things in the UK . Workshops visit www.intecol2013.org

17 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Ecology Education and Careers BES Centenary Competition

Karen Devine / BES Education Manager @YoungEcoBES

We are pleased to announce that the BES Centenary Wallchart Competition received over 300 entries, many of which were for the category “My Favourite Wildlife”. The competition was open to all young people from the age of 5 through 18. We received entries from individuals, schools and youth groups.

The winner in the 5-11 category is Elia Hawley with her poem, The Ghost. Chosen by the judges for both the beautiful artwork and the detail expressed in the poetry. Elia is a student of Wolvercote Primary School which consistently submitted stunning watercolour paintings for all their entries and so the runner up was also awarded to Jack Liu in the same school for his poem, Rabbit.

Deciding on a winner for the 12-18 category was much more difficult and the judges finally awarded First prize to Adelle Kirby of St Michaels RC School for her poem Snowy Owl and second prize to Katie Elmore of Bradford Grammar School for her poem Roe Deer.

A significant number of other poems were selected for commendation: they include spiders, lion mane jellyfish, snowdrops , worms, oak trees and more. These will all be collated into booklet of centenary poems that will be available at INTECOL.

18 britishecologicalsociety.org ECOLOGY EDUCATION AND CAREERS

SCORE Report: provision for practical science in schools seriously lacking Olivia Richardson & Karen Devine / Former BES Undergraduate Fellow @orichardson12

Research commissioned by SCORE (Science Community Representing Average science spend Education) shows that on average, state- per student funded schools and sixth form colleges in 2011/12 have just 70 per cent of the resources that Secondary SCORE has identified as being essential to teach science subjects. The full report £8.81 is available at http://score-education. Primary org/policy/curriculum/practical-work- £2.39 in-science and the key numbers are summarised below.

Resourcing practical science: Undergraduate • 77.4% of second year students and at a glance perspectives 85.2% of first year students said that Average science spend per student of fieldwork they thought fieldwork would be a in 2011/12: update part of their future career. • Primary – £2.39 In the last edition of the Bulletin, the From the available data so far, it • Secondary – £8.81 initial results of a BES undergraduate appears that undergraduate students survey questioning how the recent are interested in fieldwork opportunities Range of science spend per student: fee reforms are affecting student and regard it as important in relation to • Primary – £0.04-£19.08 perspectives of fieldwork were presented. their future career. It is yet unclear as to • Secondary – £0.75-£31.25 Here, I report an update on the results, whether the fee reforms have altered this comparing the perspectives of first year view in relation to cost and if so, how. • No formal allocation of science budget students (who have been affected by the to practical work in 75% of primary fee change) and second year students This survey is on-going and will be and 80% of secondary schools (who are unaffected by the fee change). repeated annually in order to create a larger data set with which we will be • The average primary school has 46% of Updated results able to gain a greater understanding the equipment in sufficient quantities • 63.7% of first year students and of the impact of the fee change on needed to teach science 61.4% of second year students undergraduate perspectives with considered fieldwork (UK and overseas) regard to fieldwork. • 50% of secondary schools do not opportunities when selecting their have sufficient ecological sampling If you are currently an undergraduate undergraduate course. equipment or access to outside space then please fill in the survey. If you have for teaching practical science • 46.4% of first year students and 45% contact with undergraduate students, of second year students were aware then please distribute it to as many of additional costs related to fieldwork people as possible – the survey can be opportunities when applying. found at: http://www.surveymonkey. com/s/BJYBCB6.

19 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013 science policy Fisheries reform in Europe: a sustainable future?

Cheryl Pilbeam / Policy and Education Assistant @BESPolicy

Fishing in Europe has been a delicate issue for many decades. An overarching fishing policy for European Union member states was Concerns over the management of EU fisheries began to first proposed in the Treaty of Rome in develop after 2006, when independent studies were highly 1957, but this was not formalised until 1983, when the Common Fisheries critical of the policies then in place. Areas highlighted Policy (CFP) came into place. The policy as most in need of change were depletion of fish stocks, seeks to ensure that fisheries resources in Europe are economically, socially damage to the marine environment, and instability within and environmentally viable for all the industry. By the European Commission’s mid-term review countries in the EU. Basic objectives of of the EU fisheries policy in 2008, these failures were widely the policy are outlined in the Framework Regulation, which details conservation acknowledged. After this start, a long and winding process to and sustainable exploitation of fisheries change EU fisheries policy finally came to a conclusion at the resources. Hundreds of other pieces of legislation feed in to this, and the policy end of May this year. needs to strike an overall balance of sustainable fisheries management with profit for fleets and communities.

20 The latest round of CFP reforms from Sweden was eager to push for a total Box 1 2010 has been a lengthy process, ban on discards, but France, Spain and Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reflecting both the political and Portugal were set for a minimum level of structural difficulties of the policy. Initial 10%. As votes in Council are weighted The maximum sustainable yield is the stages were fairly uncomplicated. After by the size of the member state, these largest catch that can be taken from analysing responses to their Green three states had the power to block a fish population over an indefinite Paper on the reform of the CFP, a progress in reform of the policy, so careful period without harming it (European starting proposal for the new policy was negotiation was required. Commission 2011). MSY does not damage developed by the European Commission population levels as it removes the same in 2011. This was headed by Maria Discussions between the three number of fish that are added to the Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime institutions (trilogues) to develop a population each breeding season. To Affairs and Fisheries, and the proposal common position on the specific policy harvest MSY, fish populations must be of focused on three main areas: maximum points started in March and ended in sufficient size. This is calculated as BMSY sustainable yield (MSY), discards, and May. The European Parliament and for each species, and corresponds to the regionalisation (see Box 1). Council have equal decision making population size that gives the highest powers over the reform of the CFP, rates of reproduction. Fish stocks in the These proposals were passed to European and concerns about the development EU are not at BMSY, and so recovery to Parliament. The European Parliament of suitable negotiating positions from this level is needed before MSY catches line was developed by German MEP both sides were raised before the final can be used. To allow population growth Ulrike Rodust and members of the meeting. Parliament was not prepared to to this level, catches smaller than MSY Fisheries Committee in June 2012. An negotiate unless EU Ministers were able will be harvested initially. These are ambitious position was developed in to agree upon a mandate that formed at calculated as FMSY. relation to sustainability, with long term least a halfway compromise. management plans for every fishery, Discards a complete ban on discards, Marine The final negotiating position from These are fish that are thrown back to sea, Protected Area development by all Council formed the broad basis of the either because they are not allowed to be member states, and the introduction agreed policy. There will be a number landed, or they are worth little money. of sustainable quotas based on MSY in of changes relating to quotas, discards Under the current CFP regulations, fish place by 2020. In February 2013, this and fish stock management. A maximum quota represent the maximum number position was passed through European discard level of 5% will be introduced of fish that can be caught. There are no Parliament by 502 votes to 137. for some species in 2015, and rolled out bans on discards however, so once cod for all others in 2016. New fish quotas quotas are met, for example, fishing The European Parliament is only one will be based on MSY, with overfishing can continue for other species, and any of three European institutions. The brought to an end by 2020. The day- surplus cod is simply thrown away. majority of decision-making usually falls to-day management of fisheries will to the Fisheries Ministers from member be carried out by member states with states, forming the Council of Ministers. relevant stakeholders, not from a central Sources Accepting ambitious reform of the body in Brussels. European Union. 2011. Proposal for a policy was more difficult here, due to REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the Common Fisheries the differing interests of a number of The interplay between these broad policy changes and their finer detail will not be Policy. Additional Information: CFP reform – countries. Under initial agreements in June Maximum Sustainable Yield. 2012 Ministers were able to accept the certain until closer to the implementation broad proposals from the Commission, of the first parts of the policy in 2015. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ. do?uri=CELEX:52011PC0425:EN:NOT but much of the detail was left out or Overall, these changes give the CFP a open to further negotiation. Proposals in strong grounding in ecological science http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/reform/docs/msy_ February 2013 outlined what the Council and methods throughout. It is hoped en.pdf was happy with – including a minimum that these reforms will mark a new era http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/reform/proposals/ discard level of 7%, not 0% as proposed for fisheries in Europe, and these index_en.htm by the European Parliament. These types processes can be simultaneously of compromises reflect the sometimes sustainable and economically viable, opposing ideals of each member state. as well as based on rigorous scientific monitoring and assessment.

21 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Nick Dusic 1978 – 2013

Nick Dusic, the first Science Policy Manager for the BES, has sadly died after a short illness.

Nick joined the BES in 2004 at an exciting time in its development when the Society decided to commit significant resources to policy development. Up until that time the Society had relied on the volunteer efforts of the members of the Public and Policy Committee but our ambitions to influence policy and policy makers had grown. Nick was a perfect choice to take the new role and define it.

He completed a BA in Economics and Environmental Studies at Pitzer College, US and an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from University College London after which he moved into public policy, working at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), Charter 88 and the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group.

At the BES Nick relished the task of building the Society’s policy work. He developed strong links with government departments, established the intern programme, developed the ministerial shadowing scheme, and initiated the BES POST Fellowship scheme amongst many other achievements. He was also great fun to work with, helping the BES staff to appreciate rituals from his native USA and always willing to join in our own.

In 2007 BES Nick became Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering before moving into science policy and public affairs at Pfizer.

He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. –––– Hazel Norman

22 britishecologicalsociety.org

Special Interest Group news

PEATLANDS RESEARCH Investing in Peatlands: Partnership to look at the NNR site in general – for a New Era restoration work, cultural background, Ian Rotherham site ecology, water management, to [email protected] IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference in York, 10th – 12th climate change issues and associated War & Peat: The Military Heritage September 2013 politics etc. of Moors, Heaths, Bogs and Fens The latest ‘Investing in Peatlands’ Topics will include: BES Peatland SIG Conference 4th to conference organised by the IUCN • Presentation on palaeo-ecological 6th September 2013 in Sheffield, UK UK National Committee Peatland background and issues by Professor From the battles for the moors in the Programme is set for 10th – 12th Paul Buckland 1930s to the harvesting of peat litter September 2013 in the historic city • Politics, restoration, hydrology & and sphagnum moss for the war effort in of York. The fourth in the series ecology by Kieran Sheehan 1914-1918, to the impacts of military use of conferences, this year’s theme is ‘Partnership for a New Era’ and on moors, bogs, heaths and fens this is a We will visit sites with ‘toolbox talks’ remarkable story... will explore how the conservation, government and business sectors come on sites across the moors: With the anniversary of the start of the together to meet the challenge of • The Flora of Thorne Moors – First World War next year, SYBRG are restoring a million hectares of peatlands Ian McDonald (THMCF); organising a major conference and event through partnership approaches. The in Sheffield – called fittingly, ‘War & Conference will highlight examples of • Inkle Moor and its invertebrates – Peat’, from 4th – 6thSeptember 2013 good practice, identify barriers that still Helen Kirk (THMCF), Julian Small (see www.ukeconet.org for full details need to be broken down and highlight (Natural England); and booking or telephone 0114 272 opportunities for taking forward • Bog restoration in action – 4227). Involving not only researchers partnership action both in the UK Darren Whitaker (JBA Consulting); and academics, archaeologists and and internationally. ecologists, but ordinary local people too, For more information: http://www.iucn- • Northern Goole Moors – the conference addresses the impacts Kieran Sheehan, Paul Buckland. of conflicts on moors, heaths, fens uk-peatlandprogramme.org/news/224 and bogs, their usage and products. For international visitors then why not There will be a formal launch of the The subjects range from the strategic attend Sheffield 4th -6th September study into the inverts of Inkle Moor impacts of these areas in conflicts; the and York 10th-12th September. The two by the Thorne & Hatfield Moors legacy and challenge of managing these venues are only 1 hour apart. Conservation Forum. cultural landscapes today; to harvesting sphagnum, to peat as horse litter, and as Humberhead Levels National Nature This is a single day activity, but fuel; to use of the landscapes for military Reserve: Workshop and field visit to accommodation can be arranged f training; and then to battles for access to look at restoration & management or those coming from afar. the moors, for conservation and more. JBA Consulting, Thorne & Hatfield To book your place and receive Along with oral presentations, there Moors Conservation Forum, the detailed itinerary please contact will be displays and posters, which International Peat Society, South Christine or John on 0114 2724227 will form the basis of an exhibition, Yorkshire ECONET & Sheffield Hallam or email [email protected] and a field visit to a local site. The University Visit www.ukeconet.org for updates. event is being organised with Sheffield Hallam University by the South Wednesday 2nd October, 2013 This workshop also follows on nicely from the major symposium War & Peat: Yorkshire Biodiversity Research Group, Following the success of the field- The military heritage of moors, heaths, the Biodiversity & Landscape History based workshop to Fenns & Whixal bogs and fens in Sheffield, 4th – 6th Research Institute, The Landscape Moss in summer 2012, we are having September 2013. Conservation Forum, the British a similar event to the Humberhead Ecological Society, and the International Levels of Yorkshire & Lincolnshire. Kieran Peat Society. It will be held at the PLACES FREE BUT LIMITED SO BOOK Sheehan of JBA Consulting is organising EARLY Sheffield Showroom and Workstation a 1-day workshop and field visit to the in the centre of Sheffield. There will be Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Waxcaps and Wood-pasture Fungi – pre-published proceedings and a post- Reserve to look at peat restoration, water Identification Workshops conference book. management, policy and associated Wednesday 9th October Longshaw, politics. This is one of the biggest, most For more information, visit our Peak District website www.ukeconet.org to interesting and historically controversial download a booking form, email us peatland restoration sites in the UK, so Ian Rotherham and colleagues are at [email protected] or contact this is a unique chance to get involved organising another 1-day workshop Christine on 0114 272 4227. and find out more. The aim will be with a field visit during autumn 2013

23 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

following on from their successful Tel: 0114 272 4227; in the Tropics” organised by Daisy, and a event in 2012. The workshop will 00 44 (0)114 272 4227; workshop on “Priorities in Global Forest be an introduction to the ecological E-mail: [email protected]; Conservation” co-organised by Lindsay importance of wood-pasture fungi Visit our Website: www.ukeconet.org and Markus Eichhorn (Forest Ecology especially waxcaps at one of the UK’s Group). We look forward to welcoming best sites for the species. The day will you to these events. include field identification of species as well as looking at their characteristics TEG endeavours to support its members in the classroom. The workshop will be to get what they want out of the group. suitable for beginners, those who want We encourage you to make contact if you to brush up on their field skills, and have an idea for an event and would like for those who want to gain a greater our support to make it happen. You can understanding of the importance of find out more about the group, contact wood-pasture fungi as indicators of an details and our past activities on the BES older landscape. Special Interest Group webpages.

Sphagnum Mosses Identification Workshops TROPICAL ECOLOGY Wednesday 16th October & Co-secretaries Lindsay Banin & Wednesday 20th November Daisy Dent [email protected] To be held in the Sheffield area – @BES_Tropical Rivelin Valley The beginning of 2013 heralded a In 2012, the Peatlands Special Interest shake-up of the BES-TEG committee. Group organised two very successful Emma Sayer left to help launch a new and informative 1-day workshops SIG “Plants, Soils, Ecosystems” and Simon based at Longshaw on the moorland Queenborough stepped down after a long PARASITE AND PATHOGEN fringe of the Peak District. The level service as Secretary, but remains the editor ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION of interest was such that Professor of the newsletter. They served the group Joanne Lello Ian D. Rotherham and colleagues are extremely well and left some very big [email protected] organizing a further two, linked, 1-day boots to fill! As well as Lindsay and Daisy workshops with field visits to sphagnum- taking on joint custody of the Secretary The Parasites and Pathogen Ecology rich different sites within the Sheffield title, TEG recently recruited its newest and Evolution SIG, held a successful area during autumn 2013. The first committee member, Aisyah Faruk, as symposium and social event (about workshop will be an introduction to Social Media Representative. She has been 80 attendees) at the British Society for the ecological importance of sphagna, keeping the community up-to-date with Parasitology meeting in Bristol this April. their habitats and field identification of news, views and events via our Facebook Prof Andrew Read, (Penn State University, four to six of the commoner species. page and Twitter (please do join the USA) gave a fantastic plenary presentation The second workshop will focus on “British Ecological Society Tropical Group” “Within-host population ecology and the looking at the detailed characteristics of on Facebook to keep in touch, or follow evolution of drug and vaccine resistance”. sphagnum mosses, their morphology @BES_Tropical). As ever, we are keen for Next up for the SIG is a double and microscopic features as well as the volunteers to join the committee – we symposium at August’s INTECOL meeting identification of 10 or more species in particularly welcome PhD students to get in London. The symposium is entitled: the field. The workshops will include field in touch as the role of Postgraduate Rep is “The Community Ecology of Infectious sessions and there will be opportunity to up for grabs! Diseases”, with a host of excellent examine species back in the classroom. presentations including talks from invited The first workshop will be suitable for This year, TEG provided financial speakers: Prof Robert Poulin (Plenary), beginners and for those who want to support to the inaugural Tropical Biology Prof Armand Kuris, Dr Serge Morand, brush up on their skills. The second Association Africa Alumni Group (TAAG) Prof Andy Dobson and Prof Mike Begon. workshop will assume some basic conference for students in Nairobi, Kenya. This symposium will focus on four crucial knowledge of sphagnum mosses. The theme of the meeting was “Biodiversity areas of leading edge research in parasite in Africa – present state, challenges and ecology with the goal of answering key For more information and to be sent prospects for its conservation”, with the aim questions and proposing future directions a booking form for the Waxcaps or of building capacity in the next generation for the field. On the agenda will be the Sphagnum workshops, please contact: of biologists and conservationists within importance of finding and understanding Africa. BES and TEG were thrilled to Christine Handley, BaLHRI / SYBRG pattern in complex host-parasite systems support this venture, and look forward to (Simplifying complexity); examining the Events Co-ordinator, c/o HEC Associates hearing about the meeting’s successes. Ltd.,Venture House, 103 Arundel Street, role of parasites in ecosystem processes Sheffield, UK, S1 2NT TEG is making its presence felt at (Drivers of Change); considering the the INTECOL 2013 meeting, with a interplay between host genetics and symposium on “Natural Forest Succession host-commensal relationships in driving parasite dynamics (The Within Host

24 britishecologicalsociety.org

Ecosystem) and; discussing how to predict Plants, Soils, Ecosystems Bulletin and control virulence evolution and Plants, Soils, Ecosystems has only existed disease persistence (Emerging Disease). for five months, and we already have We hope many of you will join us and 88 people signed up for the email list, details of the social event will be revealed 64 people that like us on Facebook, and closer to the date. In addition later this 92 followers on Twitter! Recently, Sarah year (date to be confirmed) we will be Pierce, our student rep, compiled the running a early career event for the SIG first PSE Bulletin, which included news, particularly focusing on grant production. meetings and events, job opportunities, The event will include advice on small grants, and links to some recently grant and fellowships in particular, with a published papers. If you also want to range of activities including guest speakers stay up to date with everything that is advising on the different potential funding happening in Plant-Soil-Ecosystem world, bodies. Watch this space... sign up for the newsletter! But more PLANTS, SOILS, ECOSYSTEMS importantly, the success of PSE depends Franciska de Vries on you, so keep sending us your jobs, [email protected] studentships, and interesting facts. @BESPlantSoilEco PSE and other relevant meetings A new BES special interest group on to come plant-soil interactions, with a focus on 20 August 2013: Grants workshop at biogeochemical cycling, community INTECOL. See the official program for dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. more information, but it will include some Aims plant and soil ecologists speaking about how to apply for grants! • To promote research on plant-soil INVASIVE SPECIES interactions and their role in ecosystems 20 August 2013: INTECOL Symposium through workshops, symposia, and ‘Soil biodiversity and ecosystem function: Helen Bayliss events at BES meetings recent advancement and new challenges’, [email protected] organised by Richard Bardgett and Wim • To provide opportunities for networking van der Putten. Keynote speakers are Continuing the celebrations for both and collaboration among researchers the BES Centenary and our SIG’s 10th Professor John Crawford, University of involved in the study of plant-soil Sydeny, and Professor Louise Jackson, birthday, in June we launched the #iaschat interactions and ecosystem ecology initiative on Twitter to coincide with the University of California Davis. Afterwards there will be a reception for attendees BES Festival of Ecology. We’ve been very • To serve as a platform to discuss and and speakers, and people interested in the busy tweeting facts, figures and images of share techniques, expertise, and data invasive species! special interest group. • To promote research across scientific 2-3 October 2013: Workshop ‘Digging Next, our focus shifts towards INTECOL in disciplines to students, facilitate training deeper: Research challenges in plant-soil August, where there are several sessions opportunities in different techniques, interactions’. Charles Darwin House, and workshops organised that relate to and provide support for early-career London. biological invasions. We are expecting to researchers see lots of invasion ecologists from around The first official Plants, Soils, Ecosystems the world converging in London for the Committee meeting, in which we will identify Congress, and hope to see many of you The organizing committee currently fundamental challenges in the field there. We will be hosting a celebratory consists of Franciska De Vries, The of plant-soil interactions, and their networking event at the meeting with University of Manchester (Secretary: application to climate mitigation, cake – do consider coming along if you’re [email protected]); Emma biodiversity conservation, and sustainable attending INTECOL! Sayer, The Open University; Paul Kardol, food production. A particular focus will Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; These are just a couple of examples of our be on the issue of scales (both spatial and Tim Daniell, The James Hutton Institute; activities for 2013. For more information temporal), on the stability of processes Dave Johnson, Aberdeen University; on these and other activities you can and ecosystems, and on the application Mike Whitfield, Lancaster University; and sign up to our email list to receive our and integration of fundamental science Sarah Pierce, Imperial College, as student e-Bulletin (http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ into policy and management. representative. Richard Bardgett, The BES-INVASIVE.html) or follow us on Twitter University of Manchester, supports the The meeting will focus on three key areas, (@BES_Invasive). We look forward to committee in an advisory role. which will all have their own session and seeing you at INTECOL! keynote speaker, and which will be open for contributed talks and posters:

25 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

1. Carbon cycling – keynote speaker: Prof there’s a half day symposium on Process- Accommodation (ensuite B&B, £50 pp) Richard Bardgett, The University of based approaches to macroecologywith is available on campus and a conference Manchester a keynote talk from Brian McGill. We’re dinner will be held in a local restaurant delighted that, following the symposium, on the evening of the 9th. We hope 2. Nutrient cycling – keynote speaker: John Harte will present a two-hour to be able to cover the on site costs of Dr Dave Johnson, The University of workshop on Maximum Entropy and all speakers. Members of BES and SEB Aberdeen Ecology. On the afternoon of Wednesday can apply for travel support from the 21st there is also an Island Biogeography respective societies. 3. Community dynamics and biodiversity symposium. There are also four sessions – keynote speaker: Dr Jenny Rowntree, of contributed talks on the Wednesday, To ensure a place at the meeting, The University of Manchester Thursday and Friday. Keep up with live please send an email to giles.johnson@ manchester.ac.uk, stating your name, Registration and abstract submission will macroecology news during the conference whether you require accommodation and open in July-August. More information by following our twitter account (@ a tentative talk title, if you wish to speak. will follow, so keep an eye out for us on BESMacroEcol), or the #BESMacro (Please note: on campus accommodation the (new!) BES website, on Twitter and hashtag. We hope to see you there! is limited and will be allocated on a first Facebook, or sign up for the email list (see come first served basis) or please register below). at http://plantenvironmentalphysiology. 16-17 December: Molecular Microbial group.shef.ac.uk/ Ecology Group Meeting (MMEG-2013) INTECOL 2013 – London at University of Essex. Further details will be available in future bulletins. The PEPG will be present at the 11th INTECOL Congress, Ecology: Into the next 20-22 November: New Phytologist 100 years from 18-23 August 2013. We Symposium in Buenos Aires. Plant will have a two hour discussion meeting interactions with other organisms: on “Plant Environmental Physiology – Molecules, ecology and evolution. See the what we have learnt from the past 100 website for further details: http://www. years and what we might learn in the next newphytologist.org/symposiums/view/2 PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL 100”. This event will be held in London PHYSIOLOGY GROUP as part of the centenary celebrations of Join us! the British Ecological Society either on the Matt Davey Monday or the Tuesday – details to follow. Sign up for our email list by sending an [email protected] email to [email protected] Subject: International Workshop on Plant BLANK Message: SUBSCRIBE PLANT-SOIL- 2nd Annual BES – PEPG mini Environmental Physiology techniques ECO Firstname Lastname, follow us on symposium 9th – 10th September 2013 September 2014 twitter @BESPlantSoilEco, or like us on – Manchester Facebook. Last year saw the reintroduction of After the success of our first mini- the international workshop on Plant symposium the 2013 annual PEPG Environmental Physiology techniques in symposium will take place at the University Lisbon, Portugal. It was a huge success of Manchester from noon on the 9th to with nearly 100 people being involved noon on the 10th September 2013. Talks during the week. Due to the high global are invited on all aspects of environmental demand for places on this workshop plant physiology (landscape to molecular), we are going to repeat the workshop in especially from post graduates and post September 2014 – we want to make this doctorate researchers. THE International workshop to attend if you study plant environmental physiology. We are delighted to have the following If you are interested in being involved in academics as keynote speakers: Prof. organising or sponsoring the workshop, Hendrik Poorter (Juelich, Germany) (plant or have any suggestions then please MACROECOLOGY biomass and metaphenomics), Prof. email either Dr Tracy Lawson Adriana De Palma, Tom Webb, John Doonan (Director of the National ([email protected]) or Dr Matt Sally Keith and Nick Isaac Plant Phenomics Centre, Aberystwyth), Davey ([email protected]). @BESMacroecol Dr. David Coomes, (Aerial Hyperspectral Analysis and biochemical profiling of forest Things to look out for in 2013… We are very excited about INTECOL and canopies) (University of Cambirdge), • mini away days to interesting field have plenty of activities planned. There’s Dr Saoirse Tracy (Exploring the sites across the UK a SIG social on Monday 19th after the rhizosphere: Imaging root-soil interactions day’s talks, which we hope will be an using X-ray Computed Tomography) • prizes for best PEPG talks opportunity to meet macroecologists (University of Nottingham) and Prof. • mini-techniques workshops from across the globe. On Tuesday 20th Maurizio Mencuccini, (Forest Ecosystem Physiology) (University of Edinburgh. • PEPG logo competition

26 britishecologicalsociety.org special interest group news

May we also take this opportunity to forest ecologists and mycologists, the remind you to promote the PEP group impact of fungi within forests is often not with academic colleagues, postdocs and fully acknowledged or understood within PhD/MSc students etc whether starting mainstream forest ecology. This workshop this year, or by now well established. will bring together research professionals Encourage them to visit the website and in both fields, to enable forest ecologists to sign up to the jiscmail email forum or learn directly from mycologists about the Facebook page above. basic functions of fungi within forests, and how this knowledge might be applied to, Matt Davey – [email protected] or influence, their research. Colin Osborne – [email protected] The day will consist of a combination AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY of classroom and field based activities Barbara Smith Howard Griffiths – [email protected] within Wytham Woods, focussing on @BES_aeg Carla Turner – communications officer – saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi and please contact Carla with news and events their roles in forest ecology. Sessions Rethinking Agricultural Systems you would like advertising on our website, will be led by Prof Lynne Boddy (Cardiff 18-19 December 2013, St. Catherine’s email list and the PEPG Facebook page University), Dr Andy Taylor (James Hutton College, Oxford [email protected] Institute) and Dr Martha Crockatt (event organiser; Earthwatch). The event is Lucy Rowland – Postdoc rep lucy. The meeting will explore agricultural sponsored by the British Ecological Society. [email protected]. systems in the context of providing ecosystem services: it will ask what we Zoe Harris – Postgraduate rep Costs are £50 (£30 students), plus a would do in an ideal world and how we [email protected] booking fee. can envisage positive changes to the Marjorie Lundgren – marjorie.lundgren@ Please [email protected]. current system given socio-economic sheffield.ac.uk uk to sign up for the event, or if you have constraints. An important feature of the Richard Webster – [email protected] any questions. meeting will be to encourage discussion of techniques across disciplines and ECOLOGICAL GENETICS discourage the use of labels so that we are unhindered by possibly negative Paul Ashton preconceptions. The meeting will explore [email protected] theory and practice from a wide range of Fungi for forest ecologists: farming systems. 8th October 2013 Invited speakers include Professor Details are now confirmed for the 58th Jonathan Foley, University of Minnesota; Annual EGG conference. It will be held Professor Tim Benton, University of Leeds; at Longhirst Hall, near Newcastle from Professor William Sutherland, University Monday 14 April- Wednesday 16th April of Cambridge; Professor Philip Grime, FOREST ECOLOGY 2014 and will feature the usual mix of University of Sheffield; Professor Steven speakers, visits, dancing etc. There is Newman, BioDiversity International Ltd; Markus Eichhorn (limited) public transport, but there will Dr Joern Fischer Leuphana University, Dr @BESForests be pick-ups from airport/station etc. Christine Watson, Scottish Agricultural Further details will be available plus link to College. Fungi for forest ecologists: booking will be found on the EGG website 8th October 2013 (http://www.ecologicalgeneticsgroup.org. Workshops: There will be three targeted, A one day workshop in Wytham Woods uk). Start preparing your talks and posters! structured workshops with pre-determined (Oxford) for forest ecology research We look forward to seeing you there. outputs. A facilitated workshop on professionals, postgraduate students or ‘Computational and Technological Solutions other interested parties to increase their Cost would be similar to this year, to Rethinking Agriculture’ will be organised understanding of the roles of fungi in somewhere between £260 and £290, by the British Ecological Society’s forest ecosystems. with option of sharing for lower cost Computational Ecology group. (www.longhirst.co.uk). Fungi are vital to forest ecosystem functioning through their roles as plant symbionts and decomposers. Perhaps due to the difficulty in studying fungi, combined with lack of interaction between

27 The hoiho is the world’s rarest penguin britishecologicalsociety.org

The quiet places

Rose Hanley-Nickolls @rosehn

As you get off the plane at Christchurch airport the horrors of the long haul flight are washed away by a tunnel of native bird song welcoming you to New Zealand. But for most visitors, this bridge wrapped in photographs of the lush greenery of the west coast rain forests is the closest to the original New Zealand soundscape they will ever get.

Over the last 800 years, since the arrival ochrocephala), whose trilling song and hoiho – noise shouter. Petrels and owls of humans and their grim band of yellow heads made it easy for early squawked and hooted their way through followers – dogs, cats, rats, stoats and European settlers to christen them bush the night. possums – over 50 species of native bird canaries, although sometimes they seem have gone extinct with many others more like friendly mice with their quiet For many birds, island sanctuaries which restricted to protected islands and chittering. All day long I was surrounded have been cleared of invasive predators, reserves, rendering the forests silent, by the oddly digital calls of bellbirds, such as Anchor Island in Fiordland where green cathedrals where the odd the cackle and whistle of kaka (Nestor I was working, are the only places they chirrup of a rifleman or introduced meridionalis), the piercingly paranoid can get on with making their musical blackbird is startling. alarm calls of South Island saddlebacks racket in peace. Many of the birds that (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) I spent my days with have experienced Today’s weary souls are not the first and the trill and peep of the bolshy extreme declines and range contractions travellers to be welcomed by a glorious fantails (Rhipidura fulinginosa), so at due to the introduction of mammalian avian reception. When Joseph Banks, odds with their role in Maori mythology predators: Mohua have disappeared from the botanist on Cook’s first voyage to as bringers of death. Back at the hut, 85% of their range whilst the South Island New Zealand, was anchored in Queen a South Island robin (Petroica australis sub species of the kokako, famed for the Charlotte Sound in January 1770 he australis) frequently made me jump as beauty of its call, has gone extinct. The remarked: he sat on the compost bin behind me 700 South Island saddlebacks in existence and proudly proclaimed the kitchen are all descended from 36 individuals “This morn I was awakd by the singing his territory. The yellow eyed penguin rescued from Big South Cape Island of the birds ashore from whence we (Megadyptes antipodes) under my (also known as Taukihepa) after a rat are distant not a quarter of a mile, the bedroom lived up to his Maori name of invasion in the 1960s. numbers of them were certainly very great who seemd to strain their throats with emulation perhaps; their voices were certainly the most melodious wild musick I have ever heard, almost imitating small bells but with the most tuneable silver sound imaginable to which maybe the distance was no small addition.”

Unlike most visitors to New Zealand, I have been fortunate enough to have heard this wild music. Every day for the last six months I was awoken by the raucous call of a bell bird (Anthornis melanura) imitating my alarm clock outside the bedroom window. Out in the field I was kept company by curious flocks of chattering mohua (Mohoua Only 30 populations of mohua remain in the wild, mostly in predator controlled areas.

29 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

iredalei). Further study of the last known be the only time they ever get to hear the “Mohua have observations of both the hakawai and species featured, although this is slowly disappeared from tutukiwi, as snipe are called in Maori, changing. Much of the focus of today’s showed that the disappearance of conservation effort in New Zealand is 85% of their range tutukiwi almost always coincided with on bringing back bird song to the silent that of the hakawai. By playing recordings forests so more people can walk in green whilst the South Island of closely related snipe species to old cathedrals which have had their choirs muttonbirders who had heard the restored to them. sub species of the hakawai on Taukihepa, the now extinct Stewart Island snipe was identified as Forest and Bird, the largest conservation kokako, famed for the earthly embodiment of the hakawai, organisation in New Zealand outside the beauty of its call, with the noises that had so terrified the of the government’s Department of muttonbirders coming from the nocturnal Conservation, has a flagship programme has gone extinct.” display calls and flight of the snipe. Armed called “Restore our dawn chorus” which with this knowledge, the resurrection of advocates for the use of pest control to the hakawai seemed possible. return precious soundscapes. Many other smaller, community groups are using bird In the 2005, as part of a wider snipe song as both an incentive for conservation recovery project, the Department of action and as an indicator of its success: Conservation carried out a translocation of like the island on which I have been living Snares Island snipe (C. aucklandica huegeli) and working, areas where there has been to Putauhinu Island off the coast of intensive trapping and poisoning for Taukihepa. Although there were concerns stoats, rats and possums are bustling among the Putauhinu muttonbirders that with birds and most definitely noisier. this translocation would not restore the hakawai as Snares Island snipe had never With the hakawai reintroduction and been observed in display flight, several other bird song focussed projects, New of the males released showed distinctive Zealanders are beginning to reconstruct wear and tear on their tail feathers a soundscape which has been missing for which indicated that they had previously over a century. Perhaps one day soon the channelled the hakawai: After 40 years, forests will be again filled with the wild along with this small, unassuming bird, music that so captivated Joseph Banks. an ancient cultural soundscape was being The friendly South Island robin is thriving since To hear song of the birdsong mentioned restored to the Muttonbird Islands. being brought to pest-free Anchor Island in 2002 here, visit www.radionz.co.nz/ collections/birds Part of the Muttonbird Islands off the Bird song is big news in New Zealand. Every morning before the 7am news the coast of Stewart Island, Taukihepa plays Sources national radio station plays a selection of an interesting role in the story of the Miskelly (1987) Notornis 34(2), 95-117 native bird calls. For many people this will conservation of soundscapes in New Miskelly et al (2012) Notornis 59, 32-38 Zealand. Frequented for only a few months of the year by people making a traditional harvest of mutton birds, Taukihepa was the last bastion of a great mythical bird called the hakawai. Only ever known by the terrifying noise it made, the hakawai was believed to be a bad omen with its cry – thought by some Maori to be caused by the bird choking on the hair of the warriors who were doomed to fall in battle – seen as presaging war. Although never seen, the hakawai was described by one Maori chief as being as large as a moa, black feathered with a plume of red feathers on top of its head. Along with the saddlebacks, the hakawai disappeared from Taukihepa with the arrival of black rats in 1961, never again to frighten the mutton birders on clear nights.

The arrival of rats on Taukihepa also spelled the end of the Stewart Island snipe (Coenocorypha aucklandica The fearsome hakawai – Snares Island snipe on Putauhinu Island. Photo copyright Colin Miskelly, Te Papa

30 britishecologicalsociety.org

LWEC Climate Change Impacts Report Card on Terrestrial Biodiversity

Mike Morecroft (Natural England) / [email protected]

Understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems has been a major topic for ecological research over the last 20 years and the rate of publication of papers and reports continues to increase. At the same time has also been a steadily growing demand for scientific evidence to inform the development of climate change adaptation in conservation and land management. This summer sees the publication of the National Adaptation Programme by the UK government, in which the natural environment will be an important element.

This presents two major challenges: 1) This way it is possible both to see the big A fundamental aspect of the report card how to synthesise the results of a large picture across the range of subjects and concept is that it is a product of the volume of research to identify common to be able to go into detail in an area wider scientific community, rather than trends and patterns and 2) how to of specific interest. For many users of a single organisation or consortium. communicate this to non-specialists, the report card, for example ecological The project was developed under the including conservation managers and consultants or conservation advisors, they LWEC partnership, with funding and policy makers. These two challenges will mostly be interested in the high-level practical input from Defra, NERC, – synthesis and communication – overview, but they may on occasions need the Environment Agency and Natural were the aims of the UK Terrestrial to address particular topics. England; a large number of individuals Biodiversity Climate Change Impact from a range of other organisations Report Card, published by the Living also freely gave their time. A project With Environmental Change (LWEC) working group, comprised of senior partnerships in May this year. It can be scientists with expertise in the field from downloaded here http://www.lwec.org. universities, research and conservation uk/node/1535. I had the privilege of organisations steered the project, chairing the working group leading this reviewed papers and worked on the project; many other BES members were text of the report card. A separate also involved in steering the project, group of experts were commissioned writing review papers and acting as to write the review papers. Each of the peer reviewer. review papers was reviewed by at least 2 reviewers (normally drawn from the The new report card was inspired working group) as well as by me, as by similar documents produced by working group chair. The card itself was the Marine Climate Change Impacts reviewed by a further panel of experts Partnership (MCCIP) and a series of further who had not previously been involved in Report Cards on other topics is planned the project, chaired by Professor Andrew by LWEC. The term ‘Report Card’ conveys Watkinson, Director of LWEC. In addition the impression of something short and to the working group and review paper snappy. And compared to most scientific authors (a group of over 40) there reviews it is – the core of it is a series was opportunity for others to make an of pithy summary statements – but it input through attending a workshop isn’t lightweight. It is actually a 24 page at the start of the project and we held glossy booklet, which is designed to work a lunchtime session at the BES Annual well both on a screen and in hard copy. Meeting, with an open invitation, to Crucially it is underpinned by 15 detailed Climatic conditions suitable for the snow review the headline messages. review papers which form a bridge to the bunting may diappear by the end of the century. original scientific literature. Photograph Julian Dowse/Natural England

31 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Getting scientists to come up with Table 1 Headline message on the Impacts of Climate consensus messages about anything Change Impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity in the UK is notoriously like herding cats but we fairly quickly came up with a series of key messages from the Report Card. • There is strong evidence that climate • Some habitats are particularly The basic message that ‘There is strong change is already affecting UK vulnerable to climate change; evidence that climate change is already biodiversity. Impacts are expected to the risks are clearest for montane affecting UK biodiversity’ was not increase as the magnitude of climate habitats (to increased temperature), controversial. Getting the exact wording change increases. wetlands (to changes in water of all the points right was a different availability) and coastal habitats story and we took a lot of trouble to • Many species are occurring further make sure that there was a high degree (to sea-level rise). north and at higher altitudes than of consensus about them in the working group, going through many iterations. in previous decades, including some • Climate change exacerbates You can read them in Table 1. species which have colonised large the risk that non-native species parts of the UK from continental (including pests and pathogens) Given the controversies that sometimes Europe. may establish and spread. range around climate change, we took pains to assess the extent of our • Recent rates of change in • We expect there to be regional confidence in the findings. In the distributions differ between species. differences in the impact of climate underlying review papers, authors were asked to assess both the amount of Some species, including many plants, change on biodiversity, reflecting evidence and the degree of consistency are intrinsically slow to disperse different species, climate, soils in the evidence for their statements. and fragmentation of habitat may and patterns of land use and The highest confidence is where we contribute to some species spreading management. have multiple sources of evidence, more slowly than would be expected all pointing in the same direction. from climate change alone. • The protected area network, which In the final report card this was distilled includes Sites of Special Scientific into ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’ • Warmer springs in recent decades Interest and National Nature confidence. There is an element of have caused a trend towards many Reserves, will continue to have expert judgement in this, of course, but having an explicit framework for biological events (e.g. flowering, a valuable role in conservation making judgements focuses discussions budbreak, laying and hatching of although there will be changes in and encourages consistency. eggs) occurring earlier in the year. populations, communities and The rates of change vary among ecosystems at individual sites. Since publication we have had a lot of species, which may alter the very positive feedback from both the interactions between species. • Climate change will interact with, scientific community and the policy and may exacerbate, the impact and practitioner communities. The card has generated a few items of debate • There is evidence of changes in the of other continuing pressures on and various people have asked to get composition of plant and animal biodiversity, such as landuse involved in the next one – all of which communities, consistent with change and pollution. is a good sign. And yes, the talk is of different responses of different ‘when’ not ‘if’ there is a new one: there species to rising temperature. • Extreme weather events, such are some areas we want to look at in as droughts and floods, have more detail and naturally the science • Species differ in their responses to clear impacts on ecosystems continues to evolve and develop. The variation in precipitation. The effects and the ecosystem services they publication of the report card was picked of climate change are less certain for provide; climate change may up by Channel 4 News, who were already looking to do a piece on changes precipitation than for temperature, alter the frequency and severity in wildlife and recent weather. We had but potential changes could lead to of such events. not set out to directly appeal to the substantial changes in biodiversity general public – it was pitched more at and ecosystems. the level of the ‘interested non-specialist’. What became clear however was that the report card was a valuable resource for those wanting to develop more outputs for a wider audience. We still need to explore the opportunities for this further – for example in education.

32 britishecologicalsociety.org

What lessons have we learnt? Three things stand out for me.

Firstly, the scientific community needs to pull together to come up with consensus views. Academic careers are often pursued in very individualistic ways, but there is a need to work together on big topics where the whole body of knowledge is greater than the sum of the parts. Working to produce a synthesis, with all the debating and grappling with uncertainty which this entails, should be part of the process of science.

Secondly, if outputs are to be accessible to non-specialists and useful for potential users, they need to be involved in developing them from the outset. We convened a user group to help us with this but it needs to go deeper than that. I like to think I have a ‘foot in both camps’ as a scientist working in a government conservation agency (my more practical colleagues might dispute this). Perhaps more importantly I worked closely with my colleague, Lydia Speakman, who acted as project manager and comes from a consultancy, rather than science, background. It was Lydia who produced the first draft of the card before we specialists got to work on it and kept our feet on the ground where necessary. The card also benefited from professional graphic design to turn the end product into something attractive and easy to read; there is a real skill in doing this well.

Finally I set out by describing ‘synthesis’ and ‘communication’ as two separate tasks. But actually they are intimately linked. We can’t develop a shared understanding of a big topic without talking and communicating with others forces us to bring together and organise our ideas.

Declining populations of the common frog are consistent with drier summers between 2003 and 2006 and habitat loss. Photograph Natural England/ Steve Hiner

33 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The Field Studies Council at 70

Cathy Preston / Charitable Development Officer, FSC @FieldStudiesC / field-studies-council.org

In December 10th 1943 the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Promotion of Field Studies (now Field Studies Council) was held at the Natural History Museum in London. In April 2013, almost 70 years later, a group of young naturalists visited the Museum for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour as part of the FSC’s Young Darwin Scholarship programme. As the Young Darwin Scholars were taking an enthusiastic interest in the collections that they were being shown and as they listened intently to talks from staff one could almost feel the gentle nod of approval from the 35 individuals who met on that December day in 1943.

While many field centres and even In 1943 Francis Butler (one of FSC’s to our ability to adapt and follow Francis some charities have struggled, FSC has founders) setting out his vision for Butler’s vision. Each year over 140,000 stayed true to the core values set out in the Council for the Protection of Field people of all ages from primary school 1943. Like any successful species it has Studies, wrote “Children are keen on children through to retired adults adapted in order to survive and expand studying living plants and animals in their experience FSC on courses for schools, in changing economic, educational and natural environment and it is coming to universities and individuals at our Centres. environmental conditions. The 70th be realised among educationalists that We also seek new partnerships and Anniversary gives us a chance to reflect on this aspect of the subject needs to be develop creative ways of working to widen our history but also to look forward – encouraged.” FSC’s network of 17 field our opportunities to inspire environmental a time to celebrate. centres throughout the UK is testament understanding through first hand experience. Recent developments include our Olympic fieldwork and delivering education in three of the Royal Parks, and in early summer we will be starting a new education provision in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to help students understand ‘real life’ urban regeneration.

FSC Centres have always been a ‘second home’ to natural historians, with both amateurs and professionals developing their skills and knowledge with the help of FSC tutors and associate tutors. Building on this tradition and to support 16 and 17 year olds with a real interest in the natural world in 2012 FSC launched the Young Darwin Scholarship. This new initiative seeks to provide encouragement, support and opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds who have a real passion for the natural world. FSC is developing a fund to provide long term opportunities for training and support on an ongoing basis for Young Darwin Scholars during the period when they make life and career choices.

Young Darwin Scholars at Preston Montford Field Centre

34 britishecologicalsociety.org science policy

Young Darwin Scholars at NHM –under the dinosaur tail and working as a group) FSC intends to award a further 15 Young groups of organisms that are currently As well as looking forward we are also Darwin Scholarships in 2013 and to under-resourced but which have the using the 70th Anniversary celebrations develop the scheme to provide ongoing potential to make a valuable contribution to collect FSC memories and share them support and opportunities for young to our understanding of how biodiversity on our website. These memories give a keen natural historians to expand their fares over the coming decades in the face real insight into the different ways FSC knowledge of the environment and of rapid environmental change. can change a life, from a career choice the sector. Existing scholars are keen to to a partner. Whatever the memory – all support and help the new intake and we have one thing in common the underlying welcome support from other individuals or affection for FSC . organisations who can help. We hope that the forthcoming ‘generations’ of Young The anniversary also gives us an Darwin Scholars will go some way towards opportunity to renew and strengthen providing knowledgeable and skilled partnerships. There have been consistently individuals who can play an important strong links with the BES through the part in the future of the environmental FSC’s development, some fostered by sector both in the UK and worldwide. pioneers such as Arthur Tansley who highlighted the strong synergies between The new FSC Biodiversity Fellowship (FSC the emerging science of ecology and Bio.Fells) project supported by the Defra its natural history roots. Both bodies (Department for Environment, Farming still share common causes, not least the and Rural Affairs) fund for Biodiversity in need to protect the status of fieldwork the Voluntary Sector and Natural England and field-based research at all levels of is another example of FSC’s ability to education, the creation of high quality build partnerships and adapt to meet the and innovative resources, and filling the The BES and FSC have collaborated over many changing needs of the biodiversity and years, on this occasion on a report of fieldwork ever-growing gaps in formal training and taxonomic training sector. FSC is working for those aspiring to do more field studies. in partnership with a large number of Over the last seven decades FSC has We look forward to working with the BES National Recording Schemes and Societies touched the hearts and minds of literally for another 70 years at least. to offer training courses to increase the thousands of people of all ages. A skills, numbers, geographical coverage programme of special 70th Anniversary Cathy Preston, Charitable and taxonomic scope of biological events is planned to celebrate our Development Officer recorders especially volunteers. success and to look forward to the Cathy has worked for FSC for over 10 future. Many centres are offering events years in a variety of different roles. She Tomorrow’s Biodiversity is another new in conjunction with BES illustrating how has managed several funded projects project for our 70th year. Funded by the the two organisations work together to including the Eco Challenge Project which Esmée Fairbairn Foundation this five year increase knowledge and understanding worked with students from 245 schools project will help FSC to identify important and interest in the natural world. (The from 22 of the most disadvantaged gaps in identification and monitoring skills full programme of events is available at areas of England. Cathy is now involved (for plants, animals, fungi etc) and address www.field-studies-council.org/70). We in helping the FSC to build partnerships some of them with new training and shall also be looking forward with the help and seek funding to help young people resources. The first two years will focus of visionary thinkers at a special event at access FSC including those who are on finding the gaps and the next three the RSA in November when we will be disadvantaged and those with a specialist on filling them. It will enable the FSC to plotting the imaginary path for FSC over interest such as the Young Darwin develop new resources and training for the next 70 years. Scholars.

35 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

‘There is an app for that’ The next level of ecological mobile technology

Yoseph Araya / Birkbeck College, University of London [email protected] / @YNAraya

Learn Inspiration

Explore

Exercise Chat

Leisure

News Ecology

36 britishecologicalsociety.org

Advances in information technology and computing are greatly assisting field ecology, by supplementing the traditional clipboard and pencil of investigators. The digital revolution is transforming our ability to collect, analyse, store and share data at faster speeds and volumes than ever before (Snaddon et al. 2013). This is a result of miniaturisation, improved power and connectivity of computers.

When the desktop computer made its Online communication platforms have The simple interface of many apps makes début in the eighties, it was a tool for improved collaboration among scientists, it easier to execute actions. Apps are transcribing and analysing ecological overcoming distance and time barriers. often appealing for ecological activities, data away from the field. By the 90’s it Moreover, the increasing accessibility as they are much cheaper than buying had given way to the field laptop and of web-enabled mobile devices to the independent equipment e.g. GPS pocket PCs that could be used on site general public has further hastened the (although they come with their own to record and work with data. These are re-birth of citizen-scientist partnership limitations in the field). They are also now increasingly making way to mobile in the form of citizen (cyber) science accessible, easy to acquire, and are highly devices like tablets (e.g. iPad’s and Tab’s) (Silvertown, 2009). The role of this empowering to citizens (De Souza et al. and mobile phones (e.g. smartphones collaboration is increasingly being 2012). Although apps are often built for like the iPhone), especially under less recognised and harnessed (Roy et al. consumption of produced content, they challenging environmental conditions. 2012). can be adapted for creation as well.

Mobile Devices As the use/adoption of mobile devices is As the iconic advert goes ‘there is an increasing in tandem with development app for that’, indeed there are many Mobile devices are essentially handheld of enhanced mobile apps, it is high time apps, with varying levels of usefulness, to computers. They are often multi- to utilise them for ecological research/ undertake tasks in ecology. An attempt functional, equipped with camera, education. This account aims to provide at broad categories classifies apps as: telephone, audio/video recording a brief review of mobile technology (1) reference/education: including those capabilities, Global Positioning System and highlight some of the mobile apps that act as field ID kits; (2) recording/ (GPS) and web-enabled (either Wi-Fi or available to ecologists. At the same time sharing data, where apps may be used Bluetooth). They run specific software it aims to provide a platform (via the for making measurements, tagging applications that enable them undertake included Survey Form: http://goo.gl/ geographic references, sending back complex activities. Sometimes additional xpOvT) to share/rate useful applications recordings to a central database; (3) equipment can be attached to carry by ecologists for ecologists, which at the educational games, with apps for testing out a wider range of assessments (e.g. moment is sorely lacking. Overall, it will learning; (4) calculation/data analysis and Geiger Counters were connected to encourage more ecologists to engage visualisation, with mapping and statistical monitor radio activity after the Fukushima with the technology and even enhance summaries; (5) news/marketing purposes disaster). In a nutshell, they are the digital their research/teaching/outreach. where information is provided on events analogue to the Swiss Army Knife (and or products. Some examples of ecology very likely more). The Apps apps are given in Table 1. As their capabilities improve, their prices Mobile apps are provided by distribution are also getting lower and uptake among platforms, which are often operated the general population is increasing. For by the owner of the mobile operating “Online example, at the end of 2012 according system e.g. the App Store for Apple’s communication to the International Telecommunications iOS, Google Play for Android and the Union, there were 6.8 billion mobile Windows Phone Store for Windows platforms device subscriptions globally. This is set apps. The apps are directly downloaded to rise to 18 billion by 2018 according to from platform to device via an internet have improved Ericsson. link. Apps have versatile uses ranging from basic productivity (email, calendar, collaboration Mobile devices currently boast increased contacts, weather) to reference performance thanks to custom-designed (education, directory) and from among scientists, software applications (apps) that make entertainment and games to commercial overcoming them capable of gathering, analysing transactions. There are currently over and sharing large amounts of data 700,000 apps each for iOS and Android distance and almost instantly. This progress in mobile platforms, with fewer, but still several devices has been greatly assisted by hundred thousand, for other platforms. time barriers.” increased internet connectivity, enabling rapid communication between devices/ locations (Williams et al, 2011).

37 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Table 1. Some examples of apps of relevance for ecology

Category Number of apps† iOS Android Reference, education >25 SoilWeb, TreeID, Ecological Surveys, iBird Pro Wild flowers Data recording, GIS 10-25 FieldtripGB, eNature, Secchi, Nature Notes, PlantTracker Sea Turtle app, MAEDN Data analysis, 10-25 Eco:Map, Ecofootprint visualisation Ecological Footprint, ecoLAMP News, marketing 10-25 EnvironRSS, ecoNews Ecology News, ecoScan Social, Professional <5 GreenIT.fr Networking EcoCritique Games, Entertainment 10-25 Life Cycles for Kids Super Forest’Oh! Bat Sound Effects, Ecotrail

† Numbers are given as broad classes within platforms.

‡Apps were searched using ‘ecology’ as a keyword at iTunes® and Google Play®, the two major app platforms. In this instance, there were 181 iPhone (109 iPad apps) and 352 Android apps.

Challenges and Conclusion Good examples of such platforms are the Roy, H.E., M.J.O. Pocock, C.D. Preston, , D.B. Roy, Open Data Kit (http://opendatakit.org/) , J. Savage, J.C. Tweddle & L.D. Robinson, (2012) At the moment, neither app platform and EpiCollect (http://www.epicollect. Understanding Citizen Science & Environmental provides easy navigation, especially net/). Monitoring. Final Report on behalf of UK-EOF. for scientific apps. There have been NERC, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and commendable, though not yet sufficient, Finally, it is to be expected that better Natural History Museum. initiatives on listing useful apps for mobile devices with more advanced Snaddon, J. G Petrokofsky, P Jepson & K Willis ecology (e.g. Bruna Lab: http://brunalab. software as well as improved internet (2013) Biodiversity technologies: tools as org/apps/ ). Moreover, there appears to connectivity will drive more efficient change agents. Biology Letters 9: doi: 10.1098/ be little if any vetting of app suitability technology, resulting in applications rsbl.2012.1029 and functionality. This would be crucial capable of powerful analyses and Williams, A. J. S. Ekins, A M. Clark, J.J. Jack & R.L. to assure users of the quality of data visualisation of larger datasets. The time is Apodaca (2011) Mobile apps for chemistry in the produced/analysed (Kharrazi et al 2012 ripe for exploring how this technological world of drug discovery. Drug Discovery Today 16(21/22): 928-939 provides an analogous example). The progress could be harnessed to help best integration initiative, so far appears address ecological issues. to be for Chemistry, which includes a Further resources wiki by professionals (e.g. http://www. References App Survey Form: http://goo.gl/xpOvT Apps for Ecology News: http://goo.gl/9ISG3 SciMobileApps.com) Desouza, K.C. & A. Bhagwatwar (2012) Citizen Apps to Solve Complex Urban Problems. Journal On another note, there are several of Urban Technology 19(3): 107-136 Yoseph Araya, is a plant ecologist, STEM opportunities for ecologists to develop ambassador and keen enthusiast of Kharrazi, H., R. Chisholm, D. Van Nasdale & B. citizen science. He undertakes research their own apps using open-source codes. Thompson (2012). Mobile personal health records: and lectures at Birkbeck College, Although most are linked to citizen an evaluation of features and functionality science projects, they provide a platform International Journal ofMed Informatics University of London and The Open conducive for experimentation. 81(9):579-93 University.

38 britishecologicalsociety.org

Patterns, paradigms, and preconceptions

John A. Wiens / Point Blue Conservation Science [email protected]

“To do science is to search for repeated patterns, not simply to accumulate facts” (Robert MacArthur, in Geographical Ecology, 1972, p. 1)

“All we want are the facts, ma’am” (Sgt. Joe Friday in the television series Dragnet, in the early 1950s)

Science, as MacArthur observed, is about are real (by which we mean statistically The distinction between the approaches detecting patterns and relationships and significant) or not. Against this backdrop, was brought home to me one spring deriving causal explanations. Like many is there still a role for the practiced eye of when Diamond visited my lab group. ecologists, MacArthur interpreted patterns a keen observer to see a pattern in a mass Jared is a gentle and gracious man, and through their alignment with theory of data? the acrimony that had fueled some of – a deductive approach. Sgt. Friday’s the past debates was left behind. At one approach (like Sherlock Holmes’ before Competitive evidence point, I spread out on the lab bench a him) was more inductive – accumulate Back when I was a brash young ecologist large table showing multiple bird species facts and then, through inspired in the 1970s (I’m no longer young, and and niche variables. I said something like, guesswork, connect the dots to see the arguably not so brash), ecology was “See, there’s no consistency. This is why I pattern and solve the crime. MacArthur’s roiled by intense debates about whether have difficulty accepting competition as approach was analytical, Friday’s more interspecific competition determined the driving force.” Jared looked over the intuitive. community structure. Part of the debate matrix of numbers. Without hesitation he revolved about how one marshaled pointed to several cells. “You’re looking While we may think of MacArthur’s evidence. In one camp, proponents at it the wrong way. Here’s a perfect approach as more scientific than Friday’s such as Jared Diamond, Martin Cody, or example of niche differentiation, and (who was, after all, not a scientist but a Tom Schoener looked for examples of here’s another. You’re letting all those fictional detective), both approaches may niche-displacement patterns between other numbers confuse you.” I had be important as we are confronted by a co-occurring species that agreed with missed the patterns that he saw, and he growing deluge of data (“facts”) about the predictions of competition theory. In was unbothered by the nonconforming all sorts of things. Separating the signal the other camp, opponents such as Dan observations that so interested me. (an interesting pattern) from the noise of Simberloff and Don Strong (and I was seemingly irrelevant data has become a I don’t think that either of us convinced among them) challenged the ubiquity of major challenge, spawning increasingly the other that day. There’s a more theory-based explanations by assessing complex and sophisticated statistics, important message here, however, than niche overlap among many co-occurring data mining and knowledge discovery who was right or wrong. Both of us looked species, noting the many patterns that did procedures, and the pattern-recognition at the data – the facts – through different not match predictions and asking whether software used in DNA screening or lenses, colored by our preconceptions the occurrence of confirmatory patterns the detection of e-mail spam. We ask of how natural communities are put was any different from what one would computers to do the work of detecting together. Jared’s perspective was shaped expect by chance. patterns and telling us whether they

39 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

by his experiences in New Guinea and be appropriately null and statistical tests preconceptions can make them too by competition and niche theory, which designed to place the burden on rejection easily ignored. All of this becomes more dominated community ecology at that of the null hypothesis so that one has relevant in the context of climate change. time. Mine reflected my experiences confidence in the (statistical) veracity Paradigms hold true when nature’s in highly variable grasslands and of an alternative hypothesis (e.g., that rules—cause-effect relationships—remain shrub deserts and a growing view that niche differences among similar species relatively steady. Science thrives by filling environmental variation can erode the are greater than one would expect by in the details. The anomalous observations patterns expected from equilibrium-based chance alone). But it is not at all difficult arise when nature bends or changes the theory. The data set contained something to structure hypotheses and tests to rules. Climate change will certainly alter, for both of us. favor the expected patterns (and their if not actually change, the rules and how interpretations). After all, Mark Twain they are expressed in ecological systems. popularized the phrase that “There are No-analog species assemblages and novel lies, damned lies, and statistics”1 and ecosystems will change interaction webs “Both of us looked Darrell Huff’s 1954 book, How to Lie with and ecological processes in unexpected Statistics, has sold well over a million ways. Extreme events will push systems at the data – the copies. Automated pattern-detection beyond thresholds into unknown territory. algorithms may seem less vulnerable Things will no longer be as they ought to facts – through to conscious or unconscious bias, but be, at least according to the paradigms someone needs to write the code to tell that have guided our thinking in the past. different lenses, the computer what to look for, leaving ample room for paradigm-derived We shouldn’t abandon the statistics and preconceptions to influence the search. modeling that have contributed so much colored by our to the rigor of ecology. But we must More to the point, a rigid adherence also be more attentive to the new, novel preconceptions to statistical analyses or computerized patterns that emerge, for these hold the searches for patterns may blind us to the keys to adapting our concepts, theories, of how natural outlier patterns that occur at the fringes of and methodologies – our paradigms – data sets—the patterns that Jared saw in to the new realities of a nature out of communities are my data. These may indeed be examples balance. that confirm the paradigm, or they may put together” be chance occurrences that are inevitable Footnotes in a large sample or collection of data. 1 Chapters from My Autobiography”. They may also be those unexpected but http://www.gutenberg.org/files/19987/19987.txt. real patterns that lead us to doubt the ubiquity of a paradigm, the anomalous References All of this resembles what Thomas Kuhn observations that are the stuff of Kuhn’s Huff, D. 1954. How to Lie with Statistics. described in his ideas about paradigms scientific revolutions. The trick is in Norton, New York. and scientific revolutions (Kuhn, 1970). knowing when such patterns deserve Kuhn, T.S. 1970. The Structure of Scientific Paradigms—a widely accepted body attention and when they don’t; Revolutions, 2nd edition. University of Chicago of theories, methods, and examples Press, Chicago. that embodies a view of how the world works—influence the questions researchers ask and what they look for (and are prepared to accept) in their “…we must also be more attentive results. Nonconforming patterns are considered anomalies that can be ignored to the new, novel patterns that or explained away without jeopardizing the power of the paradigm. Under emerge, for these hold the keys to the sway of a paradigm, the search for patterns is not an aimless wandering or adapting our concepts, theories, and mindless data dredging, but a focused effort in which the expected patterns methodologies – our paradigms – seem to stand out in bold relief against a background of irrelevant detail. Jared was able to see patterns in my data because to the new realities of a nature out the prevailing competition paradigm told him what to look for. of balance.”

But surely statistics provides a check against the urge to see only confirmatory patterns? Well, not necessarily. Of course, scientific hypotheses are supposed to

40 britishecologicalsociety.org

From our Southern Correspondent

Richard Hobbs / University of Western Australia [email protected]

Congratulations to the BES in its centenary year! 100 years is a great achievement. Centenaries and other milestones are a great time to pause and consider both the past and the future.

There seem to be a lot of important milestones on earth I am talking about, but I just checked Photo above: A beardless happening around this time – my university, on Wikipedia and all these things still exist, undergraduate Hobbs (plus Ruff the University of Western Australia, was also albeit no longer on the radar of most graduate the dog) doing fieldwork at Moor founded 100 years ago. I recently attended the students. Three paper copies of the manuscript House National Nature Reserve ca 1975, with the house and lab in centenary symposium put on by the California were then stuck in a brown paper envelope and the background. Note the weather Botanical Society that also turned 100 this year. sent by mail off to the journal, where they were and field gear – things were always My PhD supervisor, Charles Gimingham, just then sent to the editor and on to reviewers, much better in the good old days! recently had his 90th birthday. My postdoctoral who provided their review in red pen on the advisor, Hal Mooney, was 80 last year. Both manuscript and via a typed report. After all that, seem to have changed little since I worked with you received the verdict and all the red ink, and them and still have more energy than I do. hoped that there was room for revision and the My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding chance of acceptance thereafter. anniversary in May, and I thank Gillian and my children Katie and Hamish for putting up with At that time, ecology was in a rapid state me all that time. And I just calculated that I of development too. The emergence of joined the BES shortly after starting my PhD, 36 computers was slowly expanding the scope years ago, and hence have been a member of to deal with large and complex sets of data, the BES for over a third of its lifespan. I think this and development of electronic sensors and means that I officially qualify as either a dinosaur equipment was revolutionizing the field. or an old fart. I attended my first BES winter Things that took weeks to measure and analyse meeting at Lancaster in 1977, and had my first suddenly started to be possible in a few minutes. ever journal paper published in the Journal of Things I spent 2 weeks in the lab measuring Ecology in 1979. can now be done almost with the flick of an instrument. Pieces of equipment that took up At that time, papers (and indeed theses) were whole labs now can be carried in one hand. written in long-hand and then typed up as a When I was at Stanford in the early 1980s, paper manuscript on a typewriter, electric if the pride of the Mooney lab was the IRGA you were lucky. Statistics were mostly done on set up that measured gas exchange in plant calculators, working out x2, y2, xy and all that, material. The machine was like something out and then putting them all together. Some more of the movie “Brazil” – it took up a whole lab complex analyses may have been conducted and had tubes and dials everywhere, emitted (usually with some trepidation and over a few alarming wheezes and whooshes constantly, days) on a mainframe computer using a highly and regularly broke down. And in the middle arcane and unforgiving command language. of it all trapped in a sealed glass chamber was a And diagrams were done using tracing paper poor unsuspecting twig of some plant or other. and the dreaded Rotring pens (wonderful things Now you can just clamp two pads onto a leaf in when they worked but with tips prone to drying the field and get the same sort of data virtually up and becoming unusable unless soaked for instantaneously. several days in washing-up liquid solution) – and, if you could afford it, Letraset lettering. Younger readers are probably wondering what

41 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Richard with Hal Mooney in 2002. After 20 years’ collaboration Hal knows to keep the drinks bowl firmly in his grasp

“Advancing So, now that students can sample and analyse consuming business, fraught with risks relating things more rapidly and easily – and can to study design, statistical power, and just the our ecological complete their entire thesis on a laptop using sheer difficulty of collecting the data in often understanding standard word processing, graphics, imaging, hostile environments or with organisms that are statistical and modelling software – does this apparently not willing to cooperate. In addition, remains more mean that advances are more frequent and just because complex sampling and analysis dependent on more rapid in ecology? If we’re free from the is now possible, it’s sort of expected that one drudgery associated with data collection, should do these complex sampling and analyses ideas, perceptive analysis and reporting that characterized because one can – regardless of whether the the work 30-40 years ago, surely the whole question being asked is best answered that way questions, thoughtful endeavour must be easier and result in more or by more straightforward means. I frequently investigation and immediately tangible outcomes? Well, it is a encounter this conundrum when examining characteristic of the older generation that they PhD theses – students tend to jump to complex careful interpretation constantly tell the younger generation that they and obscure methods of analysis, often using and synthesis than never had it so good. I certainly think this is derived variables, when sometimes a simple true in the case of moving on from mainframe x-y plot of observations might have told the on snazzy visuals computers, Letraset and Rotring pens. story much better. Or worse, there are those and complex stats who bypass the tedious step of collecting But is it true of the underlying science? I suspect primary field data and hence rely on modelling and modelling.” not. Advancing our ecological understanding approaches exclusively. Certainly cheaper and remains more dependent on ideas, perceptive likely to result in quick results and publications, questions, thoughtful investigation and careful and sometimes very useful – but also likely to interpretation and synthesis than on snazzy produce a growing cadre of ecologists who visuals and complex stats and modelling. don’t see the value of – or have the necessary Collecting data on meaningful ecological skills to conduct – field observations and patterns and relationships remains a time- experiments.

42 britishecologicalsociety.org

When I look at my mentors including Charles was eventually closed down completely as a “It’s too bad that Gimingham and Hal Mooney, their inspiration field station. It’s too bad that today’s students and motivation came mostly from careful cannot have the same experience I did, but today’s students field observations in the first instance. Indeed, fortunately the field experiments, and Mike cannot have the most of the foundational ideas in ecology Rawes’ legacy, have lived on – indeed, a paper arose from such observations. At the California revisiting the subject of our 1979 paper just same experience I Botanical Society Centennial Symposium in recently came out in Journal of Applied Ecology did, but fortunately Berkeley in April, the society’s President, Tom (Lee et al., 2013). Parker, outlined the history of the society and the field experiments, mentioned that its founding in 1913 coincided So much for the past – what of the future? with the Second International Phytogeographic Given the advances seen in both techniques and Mike Rawes’ Excursion, during which participants including and ideas in ecology since my PhD years, legacy, have lived Frederic Clements, Henry Cowles and Arthur I’d be wary of making any predictions about Tansley experienced Californian ecosystems how things might develop in the future. on – indeed, a paper such as the redwood forests for the first Certainly, technology will continue to increase revisiting the subject time. It would have been fascinating to have the scope of measurement and analysis in been there to share the experiences and amazing ways. Miniaturized tracking devices of our 1979 paper just conversations amongst that bunch of ecologists are already revolutionizing faunal studies, recently came out and perhaps see some of the big ideas in molecular genetics are rendering movement, ecology taking early shape in response to their breeding and rapid evolution easier to follow, in Journal of Applied field experiences. and use of social media and smartphones is Ecology (Lee et al., opening up an amazing potential for citizen Rawes’ Moors science. At the same time, tried and true 2013).” technologies such as $2 plant quadrats will My own personal research trajectory was still have a place, I’m sure! As will the need for also undoubtedly moulded by early field thoughtful observation and experimentation experiences. My first paper in the Journal – technological advance should help inform of Ecology in 1979 (Rawes & Hobbs, 1979) the science, not drive it. In addition, the arose because of undergraduate summer urgency for sound ecological work will only employment I undertook at Moor House continue to grow as the human impact on the National Nature Reserve in the northern environment grows and we struggle to find Pennines, under the supervision of the Officer ways in which a growing human population in Charge there, Mike Rawes. Moor House can cohabit the planet with all other species, was a wonderful institution back then – a fully many of which we know little about. The BES functioning field station and lab up in the is in great shape to continue to be a leading middle of nowhere in the blanket peat, based and effective force in ensuring that ecology around the former Prince of Wales’ shooting continues to develop and thrive – and, I hope, lodge that was also the highest inhabited help find answers to the pressing problems house in England. Run by what was then the facing humanity in the next hundred years. Nature Conservancy Council, there was a number of full-time staff including a resident reserve warden, botanist and housekeeper, and there was a pointer dog also on staff (yes, it was actually a government employee) to assist with grouse research. In addition to the staff there was a steady stream of students either working on PhD projects or employed to conduct seasonal research. The combination of isolation, groups of people working on different but allied projects, and a central base with good logistical support – the stuff with which all good field stations are made – provided a wonderful environment for field Our hero, beard now fully formed, graduating with observational and experimental work coupled a PhD from the University of Aberdeen in 1982: with with intellectual discussion and debate (the Charles Gimingham latter also being assisted by the odd trip down to the George & Dragon now and again). References Mike Rawes was an avid proponent of field Lee, H., Alday, J.G., Rose, R.J., O’Reilly, J., & Marrs, R.H. experiments and a fierce defender of Moor (2013) Long-term effects of rotational prescribed burning House and what it represented. Unfortunately, and low-intensity sheep grazing on blanket-bog plant those higher in the hierarchy with control of communities. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50, 625-635. the purse-strings were less convinced and, Rawes, M. & Hobbs, R. (1979) Management of semi-natural sadly, Moor House ceased to be considered blanket bog in the northern Pennines. Journal of Ecology, a good investment after the late 1970s and 67, 789-807.

43 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Sally Hayns MCIEEM / Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management T: 01962 868626 / Enquiries @ ieem.net / www.ieem.net

REGISTER OF CHARTERED We have been very fortunate to be able COLLABORATIVE WORKING ON ECOLOGISTS LAUNCHED to call on not only some of our past- GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE presidents and senior members who have Just 9 months after being notified that One of CIEEM’s priority areas of wide experience of such matters but also our petition for a Royal Charter had been work is to increase interdisciplinary the Chief Scientists of the four statutory successful we have been able to launch understanding and collaborative working nature conservation bodies in the UK. the new Register of Chartered Ecologists. between the professions. To that end we They have worked really hard to identify During the intervening period there has were delighted to organise our summer and then test the criteria and process to been much work to do in identifying the conference on green infrastructure ensure that it is rigorous, robust and fair. eligibility criteria for the award, setting in partnership with the Landscape We are very grateful to them. the competency standard, agreeing the Institute. The event, which was held at assessment process and putting into The Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) eligibility the Burlington Hotel, Birmingham in place all the practical arrangements for criteria are, not surprisingly, based on July, featured keynote presentations on this new professional practice standard. CIEEM’s Competency Framework which the opportunities and challenges for will also form the basis of our membership delivering biodiversity benefits through eligibility criteria from January 2014. green infrastructure from CIEEM Patron Applicants, who must be a member of Tony Juniper and former Natural England an approved professional body, have to Board member Pam Warhurst. complete a detailed application form Delegates from both professional which then undergoes a desk-based backgrounds were then able to work in assessment followed by a professional small groups to apply their different skill review interview. It is anticipated that sets to examining design approaches to the first Chartered Ecologists will be green infrastructure projects using recent announced in October. case studies. Delegates later commented CHARTERED ENVIRONMENTALIST OF on how instructive it had been to gain a better understanding of the drivers and THE YEAR technical challenges that frame another Earlier this year we were delighted when profession’s response to the same set of CIEEM member David Stubbs became circumstances and design opportunities. the first ever Chartered Environmentalist The consensus was that more such of the Year. His award was presented interdisciplinary events could lead to at the Sustain Magazine Awards for better outcomes for biodiversity. Sustainability, Business & the Built Environment held at The Guoman Tower JOINT REPORT ON GOOD SPATIAL Bridge Hotel, London. PLANNING David Stubbs won the Chartered CIEEM has been working with RSPB and Environmentalist of the Year Award for RTPI on a new report on good practice his work with the London Organising in spatial planning with nature in mind. Committee for the Olympic Games Planning Naturally, which identifies 12 (LOCOG) where his role was Head of principles of good spatial planning and Sustainability. The inaugural Chartered uses case studies to exemplify them, Environmentalist of the Year award, was launched at the RTPI Planning sponsored by the Society for the Convention in July. Environment, recognised the work of individuals who have achieved high recognition in their specific field

44 britishecologicalsociety.org

Sally Hayns MCIEEM / Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management T: 01962 868626 / Enquiries @ ieem.net / www.ieem.net

PERCEPTIONS ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

At our Spring 2013 Conference Three out of the top five are not listed in first place – values about biodiversity ‘Ecosystem Services 1: Practical Methods the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and then environment that, at best, for Demonstrating the Value of Nature to typology and delegates also listed a are challenging to reduce to financial Decision Makers’, delegates were asked number of other values/services that measures. to undertake three interactive activities are not explicitly covered in the MEA relating to their perceptions of ecosystem including landscape, inspiration, awe Despite this many delegates could see services, including the opportunities and green space. There was some potential applications for an ecosystem and concerns they have with such an debate amongst delegates as to the services approach but remain frustrated approach. Peter Glaves MCIEEM, from extent to which, unless there is common by the lack of available tools and the University of Northumbria, and agreement within society as to which techniques for current approaches such as keynote speaker at the conference, asked values/services are to be recognised, the Environmental Impact Assessment. delegates to list the ecosystem services monetary approach to valuing ecosystem The full report of Peter’s session is provided by trees/woodlands as an services can be usefully employed. available on the CIEEM website. indicator of the wider values and services found in nature. Delegates went on to identify a wide variety of issues and concerns with Forthcoming events: Not surprisingly given their backgrounds the ecosystems services approach Ecosystem Services 3: Rivers – A and roles as ecologists and environmental and, in particular, with the concept of Framework for Action managers, the delegates typically monetary valuation of some of the more identified a wider range of values/services abstract but no less important cultural 6-7 November 2013, Southampton than those outside the profession (see and aesthetic services. Ecologists and Bookings opening shortly wordle diagram) with the top 5 being: environmental managers appear to have much more difficulty than planners • Habitat and economists in this regard, perhaps • Biodiversity influenced by the drivers that caused • Carbon sequestration them to enter into the profession in the • Wildlife • Fibre/fuel

45 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013 Rant Reason &I don’t understand...

Dr Markus Eichhorn / School of Biology, University of Nottingham [email protected] / @BESForests

The mantra of Gilles Deleuze, the merits (and I’m personally against using citation rate (Fawcett & Higginson French philosopher, is “Bring something the appendices as a necessary extension). 2012). Often it’s just unnecessary and incomprehensible into the world!” I Naturally Science and Nature are even amounts to nothing more than statistical know what many of you are thinking worse, though Nature has recently showing-off (see the excellent blog post – there hasn’t been enough Nietzscheo- promised to improve (Editorial, 2013). by Brian McGill, 2012). If your methods structuralist philosophy in the Bulletin The presence of open-access journals are deliberately obfuscatory, then they lately. Given the quality of many of the with no page limits is likely to ease this fail one of the prime criteria of science: papers I end up reading (or reviewing), strain, but part of the contradictory that any reasonable reader ought to Deleuze has a substantial following nature of the open access movement be able to repeat the study. Using among ecologists. is that we are supposed to make our incomprehensibility as a smokescreen findings accessible – and therefore is one of the dark arts of science, as Incompehensibility in itself isn’t intelligible – to a wider public audience, reviewers often assume that things necessarily a problem. At the risk of yet the increase in length is seldom outside their expertise are fine, or else sounding like Donald Rumsfeld, there accompanied by greater clarity of won’t own up to their ignorance. This are four types of academic paper. expression. means that complex mathematics can There are the ones you read and grasp get a free pass – we are all in a hurry, and immediately. There are the ones you Sometimes incomprehensibility isn’t the there isn’t always time to check the fine know you’ll never understand, and fault of the author, but a failing on the detail. As a rule, if an equation is vital to therefore don’t even bother worrying part of their readers. As an example, understanding your study, then keep it about. Worse are those you think you take Chesson’s famous 2000 paper, but explain it in full. If it’s purely there understand but don’t (which doesn’t ‘Mechanisms of maintenance of species to make you look clever and boost your preclude judgment by reviewers), or that diversity’, cited over 1,000 times and credibility then cull it. you never find out about because they’re a classic of the ecological literature. in a journal you wouldn’t ever look at. Hands up if you’ve read it – good, yes, Finally, I’ll end with some advice to everyone. Clearly many of you have cited younger ecologists. You will frequently There are good and bad excuses for a it too. Now hands up if you understood encounter papers, or even conference paper being incomprehensible. Poor it. I mean really followed the line of talks, that are utterly incomprehensible. writing skills can be an issue, especially thought all the way through. I suspect The trick is to work out when the those for whom English is not their that not so many hands will be in the air. problem is yours or that of the authors. mother tongue, but a more pernicious If you’re anything like an honest friend If it’s the former, and you can recognise problem is created by cramming studies of mine (and population ecologist!), your own weaknesses, then set aside the into editorial straitjackets. The pressure you probably skipped over the tricky time to work on them and make sure to publish in high-profile journals has equations and focussed on the take- you’re not missing out on something led to the most important and novel home messages. The number of times important. Take a day and work through findings being presented in a format it’s been mis-cited suggests that this is a Chesson (2000), for example; it’s worth that automatically makes them difficult common phenomenon. it. If you find that something is still just to understand. The standard of science gobbledegook underneath then discard required to publish in Ecology Letters, We all know that maths can be a barrier it and resolve to do better yourself. combined with the strict 5000 word to understanding; notably the density Writing and publishing something limit, means that some papers can no of equations in a biological publication complex and impenetrable is relatively longer be appreciated on their own is negatively correlated with its future

46 britishecologicalsociety.org

If your methods are deliberately obfuscatory, then they fail one of the prime criteria of science…

easy, but getting people to read it (never mind cite or apply it) will be near impossible. Someone who writes in a way that others struggle to understand is not a great mind on a different intellectual plane. They’re a bad scientist.

Further reading: Chesson, P., 2000. Mechanisms of maintenance of species diversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 31:343–366.

Editorial (2013). Announcement: reducing our irreproducibility. Nature 496, 398.

Fawcett TW & Higginson AD (2012). Heavy use of equations impedes communication among biologists. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 109, 11735-11739.

McGill BJ (2012). Statistical machismo? Dynamic Ecology, http://dynamicecology.wordpress. com/2012/09/11/statistical-machismo/

HAVE YOUR SAY Does anyone want to respond to Markus’s Rant? Rant & Reason is open to anyone who wants to have a Rant, or to those who wish to give a Reasoned response to something that has enraged Markus. Contact Emma Sayer ([email protected])

47 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Publishing News Journals Update

David Robinson will also be chairing a Two new editors have also joined symposium on Mechanisms of Plant the Editorial Board in June. William Competition at INTECOL, with a keynote Hopkins joins us from Virginia Tech, www.functionalecology.org from Liesje Mommer. The speakers will where he studies how wildlife responds @FunEcology present the latest experimental and physiologically and behaviourally to theoretical approaches to the study of disturbances. Bill is particularly intrigued by Issue four is a bumper issue for Functional the mechanisms of plant competition tradeoffs among physiological processes Ecology and includes our latest Special and discuss directions for future studies (e.g., reproduction, thermoregulation, Feature on Mechanisms of Plant on competitive mechanisms and the immune function) and how ecological Competition as well as a new Extended means to achieve significant progress in changes may force animals to reprioritize Spotlight on Responses to global climate understanding the ecological role of those their investments of time and energy. change: Insights from organismal physiology. mechanisms. We are also joined by Maud Ferrari from the University of Saskatchewan. Maud’s The Extended Spotlight from Steven research looks at better understanding Chown and Ary Hoffman features a small the ecology of predator-prey interactions selection of new papers on “Responses and the role of biotic and abiotic factors to global climate change: Insights from in shaping those interactions, looking at organismal physiology”. The papers cognitive, behavioural and evolutionary selected by Chown and Hoffman highlight ecology and encompassing both ecophysiological forecasting as a means fundamental and applied research. to substantially improve our current ability to make population and area- Jennifer Meyer specific forecasts, especially given brisk Assistant Editor developments in understanding of the (Jennifer@BritishEcological The most important and timely of ways in which ecological interactions can Society.org) recent developments in the study of the be incorporated into similar approaches. mechanisms by which plants compete These papers also emphasize importance Maud Ferrari is described and critically evaluated in of being able to integrate large the Special Feature, Mechanisms of Plant environmental, trait-based and genomic Competition, guest edited by David datasets and show how future forecasting Robinson, Clare Trinder and Rob Brooker. in biology will benefit from the synthesis Plant competition is resistant to direct of traditional bioinformatics and what is study, its occurrence often has to be now largely considered ecoinformatics. inferred after the event and estimated Chown and Hoffman have also assembled indirectly from crude proxies, and is a Virtual Issue to accompany the Extended shrouded in semantic and statistical Spotlight. complexity. The literature is replete with ‘plant competition experiments’, but many of these give only partial, indirect or weak information about competitive mechanisms and their ecological relevance. Yet, such experiments provide much of the empirical bedrock on which the prevailing theories of plant community dynamics rest, and in which competition plays central roles. The current position is one in which ‘competition’ is as much a part of the plant ecology furniture as it is of ecology generally, not because it is fully understood, but because it is a theoretically useful concept. Ecology is still waiting for its big breakthrough on competition, as on so much else. But even so, the new evidence and insights now being obtained about the mechanisms by which plants compete will move us closer to achieving it. William Hopkins

48 britishecologicalsociety.org Publishing News

Earlier this year and as part of the BES’ The INTECOL congress also provides an Centenary Celebration, Journal of Ecology excellent opportunity to celebrate fifty published the ‘Identification of 100 years of Journal of Applied Ecology with www.journalofecology.org fundamental ecological questions’ by many of our readers, authors and editorial @JEcology Sutherland et al. (101:1). This paper has board, who are so integral to the success proved to be very visible via social media of the Journal. We have devised several INTECOL 2013 channels – it is in the 99th percentile awards including ‘Best title of a paper’ and INTECOL 2013 is almost upon us and of articles tracked by Altmetric. This ‘Most cited author’, as well as honouring many members of the Journal of Ecology paper has also been recommended by our most hard-working and long-serving Editorial Board will be attending the F1000Prime. Reviewers and Associate Editors, among conference. This includes Executive others. We will be announcing the Editor David Gibson, Editors Amy Austin, Editorial Board changes recipients of the awards at the BES Journals Richard Bardgett and Mark Rees as well We would like to warmly welcome to the reception which will be held during as a number of our Associate Editors. Visit Editorial Board a number of new Associate INTECOL, and the full list of winners will the BES stand during the conference to Editors: Yvonne Buckley, Walter Carson, be provided in a subsequent Bulletin article. meet members of the Editorial Office, Dan Flynn, Matthew Heard, Andrew especially if you have any questions about MacDougall and David Wardle. We Practitioner’s Perspectives the Journal. would also like to thank Associate Editors We are very pleased to announce Marcelo Aizen, Rob Brooker and Thomas another milestone during our Golden Journal of Ecology is pleased to be Kitzberger, who have stepped down from Jubilee year with the publication of our sponsoring a symposium at INTECOL 2013 the Board this year, for all of the work that 10th Practitioner’s Perspective article “A entitled ‘The Tree of Life in ecosystems: they have done for the Journal. partnership approach to addressing applied evolution of plant effects on carbon and ecological research needs of an oil and gas nutrient cycling’ organised by Associate Lauren Sandhu business” by Pedroni et al. (50: 539–543). Editors Hans J.H.C. Cornelissen and Will Assistant Editor The Practitioner’s Perspective series was K. Cornwell. The symposium will also (Lauren@BritishEcologicalSociety. created at the beginning of 2011 in order be published as a Special Feature in the org) to provide a platform for individuals Journal at the beginning of next year. involved in management of ecological systems to explain what is needed to In the News ensure more effective interactions between Two papers published in Journal of research and its applications. Phil Hulme is Ecology have featured in the news over www.journalofappliedecology.org responsible for overseeing the series, which the past few months. Queen’s University @JAppliedEcology has become very successful and we now in Ontario, Canada published a press We are all looking forward to the receive a steady flow of article submissions release about the paper ‘Caribou upcoming joint BES annual meeting and on a wide range of topics. Practitioner’s exclusion during a population low INTECOL congress, and Journal of Applied Perspectives are all free to access, and can increases deciduous and evergreen shrub Ecology has plenty of activities planned: be found on the Journal website (http:// species biomass and nitrogen pools in www.journalofappliedecology.org/view/0/ low Arctic tundra’ by Zamin & Grogan. Editors E.J. Milner-Gulland and Jos Barlow PractitionersPerspective.html). ‘Sex allocation, pollen limitation and will be running a workshop on “How masting in whitebark pine’ by Rapp, best can international journals support Altmetrics McIntire & Crone has also been press ecologists in emerging economies?”, We are particularly focussed on ensuring released more recently by Harvard which will involve a panel discussion with that the papers we publish are more University and the NSF. All Journal of Navinder Singh from Swedish University widely read than just by other academic Ecology press releases are available to of Agricultural Sciences, Joice Ferreira from researchers. In order to track the broader access via the new BES website. Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation impact of our work, we are starting to and the author of the first article in our provide a wider range of Journal and Altmetric Reviews in Emerging Economies series (49: article-level metrics which measure Journal of Ecology, along with the rest of 535-541), Martin Fisher from the journal different aspects of the impact of the the BES Journals, has begun a trial with Oryx, Phil McGowan from Newcastle Journal and individual articles. With just article level metrics (ALMs). Readers University, and Liz Ferguson from Wiley- under 675000 full text downloads for can access an article’s Altmetric score Blackwell. An interactive audience question papers published in 2012, Journal of by downloading the enhanced PDF and answer session will follow the panel Applied Ecology articles are accessed far via ReadCube on Wiley Online Library. discussion. more than the average Biological Science Executive Editor David Gibson has article published by Wiley-Blackwell. An written a post on the Journal blog, which Phil Hulme is organising a Journal- enhanced PDF is now available for all new provides more information about article sponsored symposium “Putting Applied papers via ReadCube on Wiley Online level metrics and Journal of Ecology’s Ecology into practice: Knowledge and Library with additional features including relationship with them. needs for the 21st Century” with Peter Kareiva from The Nature Conservancy as the keynote speaker.

49 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

an Altmetric score, which measures personal and social immunity’ by Sheena the amount of online attention a paper Cotter and colleagues. In the paper, the receives (such as tweets, Mendeley authors challenge the personal immune bookmarks or blog, news and Facebook system of female burying beetles mentions, etc.). Our articles receive more and measure subsequent investment online attention than average, with a in social immunity to show that by mean Altmetric score of 4.8 compared balancing investment in personal and to the global average of 3.4. Two recent social immunity in this way during one articles that received a large amount breeding attempt, females are able of online attention are “Rotational to defend their subsequent lifetime vegetation burning effects on peatland reproductive success stream ecosystems” by Ramchunder et al. (50: 636–648) and “Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation: results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis” by Pearce-Higgins et al. (49: 386–394).

Changes to the Editorial Board Recently, Yvonne Buckley and Doug Landis have stepped down as Associate Editors. We would like to thank Yvonne and Doug On the cover is a Chacma baboon in for all their hard work for the Journal. We Tsaobis Nature Park, Namibia, taken also wish Yvonne all the best for her new Harry Marshall, lead author of the paper role on the Journal of Ecology’s Editorial ‘How do foragers decide when to leave a Board, and we are sure they will make patch? A test of alternative models under her very welcome. We would like to offer natural and experimental conditions’. a very warm welcome to Joseph Bennett This paper provides rare empirical tests who joined the editorial board in June. of competing models of patch-departure decisions by animals in natural and Erika Newton field-experimental foraging conditions. Assistant Editor Interestingly, the authors show that [email protected] foragers’ patch-departure decisions may depend on the characteristics of Andrea Baier the environment, and that in some Managing Editor environments simpler models can managingeditor@ actually provide a good description of journalofappliedecology.org this behaviour.

The issue also includes a thoughtful theoretical review paper, ‘Species diversity On the digital side of things, our vimeo and community similarity in fluctuating channel is thriving. One particular www.journalofanimalecology.org environments: parametric approaches highlight is the video produced by @AnimalEcology using species abundance distributions’ – Mike Heithaus and Derek Burkholder entitled ‘A behaviour-mediated trophic The journal leads into INTECOL with the first comprehensive overview of how cascade’, in which they outline – with an exciting July issue (Vol 82, Iss 5), to analyse community dynamics in space some stunning footage of sharks, turtles provided a number of stimulating and time using specific species abundance and sea cows – their study ‘Patterns contributions. Opening the issue is models. Bernt-Erik Saether and colleagues of top-down control in a seagrass Elizabeth Nichols’ In Focus article, which argue for a parametric approach in ecosystem: could a roving apex predator delves into the ‘brown’ world of detritus studies of community structure and (Galeocerdo cuvier) induce a behaviour- food webs by examining the paper organization, and assume an underlying mediated trophic cascade?’ published in ‘Predatory beetles facilitate plant growth lognormal form of the species abundance Wiley Online Library Early View in June. by driving earthworms to lower soil distribution. layers’ by Chuan Zhao et al. The authors We are extremely appreciative of all Finally, turning to the impending of this paper investigate ecosystem the hard work our Associate Editors excitement of INTECOL, we are pleased functioning beyond trophic interactions, do on behalf of the journal. We are to promote the Journal of Animal Ecology- showing that predatory beetles can fortunate to also receive a number of sponsored symposium, organised by indirectly affect plant biomass by excellent submissions from them – a our Editors Mike Boots and Ken Wilson, prompting behavioural changes in soil- good example in the August issue is ‘A on ‘Multilevel transmission processes improving earthworms. direct physiological trade-off between in disease transmission: blending

50 britishecologicalsociety.org

models and data’. The symposium In April Associate Editor Matt Spencer will include presentations by animal wrote an interesting piece for the BES Publications team disease experts from around the world, Methods blog (methodsblog.wordpress. The current BES Publications team including keynote speaker Peter Hudson com) entitled “Strangeness and simplicity are pictured below. Graziella Iossa is (Pennsylvania State University, USA), in ecology”, in which he discusses why currently on maternity leave. Meggan Craft (University of Minnesota, not all ecological work is unbearably USA), Sandra Telfer (University of dull to read about, and what this Aberdeen) and Katie Hampson means for ecological methods. In April, (University of Glasgow). Accompanying another of our AEs, Satu Ramula, also the symposium will be a Virtual Issue of contributed with a nice summary of Catherine Hill, Head of Publications the journal, showcasing important recent demographic models: “Out of the jungle animal disease papers we’ve published. of demographic analyses”.

We look forward to seeing you all in Now in our fourth year, Methods has London. published over 300 papers. One of the main objectives when launching the Peter Livermore journal was to bring together research in Andrea Baier, Managing Assistant Editor ecology and evolution, as well as to try Editor, Journal of (admin@journalofanimal Ecology and Journal of to create a unique platform for authors Applied Ecology ecologyorg) developing new methods. Timed for Evolution 2013, we’ve put together a Virtual Issue which highlights some of the papers with an evolutionary theme, www.methodsinecologyandevolution.org published over the preceding 12 months. Liz Baker, Managing @MethodsEcolEvol This Virtual Issue is freely available and Editor, Journal of can be found on the Methods website Issues 4.6 and 4.7 are now available Animal Ecology and (methodsinecologyandevolution. Functional Ecology online, containing a variety of interesting org/virtualIssues). papers and freely available applications. Remember, as a member of the BES, you Methods is currently partaking in a 6 have free access to all Methods content! month trial with Altmetric. Altmetric is a powerful tool that tracks when an article Peter Livermore, Assistant Editor, Journal has been mentioned online on websites of Animal Ecology such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, blog sites, news sites, and many more. An Altmetric score is displayed next to the abstract of each Methods article on Wiley Online Library, which is calculated by taking into account factors such as Erika Newton, the number of times an article has been Assistant Editor, mentioned online, and by whom. With Journal of Applied the increasing use of social media for the Ecology dissemination of research, the Altmetric score aims to quantify the online impact of individual articles. Jennifer Meyer, Samantha Ponton Assistant Editor, Assistant Editor Functional Ecology (coordinator@methodsinecology andevolution.org)

Samantha Ponton, To help with our increasing number of Assistant Editor, submissions, we’re happy to announce Methods in Ecology the addition of 3 new Associate Editors and Evolution (AEs) to the team: Barb Anderson from the University of Otago, Liam Revell from the University of Massachusetts Boston and Carolyn Kurle from UC San Diego. You can Lauren Sandhu, read more about their research interests on Assistant Editor, the Methods website. Journal of Ecology

51 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Book Reviews The book reviews are organised and edited by Peter Thomas

as philosopher, theologian, unpopular but essential problem lucid descriptions of evolutionary historian, art and music critic, that must be faced if humanity theory, ecosystem functioning, and poet. and the Earth’s ecosystems are cellular physiology and habitat to survive. The great diversity of characterization – to name but The book could well have been illustrations in this book make a few. His general thesis is that entitled, ‘A Short History of it extremely attractive and there are too few scientifically Nearly Everything’, plagiarising readable, as well as intellectually literate people and too many that of Bill Bryson, as it covers stimulating. Its novel approach intellectually corrupt leaders the geological and biological to so many ecological principles whose concern for economic and history of the Earth, culminating is refreshing, and places Brian social reward over environmental in the development of human Moss among the ranks of Jared management and sustainability cultures. Instead, he calls it Diamond, E.O. Wilson, and gains them an uncritical Liberation Ecology, echoing Paul Ehrlich as a presenter of following that will, in the end, the term Liberation Theology profound thoughts in a highly prove disastrous for the human of Gustavo Gutierrez, which accessible manner. The author race. His long-term fondness emphasised the need for claims that this book was not for the Gaia approach to world people to be freed from written for ecologists, but for history and concern about Liberation ecology: The colonialism, imperialism, and ‘everyone else’. I would delete limiting the size of the global Reconciliation of Natural the pressures imposed by the ‘else’ and suggest that this population shows, as always, that and Human Cultures multinational companies. A is a book for everyone, including he is perfectly willing to argue similar emancipation is needed, Brian Moss (2012): Excellence ecologists. for the less popular objectives according to Brian, to free in Ecology 24, International if he sees convincing evidence. humanity from the exploitative David Walton Ecology Institute, Brian’s genius in this volume lies pressures applied to Earth’s Ecologists are a heterogeneous in using unexpected linkages Oldendorf/Luhe, Germany. limited resources. The message group, as any BES meeting to facilitate his explanations €44.00 (hbk) many not be new, but the conclusively proves, and their – thus the plot of John Fowles’ ISSN 0932-2205 presentation of the argument interests and knowledge cover The French Lieutenant’s Woman is certainly innovative. The The Excellence in Ecology prize a frighteningly wide spectrum helps explain planetary history. orderly arrangement of bases in far beyond the disciplines of The disdain with which he is awarded by the German- DNA is likened to the structure based International Ecology science. Yet normally their despatches those who proclaim of a washing line in West writings are constrained within that “economic growth is good, Institute to those “distinguished Wales. Ecological succession is by outstanding and sustained the formal confines of the essential, undeniable” is clear compared to the development scientific paper or monograph. in every chapter. His design scientific achievements”. Brian of music, from Thomas Tallis to Moss was the happy recipient in Whilst it should be no surprise for liberation is simple and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The to those who know Brian Moss, pragmatic in that he accepts 2009 and joined the illustrious concept of multiple possible ranks of laureates alongside this book breaks all those the difficulties in changing outcome of environmental conventions and provides what human behaviour and the people like John Lawton, E.O. change is illustrated by reference Wilson, Ramon Margalef, Hal is, in my experience, a uniquely problems of the selfish gene to John Fowles’ The French personal yet academically but sees light in the darkness Mooney and Georgina Mace. Lieutenant’s Woman with its Depending upon your point of challenging view of ecology and from the younger generations. various alternative endings. its context in a world dominated The Moss approach has been to view, part of the joy or penance The interconnectedness of of the prize is the requirement by humans. As he says in the question every statement but natural systems is compared Preface, he could have written a accept the connectedness of to write a book to “present their with the paintings of L.S. personal experiences, insights book for his fellow ecologists, but everything even if it cannot yet Lowry and Henri Rousseau. instead chose to try and explain be explained. To Brian the world and visions”. And this is exactly But the romantic ideals of the what Brian has done, here the key elements of ecology to has always been a fascinating Noble Savage as espoused a wider public through parallels set of mysteries from which reviewed by two experienced in the poetry of Dryden and ecologists. from arts and humanities. His human endeavour has extracted Longfellow are soundly rejected. view that ecology is all part of some understandings in science, Peter Moore He concludes, reasonably, a seamless culture is one that I art and music. His students were with the predictable calls for Brian Moss is very familiar share and so it has been for me always challenged to think for habitat conservation, tapping to British ecologists as a a liberating experience to review themselves and in this book he renewable energy resources, limnologist, most famously Brian’s insights into music, does the same to the reader. The recycling materials, and more associated with studies of the literature and painting and how book ends, typically, with one of efficient food production and eutrophication of the Norfolk they help to explain ecology. Brian’s own poems poking fun at distribution, all of which are Broads. In this book, we meet There can be few ecology books the Establishment! entirely commendable. Perhaps with Brian Moss the ecologist, that contain pictures of stain he could have placed greater This sort of publication would but also gain a glimpse of the glass windows, descriptions of jet emphasis, however, on the need probably offend many panels wider aspects of his talents, engines, the Song of Hiawatha, for global population control, an the King James Bible as well as in the RAE and be dismissed

52 britishecologicalsociety.org book reviews

as a mere reiteration of what associated with land-use change, population increase in the past (2012) University of Hamburg, was already known. If I am the impact of intensifying and current depopulation with a Hamburg. right it demonstrates just how tourism and climatic change. loss of rural traditions, economic €20.00 (pbk) far from the holistic view we The next two chapters present a factors including links, such ISSN 1613-9801 have strayed and how little we temporal perspective, specifically as roads, with lowland centres, Free download: www. value the unorthodox. Whilst he environmental and glacial and technological innovations biodiversity‐plants.de/biodivers_ eschews references in the text history. The latter details the such as mechanization, and ecol/ his end notes to each chapter are research of the late 1800s and the unavoidable question of fascinating in drawing attention early 1900s which established climate change. All of these Don’t get me started about to his catholic range of sources. the role of ice and ice ages factors interact with varying databases of georeferenced Unfortunately the public at in shaping Mediterranean degrees of intensity to create vegetation plot data in Britain! large will never see or hear of it mountain landscapes, reviews dynamic mountain landscapes Several hundred thousand such but I strongly recommend the the current state of knowledge throughout Mediterranean plots must have been recorded book to any ecologist with a about glacial history in each countries. This dynamism is over the past century but the broad outlook. A shorter version of the major mountain chains/ entering a new phase which records are mainly scattered published as an e-book by a countries, and comments on the is driven by recent climatic or lost. If you know where they major publisher could however status of the numerous recent change, the subject of Chapter are, access is often difficult reach its intended recipients with and current glaciers (there are 9 in which predictive models and metadata lacking. The few who knows what effects? 40 glaciers in Turkey alone); are discussed; warming and examples of good practice seem unsurprisingly their future is drying are the likely outcomes; little supported. For the time uncertain given global warming. glaciers will shrink and winter being the plot-based Countryside Landforms and soils, the result rainfall will decline, droughts Survey programme, which I of past and present climatic will increase and surface water would argue is the most policy- regimes in combination with flow will be reduced. Ecological relevant biological survey in the sea-level changes and geology, and socio-economic adaptations UK, is on ice. which includes limestone and and change will ensue similar calcareous rocks as well throughout the Mediterranean It is therefore both welcomed as varied metamorphic rocks and mountains; and what happens and galling to see in this special granite, are also documented in in the mountains will affect the edition of Biodiversity and Chapter 4. Equally, climate is a lowlands though prediction is Ecology that they do things primary control on hydrology complex and uncertain. As the better elsewhere. A meeting as discussed in chapter 5: concluding chapter indicates, on vegetation databases in from the sub-Saharan of the Mediterranean mountains Hamburg was the stimulus south, to the dry continental face many challenges and for this publication and it is climate of the east and the more uncertainties. a celebration of the recently Mediterranean Mountain pronounced continental climate established Global Index of Environments of the north. Inevitably, water Antoinette Mannion Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD). One hundred and eighty Edited by Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis is a prized and diminishing two databases were on the (2012) Wiley-Blackwell, resource; its scarcity will rapidly expanding GIVD by May Chichester. intensify with climatic change so adaptation and planning are 2012. £75.00 (hbk) vital. Mediterranean mountains, ISBN 978-0-470-68624-9 The first six papers in this volume in common with mountains cover strategic issues relating £37.50 (pbk) worldwide, are biodiversity to vegetation databases and ISBN 978-0-470-68625-6 hotspots with many endemics examples of their use. One of as is reviewed in chapter 6. the most serious problems is, At the outset I must declare Zoogeographical features include of course, developing species an interest in this book as I diversity, rare and endangered reference lists which cope with contributed one of the chapters species and refuges while synonymy and taxonomic on ‘Quaternary environmental conservation via national parks revision. Most of the volume history’. However, I played and protected landscapes is consists of information about the no other role in its planning, briefly examined. Chapter 7 individual GIVD databases, their, reviewing or production. There introduces a human element purpose, content and structure. are 16 contributors in total Vegetation Databases and the cultural significance of Some accounts are for small data who tackle a broad spectrum of for the 21st Century: Mediterranean mountains in holdings but others are about material. The opening scene- prehistory and history; religion, Biodiversity and Ecology 4 impressive achievements. For setting chapter pays tribute to mythology, genres de vie of the Edited by Jürgen Dengler, Jens example, in The Netherlands McNeil’s (1992) classic text The past and present including the Oldeland, Florian Jansen, Milan their national database has more Mountains of the Mediterranean rise of various forms of mountain Chytrý, Jörg Ewald, Manfred than 600,000 plots recorded World in identifying their unique tourism including ecotourism. Finckh, Falko Glöckler, Gabriela and the French have more than characteristics of glacial history This leads on to a discourse Lopez‐Gonzalez, Robert K. Peet 200,000 records. and endemism, and highlights in chapter 8 on land-use & Joop H.J. Schaminée the problems and challenges change and its drivers such as

53 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The material presented here is Exploration of concepts rather There are then chapters on mainly technical and of interest than analysis of data is at the their natural enemies, their to those who commission, core of this book. It is therefore use in biological control, their design and manage data bases. predominantly discursive, communication and the role Sadly none of the papers relate although a large amount of they play generally in insect to UK data. The way in which case study material is included. communities, before final vegetation is changing is planet There is, however, only a thoughts on recent progress saving knowledge. It would cursory treatment of ecological in our understanding of their be nice to think that someone principles and the major biology and likely future might persuade funders and emphasis is upon the social and advances. Overall this is a rich researchers in the UK to take institutional factors which shape mine of information and full of the vegetation plot data and landscapes. Of course, in the important and fascinating detail international data sharing more past hundred years we have seen and it has much to be admired. seriously. the breakdown of many long It can be highly recommended established land management except that the price is so high John Hopkins systems, often with significant that it cannot be realistically simplification of ecological expected that many individuals systems. An important message Ecology and Behaviour will buy it and even libraries will of the book is that we should of the Ladybird Beetles be challenged to afford it. What not look on such systems (Coccinellidae) a shame. sentimentally as they are often Edited by Ivo Hodek, Helmut F. Mark Young associated with human injustice van Emden & A. Honek (2012) and hardship. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester. An area of confusion explored £120.00 (hbk) by several authors is the lack ISBN 978-1-4051-8422-9 of clarity in what is meant by “social system”. In the UK we There has been such an upsurge would be wise to reflect more in interest in Ladybird beetles on this issue as our political recently that a book dedicated to class have become besotted their fundamental and applied by local communities as biology is very welcome. Of decision makers when in fact course, there has always been a realisation that ladybirds are Resilience and the Cultural landscapes are shaped as much by regional, national and a vital part of biological control Landscape: Understanding international processes, not and that studies of their genetics and Managing Change least globalisation of trade, and has lead to real insights, but in Human-Shaped this in my view enfeebles much recently they have become Environments current environmental policy. iconic and much-loved creatures and the invasion of northern Edited by Tobias Plieninger There is a very interesting and European countries by the large and Claudia Bieling (2012) wise reflection on this topic by and colourful but voracious Insect Outbreaks Revisited Cambridge University Press, Ann Kinzig in the penultimate Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia Edited by Pedro Barbosa, Cambridge. chapter. axyridis) has produced a huge Deborah Letourneau & Anurag £45.00 (hbk) If I was asked to give a shelf surge in popular and scientific Agrawal (2012) Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-107-02078-8 mark for this book it would be as interest in them. This book is Chichester. social geography but ecologists dedicated to the memory of £65.00 I have always felt more confident with an interest in the interaction Professor Michael Majerus, ISBN 978-1-4443-3759-4 about giving advice where between society and nature and who sadly died recently but analysts arrive at a similar view those involved in policy advice who contributed so much to The whole subject of insect from different starting points. will find it of interest. stimulating work on ladybirds outbreaks, (with its related This book sets out to examine and who should have been an subject of insect population such points of similarity John Hopkins author. cycles), has been a very and difference between two important driver for our general analytical schools, the students This is a very well illustrated understanding of population of cultural landscapes, who see a and authoritative account, dynamics, so there have been world shaped by the interaction with an excellent set of authors previous important books on of humans and nature, and and a very full range of topics. the topic, notably the 1987 supporters of the Resilience Basic material on phylogeny volume authored by Barbosa Alliance, with their emphasis and taxonomy (backed up by and Schultz. This volume is upon linked socio-economic full appendices of scientific specifically designed to update systems, panarchy and the names) and on life histories and the earlier volume. Many of adaptive cycle. development, feeding, diapause the chapters are indeed direct and genetics are all included.

54 britishecologicalsociety.org bookbook reviewsreviews

updates but there are also some This is not just a simple If you are a casual user of a events and biocrises, moving new things to include, such as handbook giving an indication bat detector this book will be on to an excellent overview on the impact of climate change on of what each of our bat species helpful in that it gives detailed palaeobiogeographic patterns insect populations. In particular, sounds like with a bat detector. descriptions of the frequencies and problems, and finally it is important to understand It does do that, but also so much and what you should hear for concentrating on Cenozoic whether pest outbreaks will more. This is a detailed book each species but the detail will Environments and the effects of become more frequent and that will tell you everything probably be overkill. If you are asteroid impacts. serious. worth knowing about analysing seriously interested in bat calls bat calls. It starts with an in- this is certainly the book to use All the included chapters are Many authors contribute to depth account of the physics since, despite the little niggles, excellently written and provide the twenty chapters here, of sound and its detection, and it is inclusive, detailed and very a state-of-the-art insight and these are grouped into how bats use sound for feeding clearly written and organised. into the various evolutionary sections termed Physiological and communication. This is phenomena observable, and and life history perspectives, followed by technical sections on Peter Thomas the dynamics and interaction of Population dynamics and equipment and software, from fossil ecosystems. The thematic multispecies interactions, hand-held heterodyne detectors range (from Late Neoproterozoic Population, community and to equipment that works by Ediacaran evolution of animals ecosystem ecology, Genetics frequency division (reducing all to the perturbation of Miocene and evolution, and Applied frequencies across the spectrum ecosystems) will make sure that perspectives. The last section, by a factor of 10 so the whole everyone interested in dynamic with six chapters, is the largest range of calls are audible in real palaeobiological systems will part of the book. Every chapter time) time expansion (which find his or her favourite chapter! is very well referenced and there gives a more accurate recording Sometimes rather extensive, but are some useful and attractive of sound but is played in slow- nonetheless carefully selected illustrations. They are also time to make it audible) and full references provide an additional generally wide-ranging, but with spectrum sampling (recording valuable source for further the use of specific examples to everything at very high sample information and guide the reader make the arguments come to rates to give accuracy and towards the overall complex life. Overall this is an important real time). How each of these nature of the evolutionary topics and informative book, on a vital methods works, and their pros described. subject which is not only of and cons, is explored in detail. The book does not intend to specific interest but which has There is less help with software Earth and Life: a relevance to all ecologists who be a textbook for students than one would hope, perhaps Global Biodiversity, nor does it pretend to be the work with population ecology. It due to commercial sensitivities. should be as influential as the Extinction Intervals proceedings of a highly-focused Sonograms used later in the and Biogeographic scientific conference. However, 1987 book. book are displayed in BatSound Perturbations Through the editor managed to organise and AnalookW but BatSound Mark Young Time the entire volume in such an gets hardly a mention elsewhere excellent way, that it could and and Analook does but briefly. Edited by John A. Talent (2012) will easily serve both purposes. Perhaps to the serious bat worker Springer, Dordrecht. The extraordinarily good (largely this is not a problem but as an £ 90.00 (hbk) colour) illustrations attract and amateur this left me floundering. ISBN 978-90-481-3427-4 invite the reader to dive into the This is not helped by the index; various chapters – even by just for example ‘heterodyne’ is Earth and Life has hit the flipping through the book, you’ll included only as a sub-heading bookshelves! Over the 1100 find yourself sitting down and under ‘identification’ and takes printed pages, 74 international starting to read the different you to the species accounts but authors from all continents chapters. This is clearly a ‘must not to an explanation of what describe, analyse and interpret have’ for Palaeontologists, it means (which is very nicely the signatures and patterns of Palaeobiologists and everyone explained on page 31). bioradiations and extinction interested in the evolutionary events through geological The bulk of the book is made up aspects of the development of time. This very well illustrated of species accounts giving you life on our planet. It should also book is organised in five broad background information not be missed by university major chapters, starting with on distribution, emergence libraries – this book will certainly general overviews on major British Bat Calls: A Guide time, flight and foraging not end up as a dust collector on topics such as the Phanerozoic behaviour and habitat. There the bookshelves of our students to Species Identification biodiversity and complex is also detailed information on – it’s simply too fascinating and John Russ (2012) Pelagic interacting Global Cycles, echolocation and social calls and inspiring! Publishing, Exeter. followed by the description their characteristics as recorded and analysis of evolutionary Michael Montenari £29.99 (pbk) by the different methods patterns and innovations, then ISBN 978-1-907807-25-1 listed above with numerous focussing on global extinction sonograms.

55 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

may use different habitats in phenological changes in habitat the various parts of its range, features such as leaf emergence perhaps being lowland in the in trees, and insect abundance, eastern Europe and montane in relation to migrant arrival in Spain, as is the case with the dates, and nesting periods are middle-spotted woodpecker. well known. One response for Habitats themselves change birds arriving out of synchrony over time, depending on with the food supply would be successional processes in to alter its latitudinal settlement ecosystem, changing human pattern and thus increase its activities and land-use, and fitness, as is illustrated by the shifts in climatic conditions. It pied flycatchers of northern is not straightforward, therefore, Europe. to predict the avifauna of a site simply on the basis of One might have expected a habitat conditions. These chapter on climate change in aspects of the study are taken relation to migration routes and up as separate discussions ‘winter’ habitats south of the Trees in Towns II: A Sahara, which are so critical in Birds and Habitat of structure, transitional New Survey of Urban habitats, heterogeneity, and the survival of long-distance Trees in England and Edited by Robert J. Fuller (2012) migrants. As a collection of the relationship between bird their Condition and Cambridge University Press, essays, this work will serve communities and fragmented Management Cambridge. cultural landscapes. The second many purposes. It is of interest £75.00 (hbk) part of the book moves from to theoretical ecologists Chris Britt & Mark Johnston ISBN 978-0-521-89756-3 the general to the specific and and modellers, to habitat (2008) Department for considers individual habitats, conservationists in the field, and Communities and Local £40.00 (pbk) including moorland, arctic-alpine to the vast army of birders who Government, London. ISBN 978-0-521-72233-9 wish to explore the ecological montane, wetland (reed swamps, £13.63 (pbk) Available from relationships between birds and fens, mudflats, saltmarshes, www.lulu.com/content/ The RSPB, although mainly their environment. concerned with bird protection, etc.), and temperate forest. The paperback-book/trees-in-towns- has become the largest general selection of habitats for specific Peter Moore ii/12620931 study is inevitably limited conservation movement in ISBN 978-185-112-8891 Europe as a result of the close and has a distinctly northwest relationship between birds European, if not British bias. A and their habitats. Conserving kind of appendix chapter does birds inevitably involves the look at the North American conservation of habitats, and scene, however, where habitats thereby many other elements of are generally more extensive flora and fauna. It is important, and less fragmented than those therefore, to ascertain precisely of Europe, and also Australia, what a bird requires of its especially in relation to human- habitat, which may involve induced habitat change. There is climatic limitations, structural no coverage of steppes, deserts, factors (largely determined by Mediterranean, or polar tundra vegetation), habitat diversity habitats, but the selection (especially if feeding and nesting does permit the authors to requirements are different), food explore the nature of at least supply (often dependent on the some bird/habitat relationships in detail. The final section of other species of plant and animal Urban Trees: A Practical in the habitat), and space, the book revisits some of the Management Guide Trees in the Townscape, a which is needed in different general topics raised in the degrees depending on specific introductory chapters, such as Steve Cox (2011) Crowood Press, Guide for Decision Makers territorial requirements. The what constitutes habitat quality, Marlborough. TDAG (2012) Trees and Design book opens with a consideration how habitat requirements Action Group. Free at www.tdag. may vary during individual life £19.99 (hbk) of these and many other factors ISBN 978-1-84797-298-9 org.uk that influence the population histories, and the importance dynamics of birds and which of understanding population Here is a group of books on urban define habitat quality for any dynamics in the study of bird/ trees that many ecologists may species. As this introductory habitat relations. One of the not have come across. Interest in section points out, however, most important topics raised in the ecology of urban trees goes there are complications. On a the book is that of adaptation to back to Trees in Towns (1993) continental scale, a bird species climate change. Observations on and Tony Bradshaw’s Trees in the Urban Landscape (1975).

56 britishecologicalsociety.org book reviews

The former was a survey of the But this takes up only about Thorpe, K.V., Poole, J., Rose, D.R., greater emphasis on conserving nature and distribution of urban a third of the book. The rest is Straw, N. & Tilbury, C. (2005) The standing genetic diversity trees and the latter was the first concerned with the maintenance Health of Non-Woodland Trees in in managing species and detailed ecological study of the and management of urban England in 2003. Arboriculture ecosystem. problems and constraints faced trees drawing out examples Research and Information Note by trees in often hostile urban of good practice from around 153, Arboricultural Advisory and Much thinking about environments. Since then there the country, including a large Information Service, Farnham. metapopulations implicitly have been numerous surveys of appendix with 12 case studies assumes an ecological urban trees (e.g. Thorpe et al. on a range of subjects such as Peter Thomas equivalence between 2005) but not so much on their using green waste, sourcing populations. A large part of the ecology. The nearest was Roberts external funding, and fostering book is devoted to the thesis et al. (2006) Tree Roots in the community involvement. So in that geographically distributed Built Environment, a wonderful terms of use for ecologists, this genomes encounter more than book covering all aspects of book gives a descriptive base for just varied abiotic selection. The root growth, protection and knowing what is out there. pattern of coevolution with other management in great detail. genomes also varies due to local Trees in the Townscape is abiotic factors and there is added Now we have three more very much at the applied end complexity as from place-to- books, but are they useful for of things giving a detailed, place a different range of other ecologists? Urban Trees has all user-friendly overview of what genomes are encountered, giving the chapters you would expect: things need to be considered rise to novel co-evolutionary how trees grow, problems faced when planting new trees. This interactions. It is not unknown by trees and how to plant and starts from surveying what is for example that a host-parasite look after them. It also covers there already and creating a interaction in part of a shared the development of towns and plan of what is wanted. There range is mutualistic elsewhere. how this has affected trees, and is information on choosing the These genotype-by-genotype- what to consider when planning right species, ensuring they have Relentless Evolution by-environment interactions new trees planting. It covers just adequate space water and light create geographical adaptive 174 pages and so is fairly limited whether through an underground John N. Thompson (2013) mosaics and from time-to-time in its depth. It’s nicely illustrated, ‘root cell system’ for protecting University of Chicago Press, ecological speciation. written in an easy style by a roots from soil compaction or the Chicago. Most genomes interact with practicing arboriculturalist who London Borough of Hackney’s £22.50 (pbk) very many others in complex knows his stuff, and so will be a use of volunteer ‘tree carers’ ISBN 978-0-226-01857-1 popular science book for those who water and monitor new networks of trophic and non- urbanites who have a general plantings. While there is not About once a decade I read trophic interactions, what interest in the trees around too much ecology here it does a book which causes me to Thompson calls ‘the web of them. As such, while it is an provide a good example of how restructure the way I think about life’. This is also the title of a interesting book, it has limited to go about putting ecological a topic. This is such a book, thought provoking chapter where value for ecologists. knowledge into the hands of which is substantially concerned he addresses the analytical the right people in the right with evolutionary ecology. challenge of applying the Trees in Towns II follows up way. We should be paying far concepts of earlier chapters to on the 1993 publication by more attention to this ‘applied’ There is a seeming paradox identify the way evolutionary assessing how the quality aspect than we do. Ecology is at the heart of evolutionary and co-evolutionary processes and quantity of urban trees not just about acquiring more research. Whilst rapid evolution shape complex networks of in England has changed since knowledge; it needs to be used. abounds in nature, the ecological interaction and so the original 1992 survey. The paleontological record suggests ecosystems. This is a wonderful survey was based on sampling References much slower change. Thompson book and I would recommend it a series of towns in different Bradshaw, A., Hunt, B. & persuasively marshals the to all ecologists and evolutionary regions and the result is a Walmsley, T. (1995) Trees in the evidence that this is because biologists. wealth of information on tree much of evolution is driven Urban Landscape. E & FN Spon, John Hopkins density, species composition, London. by trophic, antagonistic size and health. For example, and mutualistic interaction sycamore is the commonest Land Use Consultants (1993) between genomes driving rapid large broadleaved tree, we now Trees in Towns. Report to the non-directional coevolution. have more urban trees than Department of the Environment, He argues that metaphors in the 1992 survey, Leyland London. for evolution such as that of cypress is most common in the the arms race often wrongly Roberts, J., Jackson, N. & Smith, southeast (9.7 trees ha-1), and, represent situations where there M. (2006) Tree Roots in the surprisingly, 70% of the trees is a carousel of similar measures Built Environment. Research for surveyed were in good condition and counter-measures being Amenity Trees No. 8, Department and only 3% were poor, dying deployed. This places much for Communities and Local or dead. This is a veritable mine Government, London. of statistics on urban trees.

57 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

matrix algebra and Markov making, Opportunities, models. Comparative anatomy Transition, Self -awareness) and and the development of concepts the planned happenstance of homology are basic to the model which is less prescribed evolution of systematics as a and focuses on curiosity, discipline, and the subject is persistence, flexibility, optimism given a full and intensive airing. and risk taking. Subsequent chapters deal with self- The book then moves into awareness, with emphasis on molecular mode with a various means of quantifying or discussion of genetic sequencing ranking skills and preferences, and the establishment of the job market for which phylogenetic trees. Inevitably, information relies on this involves a move into more advertisements in diverse outlets advanced mathematics and as well as networking and should computation. One problem I include self-employment. The found here was the relative Career Planning for Systematics: A Course of chapter on the enhancement of isolation of the individual Research Bioscientists employability could be Lectures chapters and a lack of clear Sarah Blackford (2012) considered as the most valuable Ward C. Wheeler (2012) Wiley- linking between them, in Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester. contribution to securing Blackwell, Chichester. addition to a dubious employment since it encourages arrangement of topic order in £19.99 (pbk) £95.00 (hbk) positive responses to some cases. Perhaps this is to be ISBN 978-1-4051-9670-3 ISBN 978-0-470-67170-2 opportunities; it also examines expected in a book on the role of funding in a research Job scarcity, especially for the £45.00 (pbk) systematics and illustrates the career, networking through young, is a matter of ISBN 978-0-470-67169-6 problems of sequencing and tree conferences, teaching roles, construction! The chapter on international concern so any Arranged as a collection of workshops, voluntary work, sequence alignment, for form of ‘helping hand’ is seventeen 90 minute classes support groups in home example, opens by referring to welcome in the scientific world. (each including discussion institutions, publications, etc. the analysis of sequence data The diversity of bioscience, questions and exercises), this that is to be described in the which embraces not only the This book provides sound advice account of systematics gives subsequent four chapters. If this mainstream fields of biology but and brings together the many a broad perspective on the collection is indeed to be the more peripheral overlaps with factors which are essential for job history and current status of a presented as a series of lectures, chemistry, physics and acquisitions and promotions. The discipline that is as old as the then I fear that students might environmental science, make it appendices add a further science of biology itself. History well become lost at this stage. difficult to generalise although dimension through the is a major feature of the book, Some initial explanation of why one major key lies in the documentation of case studies in commencing with an account this topic is to prove important to research context. This is a wide range of employment of the thinking of Aristotle and subsequent chapters might have highlighted by the opening situations, e.g. academic posts, Theophrastus and continuing helped. The book then proceeds comment of Blackford, who is a clinical trials, start-up up to Gaylord Simpson and through a discussion of careers advisor now working for biotechnology, government Mayr in the opening chapter. statistical approaches and Society of Experimental Biology, research, patents, healthcare. Each subsequent section problems in tree construction, that “career planning is as vital The value and variety of social of the collection includes a and ends with an account of the to researchers as planning media, which help spread the description of the particular molecular clock, and the placing experiments”. word, are highlighted, while the subject’s development and the of dates on lineage splits. Viewed examples of curriculum vitae personalities involved, and this The opening chapter establishes as a series of lectures, this is and covering letters are helpful, presentation of the historical the book’s objectives, notably the clearly aimed at graduate level and the value of support development of themes, audience is defined and the courses in systematics, although resources such as institutional accompanied by portraits of the necessity of planning is some elements would prove programmes, postdoctoral major contributors to theory, emphasised, especially in a useful at undergraduate level. associations and those of science adds greatly to the appeal and rapidly changing research world organisations is emphasised. interest of the book. Initial topics Peter Moore wherein there are few secure include the basic philosophy permanent posts for the entire Antoinette Mannion of science (from William working lives of scientists. of Ockham to Karl Popper), Chapter two concentrates on two the concept of the species, career planning models, notably and the mathematical and the DOTS model (Decision computational basis of modern systematic analysis, including

58 britishecologicalsociety.org bookbook reviewsreviews

Also Received 3Principles of Ecological Tamarix: A Case Study of Landscape Design Ecological Change in the Travis Beck (2013) Island Press, American West Washington, DC. Edited by Anna Sher & Martin $40.00 (pbk) F. Quigley (2013) Oxford 978-1-59726-702-1 University Press, New York. Planning a building development £55.00 (hbk) or a new town? This book gives ISBN 978-0-19-989820-6 practical advice on integrating the ecological and sustainable Invasive, profligate with water into the design, from looking (“once purported to use as after soil to building in coping much water as entire cities”) strategies for the inevitable and a potent wildfire fuel, disturbance. particularly in N America. Wildlife of the Himalayas Here is the ultimate reference Ancient Woodland: and the Terai Region written by 44 leading authorities History, Industry and covering biology, ecology and Edited by Ashok S. Kothari & Crafts Boman F. Chhapgar (2012) management. Ian D. Rotherham (2013) Shire Bombay Natural History Desert Lake: Art, Science Publications, Oxford. Society/Oxford University Press, Oxford. and Stories from Paruku £6.99 (pbk) ISBN 978-0-74781-165-7 £45.00 (hbk) Edited by Steve Morton, Mandy ISBN 978-0-19-808395-5 Martin, Kim Mahood & John Carty (2013) CSIRO Publishing, The human history side of old woodlands in a very readable This is the fourth book in a series Collingwood. small book with many colour designed to make accessible old AU$59.95 (hbk) photographs of old crafts. writings, drawings and paintings ISBN 978-0-643-10628-4 of India’s flora and fauna. A large-format coffee-table book, A large format book combining it runs through a wide range of art, science and interviews with animals from this region from indigenous people about life and deer, tigers and elephants to living on the land in this region rats, bats and moles. It’s a lovely of NW Australia that we used to gentle read. I picked up tips call Lake Gregory. on hunting yak from Colonel Alexander Kinloch (1885), learnt Population and about the then prevalent myth Community Ecology of that tigers sucked the blood of Ontogenetic Development their victims from W.T. Blandford André M. de Roos & Lennart (1888-1891) and puzzled over Persson (2013) Princeton the curious habit of the Tibetan University Press, Princeton. wild ass turning tight circles whenever they spotted a man £44.95 (hbk) as told by The Shramana Ekai ISBN 978-0-691-13757-5 Kawaguchi (1909). The text is punctuated by high quality How an organism changes in B&W and colour drawings of size or morphology depends the animals. The most striking upon the efficiency with which full-page paintings, scattered they convert food into biomass, every few pages through the and differences in the efficiency book, are of birds and a few of different organisms can plants, although there is no text create bottlenecks in population on these. This is just the book regulation by changing to give as a gift or to enjoy on maturation and reproduction a quiet evening with a glass of rates. This book investigates whisky (perhaps while wearing a the theoretical consequences of pith helmet). those bottlenecks for populations and communities. Peter Thomas

59 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013 diary

The Society’s Meetings SEP 8-10 NOV 12-15 Plant Genome Evolution 2013. Amsterdam, The sixth International Conference on 2013 the Netherlands. Details from http://www. Coexistence between Genetically Modified (GM) AUG 18-23 plantgenomeevolution.com/. and non-GM based Agricultural Supply Chains. INTECOL 11 - Ecology: Into the next 100 years. Lisbon, Portugal. Details from: http://gmcc13. ExCeL, London, UK. Incorporating the BES SEP 9-12 org/index.php. Annual Meeting and centenary IALE 2013 European Congress. Manchester. Details: http://www.iale2013.eu/. NOV 20-23 The Society’s Committee 2nd New Phytologist Symposium. Buenos SEP 13-15 Aires, Argentina.Website:http://www. Meetings 2013 BCT National Bat Conference. University newphytologist.org/symposiums/view/2 2013 of Warwick. Details from: http://www.bats.org. uk/pages/national_bat_conference.html. NOV 24-29 AUG 20 Finance and Management Board (at EcoTas13 – 5th Joint Conference of New Excel during INTECOL) SEP 17-20 Zealand Ecological Society and Ecological Changes in Alpine and Arctic Flora under Society of Australia. Auckland, New Zealand. OCT 10 Public and Policy Committee Climate Change. Kurhaus Bergün, Grisons, Details from: www.ecotas13.org. Switzerland. Details from: http://www.wsl.ch/ OCT 22 ETCC alpine-arctic-flora/itex/index_EN. DEC 1-5 NOV 18 Finance Board 8th International Conference on Coelenterate SEP 24-29 Biology (ICCB). Eilat, Israel. Details from: http:// 37th Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society. DEC 12 Council www.iccb2013.com/. Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Details from: www. Other Meetings waterbirds.org. 2014 2013 SEP 27 – 30 JAN 19-24 Annual Conference of the International Wader International Symposium on Foraminifera. AUG 4-9 Study Group. Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Concepcion, Chile. Website: http://www2.udec. ESA 2013, 98th Annual Meeting – Sustainable Details from: http://www.waderstudygroup.org/. cl/forams2014/. Pathways Learning from the Past and shaping the Future. Minneapolis, USA. Details from: OCT 4-6 JUL 13-17 http://www.esa.org/meetings/. The 4th International Conference on BIOGEOMON 2014. 8th International Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour. Aug 4-9 Populations in Biological Systems. Texas Tech Bayreuth, Germany. Website: http://www. 32nd Congress of the International Society of University, Lubbock, TX, USA. Details from: bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/biogeomon2014/. Limnology. Budapest, Hungary. Details from: www.math.ttu.edu/icma http://www.sil2013.hu/. JUL 13-18 OCT 6-11 The 27th Congress for the International Aug 5-9 5th World Conference on Ecological Union for the Study of Social Insects. Cairns, International Society for River Science: 3rd Restoration. Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Details Australia. Website: http://www.iussi2014.com/. Biennial Symposium. Beijing, China. Details from: http://www.ser2013.org/. from: http://www.conferencealerts.com/show- AUG 3-8 event?id=110371 OCT 21-25 10th European Congress of Entomology. York, Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 - Pan- UK. Details from: http://www.royensoc.co.uk/ Aug 25-29 Canadian Thematic Program - Sustainability of meetings/20140803_ece2014.htm. 24th International Conference of the World Aquatic Ecosystem Networks. New Brunswick, Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Canada. Details from: http://www.crm. AUG 3-8 Parasitology. Perth, Western Australia. Details umontreal.ca/act/theme/theme_2013_1_en/ 9th IsoEcol Conference. The University of from: http://www.waavp2013perth.com/. ecosystem_network13_e.php. Western Australia, Perth. Details http://www. isoecol2014.org/. AUG 25-30 OCT 23-25 10th: Combining experimental and theoretical Ecological Networks. Delving into the AUG 3-8 approaches to understand biogeochemical Architecture of Biodiversity. Coimbra, Portugal. 9th European Conference on Ecological interfaces in soil. Florence, Italy. Details from: Details from: http://www.networks.uc.pt/. Restoration, Oulu, Finland. Further details: http://goldschmidt.info/2013/. http://chapter.ser.org/europe/upcoming-events/ NOV 8-12 conferences-workshops/. SEP 4-6 2nd Global Conference on Entomology. Ento 13 - Thirty years of Thornhill and Alcock: Kuching, Sarawak, India. Details from: http:// AUG 25-30 The Evolution of Insect Mating Systems. www.gce2013.com/ Combining experimental and theoretical St-Andrews, Scotland. Details from: http:// approaches to understand biogeochemical www.royensoc.co.uk/content/ento-13-4-6- NOV 10-13 interfaces in soil at the Goldschmidt september-2013. 61st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Conference. Florence, Italy. Details from: http:// Society of America. Austin, Texas, USA. goldschmidt.info/2013/ Further details from: http://www.entsoc.org/ entomology2013.

60 britishecologicalsociety.org

MINUTES Of THE 32ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Minutes 3. The Accounts for the year ended Training and Careers Committee, 31 December 2011 and the reports respectively. Bill Sutherland stepped The AGM and Awards Ceremony was of the Treasurer and Auditors down from the post of Vice President held at 16:30 on Wednesday 19th and was the Council nomination for December 2012 in the Great Hall, The Accounts for the year ended 31 the President Elect post. The Council University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, December 2011 were published in nomination for the vacant Vice President Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. the August 2012 Bulletin 43:3, 64-87 post was Mick Crawley. The motion to A total of 204 members were in and summarized in the Annual Report. accept these changes to the Officers of attendance. The Treasurer presented the accounts. He noted that there would be some the Society was proposed by C. Thomas, 1. Minutes of the 31st AGM spending on centenary activities in 2012 seconded by W. Gosling and carried by a majority with no votes against. The minutes of the 31st AGM held on but that the majority of funds would be spent in 2013. He also noted that a new Tuesday 13th September 2011 in the 6. To elect Ordinary Members publishing contract had been agreed Octagon Centre, University of Sheffield, of Council Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN, United with Wiley Blackwell which provided Three members of Council were retiring Kingdom and published in the December greater income stability over the next and the Society thanked Jeff Bale, 2012 Bulletin 43:4, 94 were presented five years. He advised the AGM that the Tim Blackburn and Adam Vanbergen to the membership. The motion to BES was also developing a longer tern for their hard work and commitment approve the minutes was proposed by A. financial plan. while in post. There were five Council Beckerman, seconded by A. Vanbergen The motion to approve the accounts and nominations and so a ballot was held. and carried by a majority with no votes the reports of the Treasurer and Auditors Tellers were appointed. The three against. was proposed by R. Mitchell, seconded candidates who gained the most votes 2. Centenary celebrations by A. Vanbergen and carried by a were O. Lewis, M. O’Callaghan and E. majority with no votes against. Sayer who were duly elected as Ordinary The President presented the AGM with Members of Council. an update on plans for the BES centenary 4. The reports of the Council celebrations in 2013. The BES Festival Secretary, the Hon. Chairpersons of 7. The appointment of the Auditors of Ecology Manager, Julie Hodgkinson, the Committees and the Editors for 2012 and their remuneration. had worked closely with BES Council The AGM noted the excellent turnout The AGM agreed to delegate authority to develop a wide range of events and for the Annual Meeting and also that to BES Council for the appointment of activities for 2013 aimed at different the Annual Symposium in Bangor had the auditors and their remuneration. audiences. The INTECOL Congress, 18 – been a great success. A wide range of The motion to accept this was proposed 23 August 2013, will be the centrepiece Special Interest Group activities had by A. Vanbergen, seconded by A. of the celebrations but there would also taken place during the last 12 months. Beckerman and carried by a majority be several interdisciplinary meetings There had been some internal changes in with no votes against. and the 100 most influential papers publications support but the BES Journals published in the BES Journals would be continued to be outstanding. A new 8. Any other business. identified. A series of innovative posters set of educational wall charts had been on key ecological topics will be produced No further business had been received launched for schools and the BES grant for schools which will be accompanied and the AGM was closed. schemes had been completed revised. by competitions and online resources. There reports showed the BES was a The Festival of Ecology, taking place vibrant and active society on the verge of in the early summer of 2013, will be a its next 100 years. series of public-facing events run across the country in partnership with local The motion to approve the reports was museums, galleries and community proposed by M. Hassell, seconded by T. groups. Members were encouraged to Coulson and carried by a majority with get involved and to attend the INTECOL no votes against. Congress. The centenary year would also be used to launch a major membership 5. To elect Officers of Council of the drive and all existing members were Society asked to contribute by helping to recruit Two Officers retired from their post: new members. Charles Godfray and Libby John. The President thanked them for all their hard work and contribution to the BES as Past President and Chair of the Education, Printed on Revive 100 white offset, made from 100% recycled waste and fully FSC® certified. Printed with vegetable-based ink.

61 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

The British Ecological Society Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 together with Council’s and auditor’s reports

Trustees and Advisors Auditors Grants Committee: R Bardgett Members of Council Mazars LLP Meetings Committee: A Beckerman Sutton Times House J Bale: Resigned December 2012 Throwley Way Membership Committee: M Crawley L Batty: Appointed December 2012 Sutton Appointed December 2012 T Blackburn: Resigned December 2012 Surrey SM1 4JQ Personnel Committee: D Hodgson A Beckerman Bankers Public and Policy Committee: J Vickery J Blanchard Barclays Bank plc Publications Committee: A Gray R Bardgett 60 High Street D Coomes Putney M Crawley: Appointed December 2012 London SW11 1XB T Ezard Solicitors C Godfray: Resigned December 2012 Stone King Sewell LLP E Goldberg 16 St John’s Lane W Gosling London EC1M 4BS A Gray Investment Advisors R Hails Barclays Wealth D Hodgson Charity Investments Team G Hurst 15th Floor 1 Churchill Place E John: Resigned December 2012 London E14 5HP O Lewis: Appointed December 2012 R Mitchell Office bearers G Mace President: G Mace M O’Callaghan: President Elect: W Sutherland Appointed December 2012 Appointed December 2012 D Purves Vice President: R Bardgett P Raven M Crawley: Appointed December 2012 E Sayer: Appointed December 2012 Hon. Secretary: D Hodgson W Sutherland Hon. Treasurer: D Purves A Vanbergen: Resigned December 2012 J Vickery Chairpersons of standing Committees (as at date of Executive Director this report) H Norman Finance Board: D Purves

Principal address Management Board: G Mace Charles Darwin House Education, Training & Careers 12 Roger Street Committee: L Batty London WC1N 2JU Appointed December 2012

Company number: 1522897 Charity number 281213

62 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

Council’s report For the year ended 31 December 2012

1. Financial statements Statement of disclosure to auditors: The Society has a governance document which details the structure, terms of The Trustees present their report and • so far as the directors are aware, there reference and membership of Council financial statements for the year ended is no relevant audit information of and its committees. The work of each 31 December 2012. which the company’s auditors are unaware; and committee is supported by a member of 2. COUNCIL’S staff. RESPONSIBILITIES • they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as directors in The 2008-2014 strategic plan for the The Council of the British Ecological order to make themselves aware of Society provides a framework for the Society (the Trustees and directors) are any relevant audit information and to activities in the lead up to and through responsible for preparing the Annual establish that the company’s auditors its centenary year in 2013. Report and the financial statements in are aware of that information. accordance with applicable law and Resources expended on governance = regulations. 3. GOVERNANCE: £51,350 (2% of total) Company law requires the Council to CONSTITUTION, STRUCTURE 4. STATEMENT OF GOALS AND prepare financial statements for each AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES financial year. Under that law the Council SOCIETY The objects for which the Society is have elected to prepare the financial The BES is a company limited by established are to advance the education statements in accordance with United guarantee (Registration no. 1522897) of the public in the subject of ecology Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting and has no share capital. As a registered as a branch of natural sciences and to Practice (United Kingdom Accounting charity (Registration no. 281213), it advance and support research in that Standards and applicable law). The is governed by its Memorandum and field, and to disseminate the results of financial statements are required by law Articles of Association. These were such useful research. to give a true and fair view of the state of extensively reviewed and approved by affairs of the company and of the surplus the membership at the Annual General The vision of the British Ecological or deficit of the company for that period. Meeting (AGM) in September 2007. Society is to advance ecology and In preparing these financial statements, make it count. Ecology is the scientific the Council are required to: Council is the supreme governing study of the distribution, abundance body of the BES. Council comprises and dynamics of organisms, their • select suitable accounting policies and the President, President- Elect or Past interactions with other organisms and then apply them consistently; President, two Vice Presidents, Honorary with their physical environment. At Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, Chair a time when finite natural resources • observe the methods and principles in of the Education, Training and Career are being used at increasing rates, the Charities SORP’; Committee, Chair of the Meetings it has never been more important Committee, Chair of the Publications • make judgements and estimates that for human society to understand its Committee, Chair of the Public and are reasonable and prudent; impact on ecological systems (which Policy Committee, and 12 Ordinary includes systems intensively managed • state whether applicable UK Members. Council is responsible for or impacted on by humans such as Accounting Standards have been nominating officer and chair posts and arable farms, pastures and marine followed, subject to any material they do so through a ballot. Nomination fisheries) and their importance in departures disclosed and explained in for Ordinary Members is open to the maintaining human health. The BES’s the financial statements; whole membership. All members of many activities include the publication of Council are elected by the membership a range of scientific literature, including • prepare the financial statements on at the AGM. All newly appointed Trustees internationally renowned journals, the the going concern basis unless it is go through a process of induction organisation and sponsorship of a wide inappropriate to presume that the which fully briefs them about their roles, variety of meetings, the funding of Company will continue in business. responsibilities and the BES. numerous grant schemes, education work and policy work. The Society The Council is responsible for keeping There are nine committees that report has approximately 3,500 members proper accounting records which to Council. These committees cover worldwide, and membership is open to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any specific areas of work such as education, all with an interest in ecology. There is time the financial position of the British meetings, publications, finance etc., and a small membership fee, with discounts Ecological Society (BES) and enable them comprise Council members and, in most for students and those from low income to ensure that the accounts comply with cases, ordinary members drawn from the countries. the Companies Act 2006. They are also Society’s members. responsible for safeguarding the assets of the BES and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

63 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

5. REPORT ON PRINCIPAL it is difficult to successfully launch new the fully open access journal Ecology and ACTIVITIES subscription journals but this journal has Evolution. We fully support the mission managed to bridge the ecological and of the journal and are delighted to be The Trustees confirm that they have evolutionary communities and provides a partnering with Wiley and a number of complied with the duty in section 4 single forum for tracking methodological other learned societies to help ensure the of the Charities Act 2006 to have due developments in these areas. We ongoing success of this journal. regard to the Charity Commission’s continue to provide this journal free of general guidance on public benefit. All charge to all BES members. As the BES’s centenary year, and the 50th trustees give their time voluntarily and anniversary of Journal of Applied Ecology, do not receive any private benefit. Details Ensuring comprehensive and sustainable 2013 brings a number of exciting of Trustees’ expenses and remuneration access to our journals continues to be opportunities. We are looking forward to are disclosed in notes 5 and 15 a priority and our journals are now the launch of the 100 Influential Papers respectively. available in over 7,000 institutions project later in 2013, which celebrates worldwide, including more than 3,000 100 of the influential papers BES journals To achieve the Society’s vision of institutions in developing countries. All have published over the past 100 years. advancing ecology and making it count, articles are freely available two years The journals will continue to expand the BES aims to: after publication and we also ensure that their strong digital presence, through • Develop ecological science and there is always one completely free issue the various blogs, social media channels, scientists of each journal every year. We continue videos and podcasts, and there are plans to receive high levels of press interest to launch an app for each of the journals • Improve the quality of education and in particular articles and any articles later in 2013. We will continue to stay capacity building featured in the mainstream media are abreast of new developments in open • Promote the use of ecological science freely available for all members of the access and data archiving, informing • Build collaborative partnerships public to access. Research published in our members of any changes that the journals in 2012 was featured on affect them. Finally, we will continue to • Ensure financial sustainability a number of television channels, such facilitate the peer review, publication and • Improve efficacy as CNN, CBS and BBC, as well as on wide dissemination of some of the best numerous radio programmes and in ecological research in the world. The first three of these aims provide clear newspapers in a wide range of countries, public benefits, whilst the final three including UK, US, China, Indonesia, Research – Resources Expended = define the ways in which the Society Australia and New Zealand. £258,005 (10% of total) gains greater leverage from its finite In 2012 the Society received 537 resources and ensures its long-term All our journals recognise the importance applications for funding across its whole sustainability. of communicating our research to the grants portfolio and funded a total of wider public and various initiatives have 108 applications. The BES portfolio of grants covers all been implemented to do this. One of the Society’s aims. It can be divided example is Functional Ecology, which now The majority of our awards went into several broad categories; research, publishes a freely available lay summary towards funding scientific ecological training & travel, outreach and support along with every published article, research projects; we supported small for ecologists in Africa. The BES funds allowing non-specialists to access and projects with new and innovative ideas grants with the aim of promoting understand the research contained in the as well as larger projects which aim to ecology as widely as possible and journal. help early career ecologists to establish hence individual awards are generally an independent research career in of relatively small value, although many Open access has been a hotly debated ecology. We also supported a number awards are made. topic among UK academics, funders, of ecologists in developing countries, publishers and the Government during helping them conduct research in 5.1 Develop Ecological Science and 2012. The BES continues to support their own country as well as establish Scientists the principles of disseminating research collaborations with ecologists in Publishing – Resources Expended = as widely as possible and has initiated developed countries. £1,515,024 (56% of total) many activities in 2012 to help with this. We were involved with a number In addition to research projects, Publishing is a hugely important activity of meetings on open access throughout we supported a number of public for the BES, both in terms of its financial the year, both with learned societies, engagement events, helped members to input and through its contribution to European Parliament representatives, attend or run meetings and workshops, the advancement of ecological science. publishers and running a workshop for supported students to attend courses As a result of high renewal rates for our members at our Annual Meeting and awarded a number of prizes to our five journals, the Society’s income in Birmingham. All the BES journals are outstanding individuals in recognition of from publications increased in 2012 to compliant with recent changes in funder their contribution towards the science of £2,811,432; and this is also due in large mandates, most notably the RCUK’s ecology. part to the outstanding contribution new policy, and continue to be actively from our newest journal Methods in engaged in meetings and debates on this In 2012, 600 books were dispatched Ecology and Evolution. At a time when subject. During 2012, we also entered to 90 countries via the Gratis Book library budgets continue to be squeezed, into a new partnership with Wiley on scheme and BES funding has allowed 67

64 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

students from 37 European universities/ belowground Interactions: Technologies environmental management’ and has institutions, spanning 18 countries, to and New Approaches. The event at distributed this free of charge at a variety attend Tropical Biology Association Field Charles Darwin House, the second of its of careers events for school students and courses in Uganda, Tanzania, Borneo and kind, registered almost 100 delegates. undergraduates. Madagascar. As with solely BES events, the meeting was heavily subsidised by all three The Society significantly expanded its During 2012, the Society undertook organisations, and provided travel grants support for undergraduates in 2012 a major review of its funding activities and significant student discount. with a free careers conference for 100 and we have greatly streamlined and ecological undergraduates. The event simplified our grants schemes. We offer There has been much progress with the will run again in 2013 with a nominal four funding routes – Research Grants, 2013 INTECOL Congress: Ecology into fee. The success of this conference has Ecologists in Africa, Training and Travel the Next 100 Years, 18 – 23 August, led to a further expansion of the careers Grants, and Outreach Grants – and have ExCel, London. We have over 20 national support provided for students in 2013 to increased our budget for these schemes and pan-national ecology societies as include Masters and Doctoral students: for 2013. The BES received a very academic sponsors, ensuring the meeting this follows requests from students for generous legacy from the estate of the will be as internationally diverse as this provision to be made available to late Dr James Parkyn which will be used possible. There are 11 plenary speakers them and the Society is looking at how to support students from low income from across the globe, 28 interactive it engages and communicates with and lower middle income countries workshops and 45 world-class symposia. students who are not able to travel to attend the INTECOL Congress. to such an event. The undergraduate These grants will be known as Parkyn The Society’s thirteen Special Interest fellowship scheme continues to recruit Bursaries and will enable us to support Groups have, again, been incredibly exceptional candidates, 13 of which were 42 applicants. The BES has matched the active in furthering ecological research, guests of the Society at the 2012 Annual legacy thereby enabling us to support a but also in promoting ecology to the Meeting. In 2013 there will be the first further 106 students from higher income public across the country. The BES meeting of the fellowship alumni, many countries. subsidises these events and offers grants of whom are now full members of the for travel to the meeting as well as Society and have developed projects Meetings – Resources Expended = reduced priced registration to students. and ideas that support ecological £288,829 (11% of total) As an example, our Agricultural Ecology education and career development. The The exchange of ideas and networking Special Interest Group organised Society additionally funded 5 ecological that happens at scientific conferences an event entitled ‘Restoring diverse undergraduate research bursaries of and field trips are vital ways in which grassland: What can be achieved, where £1,440 each in 2012 and expects to fund science advances and develops. and what will it do for us?’ and our a further 5 in 2013. Although the BES charges a registration Forest Ecology Group’s ‘Animals, Man fee to attend, the Society subsidises and Treescapes’ event, which explained The Society has continued to fund the conferences to ensure fees are low for the concept of the ‘shadow woods’ and work of SCORE, Science Community students and unemployed members. how it related to ancient treescapes of Representing Education and has grazing animals. collaborated with the Society of Biology The Annual Meeting at Birmingham and its member organisations in working University attracted almost 870 We have an even busier programme of with the Department for Education delegates, 430 talks and 141 posters. events planned for the upcoming year. on the national curriculum review, advising and commenting on content The programme was busy with a diverse 5.2 Improve the Quality of for the biology and practical science range of events and two renowned Education and Capacity Building aspects of the national curriculum. The plenary speakers. Professor Steve Ellner – Resources Expended = £104,746 Society expects to continue working gave the Tansley Lecture and Professor (4% of total) Johan Rockström presented the BES on curriculum development for pre 19 Lecture. There were a wide range of The Society undertakes a wide range of students over the next 2 to 3 years scientific sessions and thematic topics education projects each year. such as insect pollination, biodiversity 5.3 Promote the Use of The Society continues to work with and health and sustainable agriculture. Ecological Science (policy) – teachers and teacher trainers in Resources Expended = £296,715 2012 saw two symposia; the BES Annual developing good teaching and learning (11% of total) resources and advising on best practice Symposium was a joint event with the The Society promotes the use of in using school grounds to teach International Union for Conservation ecological science to policy-makers, science, in 2012 this was delivered UK Nature Peatland Programme, on informing with sound scientific evidence through centenary projects. In 2013 Investing in Peatlands, Demonstrating decisions which affect the natural we will develop resources that support Success, held at Bangor University. The environment and society. We respond to the society’s policy activities and programme contained 62 talks, 55 consultations and inquiries on relevant reflect feedback from teachers on their posters and drew 252 delegates. The policy issues in England and Scotland, requirements. second of which was a joint symposium utilising the expertise of our members. between sister societies, the Biochemical The Society reviewed and published We intend to develop work over the Society and Society for Experimental an updated edition of the guide coming year to engage with policy- Biology entitled Aboveground- ‘Rooting for a career in ecology and makers in Wales.

65 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

In February 2012, we reviewed the will run our successful two-day policy ensure lively communication between Society’s strategy for policy and public training workshop for members and ecologists, clinicians and others who engagement, involving trustees, non-members once again. We have do not usually meet to discuss this members and representatives of also partnered with the Living with significant topic. external organisations. We focus our Environmental Change programme to work on those areas where members offer our headquarters free of charge as 5.4 Build Collaborative Partnerships have particular expertise and where the the venue for a knowledge exchange In drawing up the Society’s strategic plan BES can make a unique contribution training course for all ecologists, with a it became very clear that working with to challenging issues of importance to discount for members of the Society. others could give the Society greater society: sustainable food production; leverage than working alone in certain natural capital valuation and the links Synthesising ecological knowledge areas. The Society has much to offer between ecosystem services and on particular topics, disseminating collaborative partnerships as well as biodiversity; planning and ecology; this to non-specialist audiences, is benefiting from them. There are many ecology and human health; open important to the BES. In 2012, an expert potential partners in the ecological and access to research publications and data group developed a publication in our wider communities that could help us and the UK’s Overseas Territories. Our ‘Ecological Issues’ series, on the impact of to achieve our vision and we will work work overall is informed by two over- extreme events on freshwaters. This will with such partners when it is strategically arching priorities: scientific evidence be launched at a reception in Parliament possible. All BES committees consider the informing policy-making and fostering in June. The publication will appeal to possibility of collaborative partnerships interdisciplinarity and knowledge a broad audience, including interested when developing initiatives. exchange. members of the public. A second publication, on ‘Tree Health’, is being In 2012 the BES continued working Our programme of annual activities aims explored and will make a contribution to with a wide range of partners across to build members’ skills and expertise the development of our understanding the whole spectrum of our activities. Of in engaging with policy-makers. Our of the causes and consequences of particular importance is our continued Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme significant tree diseases, such as Ash collaboration with the Biochemical continues to offer a unique opportunity Dieback (Chalara fraxinea), of concern to Society (BS), the Society for Experimental for members to gain an understanding the public and policy-makers alike. Biology (SEB) and the Society of Biology of the needs of decision-makers. (SoB) which co-own Charles Darwin Participants disseminate their experiences The BES worked with the British House (CDH) along with the BES. We to colleagues, building policy awareness Society of Soil Science and the Scottish were delighted in 2012 that the Society within the ecological community. Policy- Government’s Biodiversity Science of General Microbiology decided to makers, and their constituents, benefit Group to run a conference in March on relocate to CDH and will become a co- from their engagement with scientists challenges for Scotland’s biodiversity. owner. This move further cements CDH and our members have been called on A nominal fee allowed students and as the hub of the biological sciences to provide further advice following their early-career researchers to participate in the UK and places the BES right at placements. One participant believes and we supported the travel expenses the heart of it. CHD generates revenue their research is ‘now more tuned to of BES members otherwise unable to for the BES through the rental of spare the needs of policy-makers’ and another attend. Here we launched the Scotland office space and the hiring out of the has taken a position at the Department Policy Group, aimed at developing conference suite. As well as running for the Environment, Food and Rural a community of ecologists who can joint meetings the four co-owners are Affairs, assisted by their experience on inform relevant policy decisions. We will continuing to explore ways of working the scheme. The scheme will run again in run a follow-up event, partnering with more closely. 2013, with placements with ministers in the Scottish Government and with the England and Wales and with Members of Institute of Ecology and Environmental The Natural Capital Initiative is another the European Parliament. Management, in September 2013. great example of how the BES has come together with others (in this case the Enabling and supporting our members The Natural Capital Initiative (NCI), Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the in policy engagement is important, as a partnership project of the BES, James Hutton Institute and the SoB). evidence-based policy making ultimately continues to work with others to run the Further details of this work can be found benefits society. In December 2012 Ecosystems Knowledge Network, with in section 5.3. we ran a policy training workshop for nearly 1,000 members. The Network postdoctoral students, postgraduates and brings together communities developing 5.5 Ensure Financial Sustainability more established researchers. Participants approaches to valuing their natural We have a duty to ensure the long term asked questions of ‘mentors’ experienced resources, with the aim of managing viability of the Society. During 2009 BES at the science – policy interface. We these natural assets more sustainably. In Council co-invested in Charles Darwin will build upon networks created at this 2013, the NCI will discuss with medical House to provide new office space for and other events by engaging all those professionals the relationship between the Society, shared with several other who have taken part in our new group biodiversity, ecosystem services and organisations with complementary on ‘LinkedIn’. Researchers will share human health, at the INTECOL meeting aims (i.e. the Society for Experimental questions and concerns around engaging in London. Participative techniques Biology). The building has also generated with policy-making, strengthening such as electronic audience voting some income from office leases and hire their confidence to do so. In 2013, we and discussion via social media will of the conference facilities. At the end

66 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

of 2012 CDH generated a profit for the The BES has a set of Financial Regulations A policy of this sort is consistent with BES which was a financial aim when we which must be followed. These the ethos of the BES and is important to decided to invest in the building. In 2012 Regulations are reviewed annually by the maintaining the support of members and we undertook a review of our grants Finance Committee. the wider ecological research community. portfolio (see section 5.1 Research for more details), one result of which was a In 2012 £316,960 (12% of resources 5.5.3 Financial Performance significant decrease in the money spent expended) was given away in grants. The accounts show a surplus of on the administration of the portfolio. This substantive sum requires careful £562,627 (surplus of £563,770 in 2011) management by the Society. Applications before unrealised gains on investments In 2012 we continued to develop and are reviewed against specific, published of £140,427 (loss of £135,130 in 2011). support the BES Journals to further criteria. The BES has established a Council set the 2012 budget to make enhance their standing so that they Peer Review College to review grant a modest loss and use some of the remain a sustainable and significant applications. This ensures that the funding for the centenary celebrations income stream for the Society in the Society uses the most appropriately to start projects in 2012. Several factors, near future, despite uncertainties over experienced reviewers for each grant including increased income, contributed the impact of open access and the world application. The only exceptions to this to the surplus in 2012. Total funds of the recession. The conclusions of the 2011 are the Travel & Training Grants. These Society were £6,973,584 at the end of review of the publications team within are reviewed by BES staff and awards 2012 (£6,270,530 at the end of 2011). the BES were implemented and a new are made if the applicant meets the staffing structure put in place. The new published criteria and there are sufficient 5.5.4 Reserves Policy team has been a great success and the funds available. The Society holds reserves for three BES Journals are benefiting from stronger purposes. The first is to generate income 5.5.2 Investment Policy staff support. for its operations needs and to act and Performance as a buffer against uncertainties over A competitive tender process was 2012 was again a turbulent time for future journal publishing income (the conducted for the Journal Publishing the equity markets around the world. Expendable Endowment Fund). This is contact. It was decided to remain with The BES portfolio, managed by Barclays held as a designated fund and stands Wiley Blackwell for the next five years Wealth achieved a positive return of at £4,000,000 (£3,000,000 in 2011). but the new contract has increased the 7.6% (2011: loss 3.5%) and is in-line Continuing concern over the stability of amount of revenue coming to the BES with appropriate benchmarks. Income academic publishing pricing models and and significantly reduced the amount from cash investments has increased uncertainty over the impact of the global of year-to-year uncertainty over this reflecting the increase in cash holdings recession suggests that there is significant income. This is very important to the BES and more active cash management. insecurity over this major source of given that Journal income is by far our The investment managers produce a income for the Society. The expendable largest revenue stream. quarterly summary of performance for endowment will allow the Society to the Honorary Treasurer and Executive 5.5.1 Financial Management gradually accumulate funds to provide Director. The investment managers and Control greater long-term stability without attend one meeting of the Finance affecting its day-to-day activities. It is the During the year the BES Committees Board a year to discuss performance and Trustees’ intention to build the fund to undertook a wide range of activities general strategy. Day to day investment approximately £10,000,000. The income in pursuit of the Society’s charitable decisions are delegated to Barclays from this sum will help to mitigate the objectives. It is therefore necessary to Wealth in accordance with the agreed possible future decline in publishing have budgets and clearly written policies mandate. The BES has spread its risk income, allowing the Society to continue about what activities will be funded and as far as practicable by part owning its work, and provide funds to invest in how, and to communicate these clearly its headquarters building and holding future income-generating projects. In to all involved. some of its reserves in long-term deposit 2013 the BES is undertaking a project to accounts as well as in equities, bonds The Finance Committee considers model financial projections over the next and trust funds. quarterly management accounts at 5 years in order to understand better the possible implications of Open Access its meetings through the year, with a We have continued to use the services publishing and review its reserves policy. narrative provided by the Honorary of the Ethical Investment Research Treasurer and Executive Director, as Service (EIRIS) to provide us with The second is that funds can be set appropriate. The narrative focuses on information, based on a long list of aside for specific major projects. The reasons for variation against budget. The criteria and a scoring system, on the designated tangible fixed asset fund quarterly management accounts are also environmental performance of FTSE comprises the net book value of fixed circulated to budget holders. listed companies. This information is assets held by the Society, principally the updated twice annually and is used to Annual budgets for the following year Society’s office in London and as such screen out companies with the worst are drawn up in the fourth quarter and it is not available to meet the general environmental records and policies from are approved by Council at its meeting in running costs of the Society. This year our portfolio. This gives a more objective December. the Society has utilised £254,836 of its and consistent basis for excluding Centenary fund to help fund projects companies. Full details are available from and activities planned for the Festival the Honorary Treasurer or the BES Office. of Ecology which will take place in

67 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

2012 and 2013 to celebrate the BES’s We have a reserves policy which would 6. THE SOCIETY’S 100th birthday. The BES has a major provide a sufficient buffer to allow a ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT programme of events and activities gradual scaling back of the Society’s planned for 2013 which will target a financial commitments. The Society The purchase a new office for the Society wide range of audiences across the UK has a Head of Publications to deliver in 2009 offered an unprecedented and beyond. more effective and efficient journal opportunity for the Society to lead management and to ensure that the the way with regards to reducing our The third is to ensure that the BES Society keeps abreast of the latest environmental impact. Discussions with can meet its operational needs and developments in journal publishing. the other learned organisations lead working capital requirements (the free The internal publications team structure to agreement that we should aim for a reserve). These are currently £439,225 changed in 2012 to provide better BREEAM rating of Excellent, the second and represent approximately 4 months support for our Journals. Essential to highest possible rating and a tough operating costs, excluding third party the success of BES publishing is the objective for a building designed and operating costs and grants. The Society commercial publisher that we partner built in 1959. BREEAM is a method of aims to hold between 6 and 12 months with. We conducted a competitive calculating the environmental impact operating costs as free reserves. The level journal publishing contract re-tender to of a building. Progress has been very of reserves and the Society’s financial ensure we have the best possible partner good. The aim of achieving the BREEAM strategy is regularly reviewed and to work with and it was agreed to remain Excellent rating was made fundamental monitored by the Trustees. The reserves with Wiley Blackwell for the next 5 years. to the refurbishment project and had policy is reviewed annually at the Finance The new contract includes a provision to a major influence on decisions ranging Board meeting in September and any reduce the uncertainly on income from from how to run recycling onsite during recommended changes are considered year to year. Each journal has a strategic the demolition stage through to the by Council in December of that year. plan identifying ways in which it can choice of mechanical and engineering increase its reputation and standing. solutions, selection of the final fixtures 5.6 Improving Efficacy and fittings, and the development of a We need to ensure that the Society is in A sustained decline in attendance at the staff transport plan. We were delighted the best shape possible to efficiently and Society’s meetings: The difficult funding to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating in effectively deliver the Society’s vision. situation in Higher Education could have 2010. We work within a sustainability policy to a significant impact on the ability of minimise the environmental impact of academics to participate in BES meetings. The move to Charles Darwin House has the Society. There is now a timetable for publicity for created a new base line for resource BES Symposia and Annual Meetings, for consumption from 2010 onwards, In 2012 we continued to review ways both the Bulletin and website, to ensure although the increase in occupancy of in which co-location with three other the ecological community is informed of the office floors to rent during 2010 learned societies in Charles Darwin House meetings well in advance. The Annual and into 2011, the second phase of could provide opportunities for more Meeting moved back to its traditional construction in 2010 and the significant effective use of BES resources. December slot in 2012 and this proved increase in the use of the conference highly popular with the highest delegate suite over this time period have 5.6.1 Risk Management number for many years. influenced electricity consumption. The BES has a risk register. It is Year Energy Consumption at CDH reviewed in detail each spring by the A sustained decline in membership: BES Committees and then approved The Society’s Membership Committee 2010 391,352 kWh receives regular reporting on by Council in June. The risk register 2011 372,939 kWh identifies areas of risk, ranks them in membership numbers and trends. priority ordered according to impact Council regularly discusses the role 2012 394,633 kWh multiplied by probability, states who of learned societies such as the BES or which Committee is responsible for in the 21st century and reviews the 7. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS each risk, states how the risk is currently activities of the organization to ensure Details of some of the wide range of mitigated and what actions remain we provide excellent services that are activities planned for 2013 are given outstanding. wanted and needed by the ecological under the headings of the Society’s community. In 2013 the BES will use principal aims. Making the most of the Some of the major risk areas are: the centenary celebrations to focus varied opportunities afforded to the BES A major loss in income from journals work on a membership drive to increase at Charles Darwin House is a priority as resulting from a change in publication membership by 1,000 people. well as celebrating the Society’s 100th models or a decrease in impact factor: birthday. Income from journals is a very significant proportion of the Society’s funds. There The centenary year will begin with three is continued uncertainty regarding cross disciplinary meetings, the Marine publications models and the timeframe ecology centenary symposium, to be held in which this might happen. This risk at the National Museum of Scotland on is being mitigated in a variety of ways. 27 March and the Global change and biosphere interactions conference as part

68 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

of the launch of the York Environmental Sustainability Institute on 8-9 April. The final meeting in the series will be the Evolutionary ecology of infectious diseases conference in London on 17 May.

The Festival of Ecology, which will be held from 15 June – 4 August 2013, includes over 100 events and activities taking place across the whole of the UK. These public engagement activities aim to raise the profile of ecology with the general public. In addition, the BES will be running an exhibit on the impact of alien species on garden ecology at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, which will also be 100 years old in 2013.

The 11th INTECOL Congress, Ecology, Into the next hundred years, is the centrepiece of the centenary celebrations. Over 5 days of exciting science there will be 11 plenary speakers from across the globe, 28 interactive workshops and 45 world-class symposia. The Congress will be held at ExCel in London from 18-23 August 2013.

Professors Peter Grubb and John Whittaker completed the editing of the 100 Influential Papers, published in 100 years of the British Ecological Society project. The publication will be sent out with the June 2013 Bulletin and will be accompanied by an on line resource.

Four education wall charts entitled How diverse is life on earth?, Food, food and more food, The competition for life on earth and Is there life beyond earth? have been launched and the results of the associated competitions will be announced in the late summer of 2013.

2013 promises to be an exciting and very busy year for the British Ecological Society. 8. AUDITORS In 2012 the BES conducted a competitive tender process for auditor services and awarded the contract to Mazars LLP.

This report was approved by the Council on 25 June 2013.

Professor Georgina Mace

69 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Independent auditor’s report to the members of The British Ecological Society

For the year ended 31 December 2012

We have audited the financial statements Opinion on the financial statements Nicola Wakefield of The British Ecological Society for the In our opinion the financial statements: (Senior Statutory Auditor) year ended 31 December 2012 which for and on behalf of Mazars the Statement of Financial Activities, the • give a true and fair view of the state of LLP, Chartered Accountants and Balance Sheet and the related notes. the charitable company’s affairs as at Statutory Auditor The financial reporting framework that 31 December 2012 and of its incoming Times House, Throwley Way, Sutton, has been applied in their preparation resources and application of resources, SM1 4JQ is applicable law and United Kingdom including its income and expenditure, Accounting Standards (United Kingdom for the year then ended; Date: Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). • have been properly prepared in Respective responsibilities of accordance with United Kingdom trustees and auditors Generally Accepted Accounting As explained more fully in the Trustees’ Practice; and Responsibilities Statement set out on • have been prepared in accordance with page 61, the trustees (who are also the the requirements of the Companies Act directors of the charitable company 2006. for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the Opinion on the other matter financial statements and for being prescribed by the Companies Act satisfied that they give a true and fair 2006 view. In our opinion the information given in Our responsibility is to audit and express the Council’s Report for the financial year an opinion on the financial statements for which the financial statements are in accordance with applicable law and prepared is consistent with the financial International Standards on Auditing (UK statements. and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Matters on which we are required Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for to report by exception Auditors. This report is made solely We have nothing to report in respect to the charity’s members as a body in of the following matters where the accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of Companies Act 2006 requires us to the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work report to you if, in our opinion: has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s members those • adequate accounting records have matters we are required to state to them not been kept, or returns adequate for in an auditor’s report and for no other our audit have not been received from purpose. To the fullest extent permitted branches not visited by us; or by law, we do not accept or assume • the financial statements are not in responsibility to anyone other than the agreement with the accounting records charity and the charity’s members as a and returns; or body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. • certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not Scope of the audit of the financial made; or statements A description of the scope of an audit of • we have not received all the financial statements is provided on the information and explanations we APB’s web-site at www.frc.org.uk/apb/ require for our audit. scope/private.cfm.

70 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

Statement of financial activities Incorporating the income and expenditure account

For the year ended 31 December 2012

Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2012 2011 £ £ £ £ Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Legacy & Donations - 10,000 10,000 32,551 Activities for generating funds Investment income 2 98,920 - 98,920 65,382 Profit on disposal of fixed assets - - - 69,498 Other income 48,156 - 48,156 15,195 147,076 10,000 157,076 182,626

Incoming resources from charitable activities Publications 2,811,432 - 2,811,432 2,445,778 Income from conferences 154,032 - 154,032 179,549 Subscriptions 150,562 - 150,562 149,319 Total incoming resources 3,263,102 10,000 3,273,102 2,957,272

Resources expended Cost of generating funds Investment management fees 3,175 - 3,175 4,406 Charitable activities Publications 1,515,024 - 1,515,024 1,361,194 Meetings 288,829 - 288,829 342,247 Research 258,005 - 258,005 141,874 Education 104,746 - 104,746 106,585 Policy 296,715 - 296,715 209,118 Bulletin and other services 192,631 - 192,631 176,050 Governance costs 51,350 - 51,350 52,028 Total resources expended 3 2,710,475 - 2,710,475 2,393,502

Net incoming resources 552,627 10,000 562,627 563,770 Net gains/(loss) on investments 9 140,427 - 140,427 (135,130)

Net movement in funds in year 693,054 10,000 703,054 428,640 Fund balance brought forward 6,268,545 1,985 6,270,530 5,841,890 Fund balances carried forward 13 6,961,599 11,985 6,973,584 6,270,530

All of the above results derive from continuing activities. There are no gains and losses other than those disclosed above. The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

71 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

Balance sheet Company number: 1522897

As at 31 December 2012

Notes 2012 2011 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 1,777,210 1,820,158 Investments 9 4,377,411 4,134,484 6,154,621 5,954,642

Current assets Debtors 11 825,189 585,690 Cash on deposit and in hand 390,190 17,188 1,215,379 602,878

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 (396,416) (286,990) Net current (liabilities)/assets 818,963 315,888 Net assets 6,973,584 6,270,530

Represented by Unrestricted funds General fund 439,225 448,387 Tangible fixed assets fund 1,777,210 1,820,158 Expendable Endowment fund 4,000,000 3,000,000 Centenary fund 745,164 1,000,000 Restricted fund 11,985 1,985 13 6,973,584 6,270,530

Included in the above reserves are unrealised gains of £266,864 (2011 gains £218,976). The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

These accounts were approved by the Council on 25 June 2013 and signed on its behalf by

Professor G Mace Member of the Council

72 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

Company number: 1522897 Notes to the accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2012

1. Accounting policies Grants payable are charged in the j) Fund accounting year when the offer is conveyed to the a) Basis of accounting General funds comprise the accumulated recipient except in those cases where the surplus or deficit and are available for The accounts have been prepared under offer is conditional, such grants being use at the discretion of the Council in the historical cost convention as modified recognised as expenditure when the furtherance of the general objectives of by the revaluation of investment assets conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants the BES. and are in accordance with applicable offered subject to conditions which have accounting standards and comply not been met at the year-end are noted Restricted funds are funds subject to with the Statement of Recommended as a commitment, but not accrued as specific restrictive covenants imposed by Practice, ‘Accounting and Reporting by expenditure. donors or by the purpose of the appeal. Charities,’ published in March 2005 and with the Companies Act. f) Depreciation Designated funds comprise funds which Depreciation has been calculated to write have been set aside at the discretion of b) Consolidation off the cost of assets over their expected the Council for specific purposes. The BES and its subsidiary, BES Trading useful lives as follows: Company Limited comprise a small All income and expenditure of the BES group. The BES has not prepared Freehold property - 2% per annum on has been included in the Statement of consolidated accounts on the grounds cost Financial Activities. that the subsidiary has not traded during Furniture, fixtures and equipment - the year and is therefore not material. 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis. c) Cash flow statements The accounts do not include a cash flow The Society’s policy is to capitalise assets statement because the BES, as a small purchased over £500. reporting entity is exempt from the g) Investments requirement to prepare such statements under the Financial Reporting Standard 1 Investments are stated at market value. It (revised) – Cash flow Statements. is the BES’s policy to keep valuations up to date such that when investments are d) Income sold there is no gain or loss arising. As a i) Subscriptions income: All subscriptions result the Statement of Financial Activities income is accounted for in the period to only includes those unrealised gains and which it relates. losses arising from the revaluation of the investment portfolio throughout the ii) Other income: All other income has year. Disclosure is made in note 9 of the been accounted for on a receivable basis. difference between the historical cost and the sale proceeds of the investments e) Expenditure (including grants) sold during the year. Expenditure is classified under the principal categories of charitable and h) Foreign currencies other expenditure rather than the type of Monetary assets and liabilities expense, in order to provide more useful denominated in a foreign currency are information to users of the accounts. translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the Balance Sheet date. Charitable activities comprise direct expenditure including direct staff costs Transactions in foreign currencies attributable to the activity. Support costs are recorded at the rate of exchange have been allocated to activities based on prevailing at the date of transaction. the average staff time spent. Governance costs are those incurred in connection All exchange differences are taken to the with the management of the Society’s statement of financial activities. assets, organisational administration i) Operating lease and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. Support costs are Rentals payable under operating leases allocated on the basis of time spent on are charged against income on a straight each activity. line basis over the lease term.

73 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

2. Investment income

2012 2011 £ £ Income from listed investments 44,273 56,207 Interest receivable 54,647 9,175 98,920 65,382

3. Analysis of total resources expended

Direct Staff Other Direct Support TOTAL TOTAL Costs Costs Costs 2012 2011 £ £ £ £ £

Cost of Generating Income - 3,175 - 3,175 4,406 Bulletin & Other services 77,874 74,085 40,672 192,631 176,050 Publications 416,464 970,548 128,012 1,515,024 1,361,194 Meetings 83,030 164,692 41,107 288,829 342,247 Research 26,515 223,782 7,708 258,005 141,874 Education 60,657 26,674 17,415 104,746 106,585 Policy 74,968 164,550 57,197 296,715 209,118 Governance 34,233 7,678 9,439 51,350 52,028 773,741 1,635,184 301,550 2,710,475 2,393,502

Support Costs 2012 2011 £ £ Non salary staff costs 25,906 21,994 Property 38,070 28,049 IT costs 35,950 24,523 Venue Costs 9,063 3,033 Publicity 20,192 15,240 Fees / Affiliations 39,415 37,621 Office running costs 40,002 50,130 Depreciation 42,948 46,329 Accountancy - - Outsourced finance & payroll 22,851 27,241 Legal & Consultancy 18,226 15,570 Bank charges 8,927 19,607 301,550 289,337

* Support costs are allocated on the basis of time spent on each activity.

74 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

4. Grants

Grants were awarded by various committees of the BES as follows: 2012 2011 £ £ Grants committee 221,247 134,079 Public & Policy committee 119,284 57,156 Education, training and careers committee 42,189 5,379 Meetings committee 12,293 7,000 Write back of grant commitments no longer required (78,053) (3,507) 316,960 200,107

Grant commitments are as follows: 2012 2011 £ £ Grant commitments at 1 January 128,487 176,416 Awards made during year 316,960 200,107 Payments made during the year (282,857) (248,036) Grant commitments at 31 December 162,590 128,487

Details of significant grant awards are detailed on the BES’s website. The majority of grants awarded are to individuals. Grants to institutions are relatively few in number and low value.

5. Net incoming resources is stated after charging: 2012 2011 £ £ Depreciation 42,948 46,329 Auditor’s remuneration - audit services 5,250 7,450

Other than disclosed in note 15 members of Council did not receive any remuneration during the year. Expenses reimbursed to 18 (2011: 22) Members of Council in the year equalled £7,595 (2011: £11,834).

6. Taxation

The BES is a registered charity and as such its income and gains are exempt from corporation tax to the extent that they are applied to its charitable objectives. There is no corporation tax charge for the year.

75 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

7. Employees

The average number of employees during the year was 18.9 (2011: 18.4 {full time equivalents}). 2012 2011 £ £ Membership 1.5 1.6 Publishing 9.8 9.7 Conferences / Meetings 3.1 3.5 Research 0.6 0.6 Education 1.0 1.0 Policy 2.6 1.8 Governance 0.3 0.2 18.9 18.4

£ £ Staff costs during the year amounted to: Wages and salaries 668,632 604,044 Social security costs 67,011 64,388 Employer’s pension contributions 38,098 35,658 773,741 704,090

One (2011: one) employee earned £60,000-£69,999 during the year. The figures above includes 1 editor (2011: 1) retained on the payroll.

8. Tangible fixed assets Furniture, Freehold fixtures and property equipment Total £ £ £ Cost 1 January 2012 1,910,774 56,937 1,967,711 Additions - - - Disposals - - - 31 December 2012 1,910,774 56,937 1,967,711

Depreciation 1 January 2012 109,898 37,655 147,553 Charge for the year 38,223 4,725 42,948 Disposals - - - 31 December 2012 148,121 42,380 190,501

Net book value 31 December 2012 1,762,653 14,557 1,777,210 31 December 2011 1,800,876 19,282 1,820,158

During 2009 the charity purchased a part share (36.1%) in the freehold 12 Roger Street as its new headquarters. It shares the ownership of the building with other biological focused charities and the property is held by a nominee company on trust for the Co-owners as tenants in common. During the 2011 the charity had disposed of 6.1% of the freehold in 12 Roger Street to the Society of Biology in accordance with the original plan to share the ownership of the building with other biological focused charities. This transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of £69,498.

76 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

9. Investments

2012 2011 £ £ Market value 1 January 2012 4,134,484 3,287,367 Additions 862,094 316,154 Disposals proceeds (912,467) (245,632) Net investment gain/(loss) 140,427 (135,130) Movement in deposits 152,873 911,725

Market value 31 December 2012 4,377,411 4,134,484 Historical cost at 31 December 2012 4,210,546 3,915,508 Accumulated unrealised gains based on historic cost at 31 December 2012 166,864 218,976 Realised gain in year based on historic cost 92,787 8,356

Represented by: UK equity shares 724,752 802,760 Overseas equities 694,296 570,127 Overseas fixed interest UK fixed interest 386,085 347,928 UK Other 138,022 132,286 Overseas Other Market value of listed investments 1,943,155 1,853,101 Investment in subsidiary undertaking 2 2 Investment in associated undertaking 300 300 Amounts held in cash 2,433,954 2,281,081 Total 4,377,411 4,134,484

10. Subsidiary undertakings

The BES holds 100% of the issued share capital of BES Trading Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. The sole activity of BES Trading Company Limited will be to organise the 11th International Congress of Ecology in August 2013. At 31 December 2012 the Share Capital and Accumulated losses of BES Trading Company Limited amounted to (£1,799) – (2011(£1,799)). During 2009 the BES acquired 36.1% of Charles Darwin House Limited, a company set up to manage the building. During 2011 shares representing 6.1% were disposed of leaving a remaining interest of 30.0%. At 30 June 2012 the net assets according to the audited financial statements of Charles Darwin House Limited were £1,000 (2011: £1,000); the company made a loss before and after taxation of £6,994 (2011 profit of £6,994).

77 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

11. Debtors

2012 2011 £ £ Trade debtors 555,925 456,630 Other debtors 70,098 36,365 Prepayments and accrued income 74,066 92,695 Loan to trading subsidiary 125,100 825,189 585,690

12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2012 2011 £ £ Trade creditors 86,115 79,321 Social security & other taxes 49,003 19,142 Other creditors 7,516 42 Accruals and deferred income 91,192 59,998 Grants payable (note 4) 162,590 128,487 396,416 286,990

78 britishecologicalsociety.org Accounts

13. Funds

Fund Net gains Fund balances on Balances brought Investment Carried forward Income Expenditure Assets Transfers Forward 1/1/2012 31/12/2012 £ £ £ £ £ £ Unrestricted funds General 448,387 3,263,102 (2,412,691) 140,427 (1,000,000) 439,225 Designated Expendable 3,000,000 - - - 1,000,000 4,000,000 Endowment fund Tangible fixed asset fund 1,820,158 - (42,948) - - 1,777,210 Centenary fund 1,000,000 - (254,836) - - 745,164 Total unrestricted funds 6,268,545 3,263,102 (2,710,475) 140,427 - 6,961,599

Restricted BEVC 111 - - - - 111 Alex S Watt Breckland 1,874 Research Trust 1,874 - - - - - Policy Assistant Fund - 10,000 - - - 10,000 Total restricted funds 1,985 10,000 - - - 11,985 Total funds 6,270,530 3,273,102 (2,710,475) 140,427 - 6,973,584

Designated Tangible fixed asset fund Represents the net book value of tangible fixed assets in use by the Society and therefore not available to the Council to meet future expenditure. A transfer is made each year to reflect the change in net book value.

Expendable Endowment fund Represents the value of investments that the Trustees believe they need to hold, to protect income in the longer term, in order to ensure that the society can carry out its mission and thrive. The Trustees believe the fund should be £10,000,000 in order to provide sufficient long-term income. This is because most of the society’s income is from academic publishing, the profitability of which is widely expected to begin to decline significantly within the next few years. The society has just begun formal long-term financial modelling to assess the balance of income expenditure against the risk of future income declines.

Centenary fund These are funds set aside to provide for projects being developed to mark the Society’s centenary year in 2013. Restricted Restricted funds of £ 11,985 at 31 December 2012 are represented by cash on deposit (2011 – £1,985).

BEVC British Empire Vegetation Committee represents amounts donated for the printing of colour plates in the BES’s journals.

Alex S Watt Breckland Research Trust Funds administered by the BES in the memory of Alex Watt to provide funding for small scale research projects aimed to enhance our understanding of the conservation of the Breckland Region.

Policy Assistant Fund Restricted donation to support a staff member to work in the policy area. The staff member was appointed in February 2013. The Society holds 37,052 on behalf of the European Ecological Foundation. This balance does not form part of these accounts.

79 BES Bulletin VOL 44:3 / august 2013

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

2012 2011 General Designated Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ £ Tangible assets - 1,777,210 - 1,777,210 1,820,158 Investments - 4,377,411 - 4,377,411 4,134,484 Net current assets / liabilities 439,225 367,753 11,985 818,963 315,888 Net assets 439,225 6,522,374 11,985 6,973,584 6,270,530

15. Related party 16. The George Jackson transactions Estate No transactions have taken place with As part of the George Jackson bequest either Members of Senior Management the Society was left as residuary Team. It is the policy of the BES that beneficiary of a revisionary bequest. The Committee members who have an property passes to the Society upon the interest in any grant awarding decisions death of the life interest. Because of the must leave the room at the time the uncertainty as to value and timing the awarding decision is made. value of the property is not included with these financial statements. During the year Richard Bardgett, the existing Journal of Ecology editor, was 17. Post Balance Sheet appointed as a trustee. He continued to be paid at the fixed editor rate and has Event received £2,642 since his appointment. On 31 May 2013 May the Society He has received no remuneration in his completed on the purchase of a part capacity as a trustee. share (21.1%) in the freehold of 107 Grays Inn Road. As part of this transaction Emma Sayer – the existing assistant the Society disposed of a part share of editor of the Bulletin, was appointed as a its interest in 12 Roger Street, reducing trustee. She continued to be paid at the its interest in that property from 30% to fixed rate and has received £347 since 21.1%. It shares the ownership of the her appointment. She has received no buildings with other biological focused remuneration in her capacity as a trustee. charities and the property is held by Charles Darwin House Limited on trust Andrew Beckermann, a trustee of the BES for the Co-owners. was appointed as an editor of the Ecology & Evolution Journal, in which the Society has a minority interest.

Bill Sutherland – was awarded the Ecological Engagement Award of £1,000. He was not involved in the prize award process.

80 britishecologicalsociety.org book reviews

Contact details

Officers: Functional Ecology: Plants, Soils, Ecosystems: Franciska de Vries, Edited by Duncan Irschick (Executive Editor), Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester President: Georgina Mace, Department of Genetics, Charles Fox, Ken Thompson and Alan Knapp, M13 9PT ([email protected]). Evolution & Environment, University College London, with Liz Baker (Managing Editor). Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT Tropical Ecology: Simon Queenborough, ([email protected]) Editorial office: Functional Ecology, British Ecological Department of Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Society, Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, Biology, the Ohio State University, 318 W12th Ave, Vice-Presidents: Richard Bardgett, Soil and London WC1N 2JU. Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA Ecosystem Ecology, Lancaster University, Lancaster ([email protected]). LA1 4YQ ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Mick Crawley, Division of Ecology and Evolution, Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Administrative Office: Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Edited by Rob Freckleton (Executive Editor) and Bob The British Ecological Society, Charles Darwin House, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY O’Hara with Graziella Iossa (Journal Coordinator). 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU. ([email protected]) Editorial office: Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Tel: 0207 685 2500. Fax: 0207 685 2501. British Ecological Society, Charles Darwin House, Honorary Treasurer: Drew Purves, CEES, Microsoft 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU. General email: [email protected] Research Centre, Roger Needham Building, www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org 7 J J Thompson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0FB Email: ([email protected]) [email protected] BES staff: Honorary Secretary: Dave Hodgson, Daphne du Biological Flora: Executive Director: Hazel Norman Maurier School of Biosciences, University of Exeter Anthony Davy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Email: [email protected] Cornwall Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ ([email protected]). ([email protected]) Membership Officer: Bill Bewes The Bulletin: Email: [email protected] Honorary Chairpersons: Edited by Alan Crowden Communications Manager: Richard English Public and Policy: Juliet Vickery, RSPB, The Lodge, Editorial Office: 48 Thornton Close, Girton, Email: [email protected] Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Cambridge CB3 0NG ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Education Manager: Karen Devine Book Reviews Editor: Peter Thomas Email: [email protected] Meetings: Andrew Beckerman, Department of Email: [email protected] Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Policy Manager: Martin Smith Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN Secretaries of Special Interest Groups: Email: [email protected] ([email protected]) Agricultural Ecology: Barbara Smith, Game Grants and Events Assistant: Publications: Alan Gray, Charles Darwin House, and Wildlife Conservancy Trust, Burgate Manor, Olivia Hunter 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU ([email protected]) Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF [email protected] ([email protected]). Education, Training and Careers: Lesley Batty, Head of Publications: Catherine Hill School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Computational Ecology: Matthew Smith, Email: [email protected] Sciences, University of Birmingham, Microsoft Research Centre, Roger Needham Building, Managing Editor, Journal of Ecology and Journal Birmingham B15 2TT ([email protected]) 7 J J Thompson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0FB of Applied Ecology: Andrea Baier ([email protected]). Email: [email protected] Editors: Conservation Ecology: Tim Graham, The Barn, Managing Editor, Journal of Animal Ecology and Journal of Ecology: Berkeley Drive, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire Functional Ecology: Liz Baker Edited by David Gibson (Executive Editor), Richard PR5 6BY ([email protected]). Email: [email protected] Bardgett, Mark Rees and Amy Austin, with Andrea Ecological Genetics: Paul Ashton, Department of Baier (Managing Editor). Assistant Editor, Journal of Animal Ecology: Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences, Peter Livermore Editorial office: Journal of Ecology, British Ecological Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Email: [email protected] Society, Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, Lancashire L39 4QP ([email protected]). London WC1N 2JU. Assistant Editor, Journal of Applied Ecology: Forest Ecology: Markus Eichhorn, Room B117 Erika Newton Email: [email protected] School of Biology, University Park, Nottingham Email: [email protected] Journal of Animal Ecology: NG7 2RD ([email protected]). Assistant Editor, Functional Ecology: Jennifer Meyer Edited by Tim Coulson (Executive Editor), Graeme Invasive Species: Helen Bayliss, Centre for Email: [email protected] Hays, Mike Boots and Ken Wilson, with Liz Baker Environmental Policy, Imperial College, London (Managing Editor). ([email protected]). Assistant Editor, Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Samantha Ponton Editorial office: Journal of Animal Ecology, Macroecology: Nick Isaac, Centre for Ecology Email: [email protected] British Ecological Society, Charles Darwin House, and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU. Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire Assistant Editor, Journal of Ecology: Lauren Sandhu OX10 8BB ([email protected]). Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Parasite and Pathogen Ecology and Evolution: Journal of Applied Ecology: Festival of Ecology Manager: Julie Hodgkinson Jo Lello, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Biomedical Edited by E. J. Milner-Gulland (Executive Editor), Email: [email protected] Sciences Building, Museum Avenue, Phil Hulme, Marc Cadotte, Mark Whittingham and Cardiff CF10 3AX ([email protected]). Festival of Ecology Assistant: Amy Everard Jos Barlow, with Andrea Baier (Managing Editor). [email protected] Editorial office: Journal of Applied Ecology, Peatland Research: Ian Rotherham, Sheffield Hallam Press Contact: Becky Allen British Ecological Society, Charles Darwin House, University, Faculty of Development and Society, Tel: 01223 570016 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU. City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB ([email protected]). Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Plant Environmental Physiology: Matt Davey, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA ([email protected]). Looking back This is barely looking back very far, but in May for the first time in 100 years the BES had a presence at the Chelsea Flower Show

Both the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the BES celebrate their centenaries in 2013, and to mark the occasion the BES took a garden to Chelsea for the first time in its history. Split into two micro gardens with radically different planting, the BES exhibit illustrated how changing fashions and ecological knowledge have influenced British gardens over the past 100 years, and the impact of these changes on British biodiversity. In our picture of the stand Lauren Sandhu and Erika Newton are poised ready for the onslaught of visitors once the gates open.

The planting in the 1913 half of the BES garden included species such as Japanese knotweed, ferns and monkey puzzle. The founders of the Society would have been unfamiliar with some of the plants in the 2013 garden, including dawn redwood, Leylandii (Cupressus × leylandii) and restios.

The gardens were designed by BES stalwart and garden expert Dr Ken Thompson. Some of the 1913 plants, like ferns, are less widely planted now because they have simply become less fashionable or, like the monkey puzzle, people have finally realised that sticking them in suburban front lawns was never a very good idea. Others, like Japanese knotweed, have fallen from favour for reasons that are all too obvious. The cost of Japanese knotweed to the British economy is estimated at £166 million per year, mostly accounted for by the costs of control and removal. While it is not illegal to grow Japanese knotweed on your own land, it is a criminal offence to cause or allow it to escape into the wild.

Some plants in the 2013 garden were unknown to the gardener of 1913. Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), a beautiful deciduous conifer, was first discovered in China in 1944, and is now widely grown in gardens. Like ginkgo, it is a ‘living fossil’, known from the fossil record before it was discovered as a living plant.

Another 2013 plant, or group of plants, is the restios, slightly odd southern hemisphere relatives of the grasses. According to Ken Thompson: “The fashion for restios is recent, but so is the ability to grow them from seed. Only in 1995 was it shown that the seeds of most species will not germinate unless exposed to smoke. The active chemical in smoke was revealed by Australian researchers in 2004 and is now known, for short, as karrikinolide, after an Aboriginal word for smoke.”