A surprisingly effective way to save the capercaillie: keep its predators well-fed – new research

Evidence suggests this alternative to culling the bird’s predators is effective.

Xavier Lambin, Chair in Zoology, University of Aberdeen • conversation
July 4, 2025 • ~8 min

Property developers installing as few as half of promised ecological features – new report

A new report highlights the extent that housing developers fail to deliver on their ecological commitments.

Malcolm Tait, Professor of Planning, School of Geography, University of Sheffield • conversation
Jan. 14, 2025 • ~9 min

When should you rescue a hedgehog? An expert guide

Hedgehogs that are out at night and appear healthy are best left alone.

Emily Harper, PhD Candidate, School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Nov. 7, 2024 • ~6 min

For many in the UK, 2024 was the year without a butterfly

The Big Butterfly Count reported its worst results in 14 years of monitoring UK species.

Lars B. Pettersson, Associate Professor in Animal Ecology, Lund University • conversation
Sept. 18, 2024 • ~7 min

A toxic chemical was blamed for killing thousands of Teesside crabs – but our study explains why pyridine wasn’t the culprit

Scientists who took part in an independent inquiry that refuted the ‘pyridine hypothesis’ faced widespread criticism and distrust from politicians and the media

Mark Fizsimons, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Plymouth • conversation
Sept. 17, 2024 • ~10 min

A toxic chemical was blamed for killing thousands of Teeside crabs – but our study explains why pyridine wasn’t the culprit

Scientists who took part in an independent inquiry that refuted the ‘pyridine hypothesis’ faced widespread criticism and distrust from politicians and the media

Mark Fizsimons, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Plymouth • conversation
Sept. 17, 2024 • ~10 min

A toxic chemical was blamed for killing thousands of Teeside crabs – but our latest study explains why pyridine wasn’t to blame

Scientists who took part in an independent inquiry that refuted the ‘pyridine hypothesis’ faced widespread criticism and distrust from politicians and the media

Mark Fizsimons, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Plymouth • conversation
Sept. 17, 2024 • ~10 min

Seabirds: 40% of UK species in trouble – bird flu, climate change and overfishing to blame

A torrid few years of widespread disease have pushed several species closer to extinction.

Richard Gregory, Honorary Professor of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, UCL • conversation
Sept. 2, 2024 • ~8 min

Where are all the butterflies? Possibly in your shed

Butterflies bruised by rain and gales are hunkering down hoping for pleasant weather.

Willow Neal, Postgraduate Researcher in Conservation Ecology, The Open University • conversation
Aug. 6, 2024 • ~7 min

Dormice are declining but current nest surveys don’t tell the real story

Current data shows dormice are dramatically declining, but more accurate survey methods could yield different results.

Debbie Bartlett, Professor of Environmental Conservation, University of Greenwich • conversation
Aug. 2, 2024 • ~7 min

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