Ecology

Ecology is the study of interactions between living things and their environment. It facilitates understanding of vital species and habitats, the interdependence between people and nature and the effectiveness of conservation actions.

This is particularly relevant given the current biodiversity crisis and our changing climate. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimate that 28% of species are under threat globally. Worryingly, the recent Biodiversity Intactness Index, which summarises the change in ecological communities in response to human pressures, suggests that the UK has already lost 50% of its biodiversity.

For the first time, the World Economic Forum has placed environmental concerns at the top of its long-term risk assessments, with biodiversity loss the second most-impactful and third most-likely risk for the next decade. This situation is heightened by the effects of climate change in the form of increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, more frequent storm events, altered rainfall and ocean acidification.

Our research, which spans a wide range of species, habitats and ecosystems, aims to overcome these challenges by supporting effective conservation actions. We help guide the use of natural resources to improve sustainability and environmental health.

Our teaching programmes in Environmental Protection and Management, Wildlife and Conservation Management, Ecological Economics and Agriculture also draw from our most recent research to give students the most up-to-date information and experiences.