About Us
The vision of the British Ecological Society is for a world inspired, informed and influenced by ecology.
Our mission – what we do to achieve our vision – is to generate, communicate and promote ecological knowledge and solutions. Find out more about our Strategic Plan and how you can get involved.
Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution, abundance and dynamics of organisms, their interactions with other organisms and with their physical environment. At a time when finite natural resources are being used at increasing rates, it has never been more important for human society to understand its impact on ecological systems and their importance in maintaining human health.
The BES’s many activities include the publication of a range of scientific literature, including five internationally renowned journals, the organisation and sponsorship of a wide variety of meetings, the funding of numerous grant schemes, education work and policy work. The Society also runs supporting initiatives such as the gratis book scheme which aims to make ecology publications available to those who couldn’t otherwise obtain them.
The Society was established in 1913 and has approximately 5,000 members worldwide, and membership is open to all with an interest in ecology. There is a small membership fee, with discounts for students and those from low income countries.
The Society is funded through income from subscriptions, publications and its investment portfolio. It is an independent organisation that receives little outside funding.
The BES is located at:
British Ecological Society Charles Darwin House 12 Roger Street London WC1N 2JU
The BES is one of five owner societies working together at Charles Darwin House to strengthen the voice of Biology and create a national hub for our subject. Our belief is that Biology is made stronger through collaboration that brings together the diverse skills, opinions and expertise of individual member Societies. This is the principle that underpins Charles Darwin House.
The BRE’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is one way of measuring the sustainability score of a workplace; the BES is exceptionally proud to have been awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating for its conversion of Charles Darwin House.
The British Ecological Society is a limited company, registered in England No. 1522897 and a Registered Charity No. 281213.