Ecology and conservation at Lancaster Environment Centre use ecological, behavioural and molecular techniques to understand how ecosystems function, how they respond to global change, and how they can be managed to enhance biodiversity and its associated services.

The ecology and conservation of hyper-diverse tropics

Our work in the hyper-diverse tropics focuses on both forests and coral reefs, where we examine how human activities are influencing species conservation, ecosystem functioning and the livelihoods of local people. Within reefs, this research examines how bleaching events influence fish assemblages, ecosystem stability, and ecosystem recovery. Within tropical forests, we are examining how fires and logging influence species of conservation concern and forest resilience.
Insect biodiversity and global change

We are investigating how environmental change affects insect biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services such as pollination and pest control. We undertake observational studies on how individual species and whole communities are responding to climate change and habitat degradation and use field manipulations and lab experiments to unravel the mechanisms underlying their responses.
Ecology of host-parasite interactions

We are studying the ecological and evolutionary interactions between parasites and their animal hosts. This includes fundamental studies of how the immune system evolves and phenotypically responds to challenges by parasites, as well as the development and use of biological pesticides to improve food security. Study systems include insects, birds and mammals and their bacterial, viral and nematode parasites in the UK and Africa, especially African armyworms and their viruses.
Behavioural ecology

We examine breeding and behavioural ecology using birds as a readily observable group of species which can provide data at the level of the individual. These studies allow us to understand life-history constraints of species in the face of climate change, and explore fundamental questions such as parent-offspring conflict, song development and sibling competition.
Carbon and nutrient cycling

We examine carbon cycling across many terrestrial systems, including tropical and temperate forests, grasslands and moorlands. The research examines how climate, soil, microbes and biogeochemistry interact to affect nutrient cycling, developing an understanding of how ecosystems function and quantifying their likely feedbacks with climate change.

Research Highlights

Composite of two photos: a man tends food plants in a small raised bed of soil in the Amazon (left) and a car drives through a flooded UK road passing a "road closed due to flooding" sign and a bus stop

Ranked 2nd in the UK for the real-world impact of environmental research

The research carried out by the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) makes a real difference to people’s lives, according to the results of the UK Government’s research excellence framework (REF).

A group of very happy people cheering surrounded by colourful Brazilian drums

Brazilian carnival comes to Lancaster

Lancarnaval - a Brazilian style carnival celebration – is being held in Lancaster this weekend, thanks to a group of Brazilians who came to Lancaster University to work or study.

A laughing man, kneeling in front of a birdwatching telescope with binoculars over his shoulder, offers food from his hand to a group of ducks

Protecting wildlife through film

A Lancaster undergraduate has ambitions to be the next David Attenborough or Simon Reeve, using documentaries to help protect wildlife by connecting people with nature.

Grab a pint, of science

People across Morecambe and Lancaster are invited to join Lancaster University scientists for a chat in the pub.

Composite image of five women of differing ethnicities smiling to the camera

Blog: Women fighting climate and ecological breakdown

On International Women’s Day 2022, Dr Ally Gormally-Sutton celebrates some of the amazing, inspirational women from the Lancaster Environment Centre who are helping to create a more sustainable future.

Nutritious fish stocks being squandered by salmon farming say scientists

Millions of tonnes of highly-nutritious wild fish could stay in the ocean while also boosting seafood production if changes are made to the feeds given to farmed fish like salmon, a new study reveals.

Unexpected hope for millions as bleached coral reefs continue to supply nutritious seafood

Researchers studying coral reefs damaged by rising sea temperatures have discovered an unexpected ‘bright spot’ of hope for communities who depend upon them for food security.

Graduates seated wearing official hats and gowns with bright red hoods

Congratulations to our graduates

We’re proud of all our postgraduate students and researchers graduating today – a huge achievement in difficult circumstances – and wish them the best for their future.

Solar parks could boost bumble bee numbers in a win-win for nature

New research shows that simple changes to how UK solar parks are managed could boost ground nesting bumble bee populations in the parks and surrounding areas, providing an additional benefit on top of renewable energy.

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Ecology and Conservation

Group Leader

Professor Jos Barlow

Members

Professor Jos Barlow

Dr Gemma Fenwick FHEA

Professor Nick Graham

Professor Jonathan Grey

Dr Ian Hartley

Dr Sally Keith

Dr Rosa Menendez Martinez

Dr Stuart Sharp

Dr Andy Wilby

Professor Kenneth Wilson

Publications

Projects

Research Activity

The ecology and conservation of hyper-diverse tropics

Insect biodiversity and global change

Ecology of host-parasite interactions

Behavioural ecology

Carbon and nutrient cycling