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The British Ecological Society

The British Ecological Society is a scientific society for all those interested in ecology. Our vision is to advance ecology and make it count. We achieve this by developing ecological science and scientists; improving the quality of education and capacity building; promoting the use of ecological science and building collaborative partnerships.

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Activities & Mission

The British Ecological Society is a scientific society for all those interested in ecology. Our vision is to advance ecology and make it count. We achieve this by developing ecological science and scientists; improving the quality of education and capacity building; promoting the use of ecological science and building collaborative partnerships.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£5,677,000
Latest Expenditure
£5,417,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 94.2%
% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 57% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 356). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 98.7%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 61% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 1.6%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 71% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £62,000
Charitable Activities £5,371,000
Other Trading £1,000
Investments £231,000
Other Income £12,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £5,348,000
Raising Funds £69,000
Governance £20,000
Grants to Institutions £35,000
Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2024
£5,677,000
£5,417,000£5,348,000£17,801,000£5,100,00038 / 100
2023
£5,084,000
£5,058,000£4,999,000£17,021,000£3,800,00038 / 150
2022
£5,390,000
£4,521,000£4,465,000£16,404,000£3,600,00039 / 700
2021
£5,353,000
£4,298,000£4,244,000£16,712,000£2,700,00035 / 300
2020
£4,625,000
£3,989,000£3,965,000£14,709,000£7,972,00033 / 60

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The British Ecological Society

What does The British Ecological Society do?

The British Ecological Society is a scientific society for all those interested in ecology. Our vision is to advance ecology and make it count. We achieve this by developing ecological science and scientists; improving the quality of education and capacity building; promoting the use of ecological science and building collaborative partnerships.

How much income did The British Ecological Society report in 2024?

The British Ecological Society reported total income of £5.68m and reported expenditure of £5.42m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is The British Ecological Society?

The British Ecological Society has a program ratio of 94.2%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 57% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 356 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was The British Ecological Society registered as a charity?

The British Ecological Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 28 January 1981 as charity number 281213. It has been registered for 45 years.

Who runs The British Ecological Society?

The British Ecological Society is governed by a board of 14 trustees. The chair of trustees is Professor Melanie Clare Austen. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The British Ecological Society operate?

The British Ecological Society operates across 2 areas: Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Is The British Ecological Society a registered charity?

Yes — The British Ecological Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 281213.

Details

Address
British Ecological Society
42 Wharf Road
LONDON
N1 7GS
Registration Date
28 January 1981
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
281213
Charity Number
281213

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Trustees

Professor Melanie Clare Austen Chair
Clare Elizabeth Pinches
Dr Caroline Howe
Dr Cecilia Skordilis
Dr Ciara Marie Dwyer
Also governs 1 other charity
Dr Laura Jane Eileen Graham
Dr Markus Peter Eichhorn
Pam Vick
Professor Bridget Anne Emmett
Also governs 1 other charity
Professor Christian Dunn
Also governs 1 other charity
Professor Elizabeth Penelope Holland
Professor Robert Peter Freckleton
Professor Robin Brooker
Professor Timothy Neal Coulson

Sectors & Classifications

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
14 May 2026
Report a data issue