About the Ecological Continuity Trust
The Ecological Continuity Trust was formed as a direct response to the loss of long-term experiments (LTEs) throughout the UK. We support LTEs by providing funds through our grants scheme.
Our vision is to develop a strategic network of LTEs, and we harness data from for evidence-based policymaking, sustainable land use and education. Read more about our impact.
In 2006, Jerry Tallowin delivered a talk “Time for more Classics” at the the annual meeting of the British Science Association (formerly the British Association for the Advancement of Science). He spoke about the loss of long-term funding for ecological experiments. Inspired by this, he, Jonathan Silvertown and Mike Morecroft (Natural England) spoke about how they can safeguard and champion LTEs. They brought together a group of ecologists to form a Steering Committee, which went on to establish the mission and governance of the ECT, which was eventually formed in 2008.
What we do
The LTE Sites
Our Governance
Jerry Tallowin,
Chair of Trustees
Jerry is an agricultural-ecologist and research fellow of Rothamsted Research. The main theme of Jerry's research has been the maintenance and restoration of grassland biodiversity in the UK and Europe. Listen to a podcast with Jerry on the ECT discussing our history, development and vision.
Jonathan Silvertown, Trustee
Jonathan is Professor of Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Edinburgh. His research specialism is plant population biology, covering a wide range of topics. Listen to a podcast interview with Jonathan following his talk at the BIFoR Annual Conference.
Our Staff
Ben Sykes MRSB, Executive Director
Ben is a biologist by training, also with a Masters in science communication. He spent 22 years working with the UK Research Councils (BBSRC), including six years as Executive Director of the UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN).
Dr Danae Dodge MRSB, Communications Officer
Danae has a PhD in ancient DNA from the University of Sheffield. Prior to joining ECT, she was engaged in clerical work and worked at the British Science Festival in 2019. She has volunteered for numerous charities, conducting fundraising, public engagement and science communication activities, and continues to volunteer with the Royal Society of Biology at the London branch.
Tim Rowland, Fundraiser
Originally trained as a civil engineer, Tim has been a professional fundraiser for 23 years. He worked at Cancer Research UK for 12 years and then at Future Trees Trust, before joining ECT in 2022.
