The Application of Ecology

Doubts have been raised as to whether papers published in Journal of Applied Ecology tend to influence management practice or policy, and questions asked as to what factors might influence this. 2. Some patterns are suggested by examination of a small sample of 10 papers published by the journal at each of 6-year intervals. Many summaries in the sample lacked clear statements of the applied purpose of the paper or any recommendations for management. During the 30-year period covered, the proportion of papers which included explicit expression of applied purpose increased markedly but, throughout, many lacked any clear recommendations. Involvement of authors with addresses outwith universities or research institutes (such as organizations concerned with land management or policy development) was rare. 3. In order to aid the application of ecological results to practice and policy, the editors will welcome : papers with clear applied purpose and (where appropriate) with clear recommendations relating to applied issues ; investigations of whether such recommendations result in the desired effects ; short review articles on the interaction of ecology and its potential 'users' ; and short contributions to fora debating these and other current issues. Steps are in hand to speed publication and thereby increase topicality.