Dr Sarah Beynon

Research Associate


Research Interests

I am an invertebrate ecologist and agricultural conservation biologist, with a particular interest in researching sustainable agricultural practices which maintain optimal invertebrate biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. I am interested in the underlying ecological processes that define insect communities. In particular, current research focuses on the impact of human-led perturbations on ecosystem services provided by dung beetles.

I believe that the application of theoretical research is key in bridging the gap between science and practice. I therefore set up Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm in 2013 as a research and education farm, based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. I am passionate about communicating my research to a wider audience and so work television as a presenter in my spare time!

Selected Publications

Beynon, S.A., Slade, E.M., Mann, D.J. & Lewis, O.T. (2012) Species-rich dung beetle communities buffer ecosystem services in perturbed agro-ecosystems. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49, 1365-1372.
Beynon, S.A., Peck, M., Mann, D.J. & Lewis, O.T. (2012) Consequences of alternative and conventional endoparasite control in cattle for dung-associated invertebrates and ecosystem functioning. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 162, 36-44.
Beynon, S.A. (2012) Potential environmental consequences of administration of anthelmintics to sheep, Veterinary Parasitology,189, 125-135.
Beynon, S.A. (2012) Potential environmental consequences of administration of ectoparasiticides to sheep, Veterinary Parasitology, 189, 113-124.
Wall, R. & Beynon, S. (2012) Area-wide impact of macrocyclic lactone parasiticides in cattle dung. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 26, 1-8.