Sarah Binnie

Sarah joined ABEC in October 2025 as a Senior Ecologist, bringing expertise in data analysis and visualisation in R, as well as mapping of spatial data in GIS software. She has extensive experience in terrestrial bird and insect ecology, including both analytical and field-based work in the UK and abroad. Sarah joined ABEC after completing her PhD with the University of East Anglia (viva pending); the aim of her research was to better understand the environmental drivers of population decline in migratory birds and inform conservation action. Prior to her PhD, Sarah worked for three years in the Biological Records Centre at Essex Wildlife Trust, through which she developed strong data handling and mapping skills, as well as conducting ecological surveys and supporting volunteers.

She also has an accomplished academic background, having previously completed an MSc in Applied Ecology at the University of Exeter, and a BA in Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford. In addition, Sarah has been fortunate to be involved in a number of fantastic field-based projects, including training as a bird ringer with the BTO, conducting a research internship on neotropical Lepidoptera in rural Paraguay, and a field research expedition in Madagascar.