The British Ecological Society’s Marsh Ecology Book of the Year is awarded to the book that has had the greatest influence on the science of ecology in any two-year period.
The World Beneath Our Feet takes readers on a journey, from freshly fallen plant litter, down through the topsoil, and finally into the permanently dark, undisturbed underworld of the subsoil. Along the way we meet some of the world’s strangest inhabitants and learn about the important roles they play in supporting us and the natural world, from nutrient cycling to agriculture and carbon storage.
This prize is funded by The Marsh Charitable Trust and is an honorarium of £1,000. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between the British Ecological Society and the Marsh Charitable Trust. The World Beneath Our Feet is the 21st winner of the Marsh Ecology Book of the Year.
Frank Ashwood is a soil scientist with a passion for finding and photographing the world’s strangest inhabitants, nearly all of which live in soil. Frank has a research background in earthworm ecology but quickly expanded his interests to all manner of soil invertebrates.
‘I really enjoy science communication, telling anyone who will listen about the wonders of life belowground, often with the help of my macrophotography.’ said Frank Ashwood, ‘Ultimately, this is what led me to write The World Beneath Our Feet ; that strong desire to pass on my love of soil ecology to as broad an audience as possible.’
Hefin Jones, a BES Marsh Ecology Book of the Year judge said: ‘Frank Ashwood’s The World Beneath Our Feet is an engaging and accessible exploration of soil biodiversity and its importance to ecosystems and human society. Its major strength is in Ashwood’s ability to communicate complex ecological processes through vivid descriptions of the largely unseen organisms that sustain soils.’
Ken Thompson, another BES Marsh Ecology Book of the Year judge, said: ‘There are jaw-dropping facts on every page and throughout the book, Ashwood’s narrative is greatly enlivened by his personal encounters with soil life. These adventures lend his text an immediacy and excitement that makes for an entertaining read.’
Frank will be presented with the prize during a ceremony held at the BES Annual Meeting which runs from 14 – 17 December in Birmingham. This international meeting will bring together over 1500 ecologists to discuss the latest advances in ecological research across the whole discipline.
The World Beneath Our Feet was published on 27 August 2026 by Hodder Press.
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