Background
The project will investigate the environmental history of montane heath in the Carneddau mountains, North Wales. This fragile landscape is classified as being in an unfavourable condition, affected by over-grazing and climate change. Plans to diversify grazing regimes and increase woodland are perceived by influential stakeholders as threatening centuries-old traditions of farming. This perception inhibits the changes that are needed to counter losses in biodiversity and the degradation of upland peats.
Research can provide the evidence-base to challenge these misperceptions and inform decisions about future sustainable management of mountain landscapes. There are few palynological studies available for Snowdonia, with the most recent work indicating spatial and temporal variability in vegetation, probably caused by changes in farming practices and climate. Archaeological and historical evidence points to variation in where and how humans farmed the mountain environment.
Objectives
1. Analyse lake and peat cores to establish a record of Holocene vegetation change, with a particular focus on grazing biomarkers (pollen and fungal spores) during the last 6000 years;
2. Use the cores to establish a local climate record commensurate with the vegetation history (testate amoebae);
3. Correlate the palaeoenvironmental history with landscape and archival evidence for land use regimes (archaeological surveys and estate documents);
4. Inform policy debates about the future sustainable management of the Carneddau landscape and grazed montane environments more widely.
Novelty
Livestock grazing has a primary role in shaping Europe’s mountainous regions. The research reconstructs histories of grazing intensity and character, and uses this to inform decisions about future conservation of mountain landscapes.
Timeliness
The CASE partner leads a 5-year project to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Carneddau. The student has a unique opportunity to collaborate with the project and contribute to policy on the sustainable management of Snowdonia’s fragile landscapes.
Start date: 1st October 2023
This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment. ACCE is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York, CEH, and NHM, for more information about ACCE and how to apply please visit the website: https://accedtp.ac.uk/
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.
We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
How to apply:
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma and more information on the ACCE application process can be found here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/
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