Lead supervisor: Prof Jane Hill (University of York Department of Biology)
Co-supervisors: Dr Michael Pocock (UKCEH) Dr Christopher Nichols (Woodland Trust) Dr Mark Wilson (British Trust for Ornithology) Prof Colin Beale (York).
The student will be registered with the Department of Biology
Net-zero carbon commitments have raised awareness of the benefits of nature-based solutions provided by restoring and creating woodlands. However, biodiversity declines can be steepest in woodlands, and so it is important to explore how woodland restoration can support nature recovery. Previous research has focused on the fates of individual species, but species interact within complex networks, resulting in cascading effects from species losses and gains. These networks underpin the ecological resilience of woodlands, and so this project will examine how woodland creation and management affect ecological networks of woodland birds, insects and plants, and their resilience.
This project will analyse UK data sets mapping woodland characteristics and distributions of 1000s of UK species (birds, insects, plants), complemented by biodiversity surveys at focal sites representing different creation and management practices (e.g. natural regeneration, re-planting), to:
(1) Examine how species interaction networks are affected by woodland extent and connectivity, and test outcomes of different woodland and climate change scenarios;
(2) Survey sites that differ in management and age of restoration, to assess relationships between woodland quality and species interaction networks;
(3) Integrate findings to develop policy recommendations to ensure woodland restoration supports nature recovery.
Carbon net-zero commitments and policies for woodland restoration provide opportunities for biodiversity recovery, making it vital to understand factors affecting woodland biodiversity and the resilience of woodlands to future climate change, hence the need for this research. There is huge interest in ‘win-win’ opportunities for woodlands to support biodiversity and carbon recovery, to which this project will contribute. The project will interest you if you wish to study ecological interactions between birds, insects and plants, and are keen to develop skills in data analysis and fieldwork. You would join a friendly and collaborative interdisciplinary research group within York’s Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity.
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
Please complete and upload this proforma in support of your application.
Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological, ecological or evolutionary questions.
Programme: PhD in ACCE (4 years)
Start Date: 1st October 2023 (the student will be registered with the Department of Biology)
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the w/c 20 February 2023
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