Urban and rural environments face a range of pressures and impacts as a result of extreme weather events, including flooding, which are projected to increase in frequency and severity with climate change. Green infrastructure (GI) measures, such as sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and natural flood management (NFM), are being used across the UK and internationally as a result. Although GI techniques have the potential to offer multiple benefits, the evidence-base is still inadequate as interactions are complex, preventing widespread uptake [1].
Citizen Science (CS) has enabled the general public to work alongside scientists and researchers to co-produce new knowledge across a range of environmental disciplines. This participatory approach has been implemented in the water management sector, and policy frameworks welcome the involvement of communities [2,3]. However robust monitoring methods are yet to be developed.
This cross-disciplinary project aims to co-develop, test and evaluate a GI orientated CS monitoring toolkit which uses a range of cost-effective and innovative techniques. Working in various community settings for comparison, the monitoring programme will provide evidence associated with the value of CS (as a monitoring technique) and report on the effectiveness and maintenance of various GI measures investigated. The candidate will work alongside the National Green Infrastructure Facility (NGIF), and in collaboration with Tyne Rivers Trust and urban and rural community groups across the NE of England. A variety of desk-based, stakeholder engagement and hydrometric fieldwork techniques are envisaged, will expand on previous projects such as the Haltwhistle Burn and My Tyne, and will have access to NGIF’s laboratory. This PhD will specifically develop fieldwork, engagement, participatory, citizen science, water management and data visualisation skills which are crucial in today’s water and climate change sector.
Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.
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