Project summary: Globally, peatlands are one of the most important terrestrial carbon stores, and one of the least understood types of peatland are wet woodlands, which form in temperate and boreal river valleys, including in the UK. These woodlands store carbon as peat and living biomass, both above and below ground, but their importance for carbon storage or sequestration are unknown; and we don’t know how much their re-establishment can help as part of tree-planting schemes and climate change mitigation targets. To help answer these questions, this project will study the carbon stocks and dynamics of wet woodlands using the Broads National Park as a case study. The Broads NP is a UK priority wetland area that includes one of the largest areas of wet woodland in the UK, which is of international significance. The project aims to make the first accurate measurements of (i) the amount of carbon stored above and below ground in wet woodlands; (ii) rates of above and belowground litter production (carbon inputs); and (iii) greenhouse gas fluxes from wet woodland soil and vegetation. These measurements will provide a benchmark on the potential of wet woodland for afforestation and landuse decision makers.
Research approach: The main study site is a wet woodland located in Wheatfen Nature Reserve. The site hosts the Broadland Ecohydrological Observatory (BEO), which has been continuously monitoring hydrological and meteorological conditions of the wet woodland since 2017. The project will involve multiple field surveys collecting data using a range of established and novel techniques developed for wet woodlands, including adapted Global Ecosystem Monitoring Network plot protocols to measure aboveground biomass and productivity; field-based flux chambers to measure GHG emissions; mini-rhizotrons to measure belowground litter production; and peat cores and laboratory elemental analysis to measure belowground carbon stocks. Data on woodland structure from terrestrial laser scanner and drone LiDAR imagery and drone photogrammetry will be available from the research of a parallel PhD project (University of Cambridge). There is considerable flexibility to pursue different research avenues depending on your interests and skills.
Policy secondment and training: The PhD includes a 3-6 month secondment at Broads Authority, working with the Environment Policy Adviser to provide analysis on priority areas. The Broads Authority are responsible for the long-term management of the Broads NP and how regional carbon storage can be used to help adapt to climate change. As well as training in cutting-edge field and laboratory methods, you will gain experience of communicating scientific findings to policy and practice organisations, including hosting science-policy discussions and developing policy briefings.
The team: This project forms part of a larger long-term programme of work being undertaken by researchers from multiple institutions and organisations as part of the BEO and the Wet Woodland Research network (led by Royal Holloway University of London, Universities of Cambridge, Leeds and Plymouth). You will become an important member of this vibrant research group and be encouraged to present research findings and contribute to wider project discussions. The research is highly relevant to a large number of wet woodlands around the world and there will be opportunities to engage with site managers and government organisations to inform policy decisions. The project is suitable for someone looking to develop skills in analytical, field, laboratory and modelling techniques, and using data to inform policy decisions. We expect the work to lead to three or four publications in international journals.
How to apply: See here for entry requirements. Successful candidates are likely to have obtained a First or 2:1 undergraduate and a relevant Master’s degree in an appropriate area of science or technology such as environmental science, geography, biology, ecology etc., or have equivalent professional experience. Prior experience of field and laboratory work, and knowledge of peatlands is desirable. The successful applicant will have a strong academic background, the ability to communicate to high standards, an interest in field and laboratory analysis, and an enthusiasm regarding this topic. Applicants from underrepresented groups in science are particularly welcome to apply.
Submit an application via Royal Holloway Direct. Any questions about the PhD can be sent to [Email Address Removed].
Applications will start to be considered from 08/08/22 with interviews held virtually until the position is filled.
Continue with Facebook
