Understanding the implementation of climate and biodiversity-smart forest management approaches in the UK

We are pleased to invite UK, EU and international applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship in Understanding the implementation of climate and biodiversity-smart forest management approaches in the UK from Teesside University International Business School.

Project description

This project aims at assessing the implementation of climate and biodiversity-smart (CBS) forest management approaches in the United Kingdom (UK). It will investigate which CBS options are already applied and will identify barriers and enablers for implementation. The biophysical suitability of current CBS practices, and of predominant forest management approaches in the UK will be assessed regarding their future capacity to reduce climate risks, to mitigate climate change and to maintain biodiversity habitats, for different forest ecosystems and regions. The project will:

• identify key factors influencing forests practitioners’ decisions in the implementation of CBS forest management approaches in the UK
• design new approaches for future CBS implementation in the UK, by considering the latest knowledge on climate change risks, anthropogenic factors influencing forest biodiversity, and integrative forest management and other successful examples from practice.

Potential methods for data collection include forest owners’ survey, semi-structured interviews with forest-related stakeholders, workshops with land managers.

Potential partners include Tees Valley Nature Partnership, Forestry England, Natural England, Woodland Trust, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, RSPB.

The supervisor is Professor Diana Feliciano.

Entry requirements

You should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A master’s level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area.

International applicants should have a standard of English at IELTS 6.5 minimum and will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Application is online.

Key dates

• Closing date for applications is 5.00pm, 1 February 2023.
• Shortlisting and online interviews are expected to be held mid-March 2023.
• Successful applicants will be expected to start May or October 2023.