About the Project
Lead-supervisor; Dr Helen Wheeler (School of Biological Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University). Co-supervisors; Dr Scott Newey and Dr Alessandro Gimona (The James Hutton Institute), and Rosalind Bryce (The University of Highlands & Islands).
The student will be registered with the School of Biological Sciences Anglia Ruskin University.
Background: The causes of species decline can be complex, with multiple social and ecological drivers operating over multiple spatial and temporal scales. To improve a species conservation status, we need to address and potential conflicts between different land management objectives. In complex multistakeholder systems there are often different understandings of the causes of species decline, and conflicts over how to promote recovery. Species conservation and recovery efforts, therefore, require a clear and detailed understanding of both the complexities of drivers of species change and recovery, and, critically the trust, understanding and interpretation which stakeholders place on information regarding species change.
Differences of opinion and understanding of wildlife management and conservation often drive conservation conflicts and can undermine pathways to sustainability. Conflicts between stakeholders can emerge from differences in core values and worldviews. Stakeholder perceptions of how system components interact emerge from both their understanding and use of scientific information, and their lived experiences of systems.
These differences in understanding and perspectives can undermine the effectiveness of evidence-based decision-making. Scientific research (a positivist approach) therefore only has a partial role in identifying how to steward social-ecological systems for sustainable futures and a constructivist approach between stakeholders and scientists to co-construct solutions is increasingly advocated. One context where conflict and differences of understanding are clearly present is in traditional field sport and wildlife management practices in the Scottish uplands, which are closely linked to management, land use change, and the development of policy and legislation. The recent legislation developed to protect mountain hares amidst wider reform of upland management and woodland expansion has brought into sharp focus some of the contrasting views on species management in the uplands.
Aims/Objectives: This PhD will examine the existing and emerging scientific evidence and expert opinion that addresses the drivers of the decline of mountain hare in Scotland, and the factors that determine the trust which different stakeholders place in information and its interpretation. This will provide the foundation for the student to examine one or more of the contemporary issues around the sustainable management of mountain hares. Key topics that the student could focus on include; the feasibility and viability of translocation proposals for mountain hare from both an ecological and social perspective, the effects of woodland expansion on mountain hares and how different stakeholders perceive these effects, and the design and implementation of a transparent and trusted monitoring scheme for mountain hares.
Approaches: The project will embrace a range of social and ecological sciences approaches and techniques. Initially, within the first 12-18 months the student will use a systematic map to frame the research questions and issues around the sustainable management of mountain hares. They will identify key stakeholder groups, and design and carryout semi-structured interviews which will subsequently be used to disentangle and understand different perceptions and viewpoints of stakeholders. As the PhD progresses other approaches, depending on the interests of the student, could include; habitat suitability modelling, focus groups, workshops, surveys and interviews. The PhD will include field-based research (interviewing and focus groups) and advanced analysis of existing data (e.g. National Biodiversity Network) to address these questions.
Entry Requirements: Please see Funding Notes above. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in biology, ecology, or social sciences who can demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary working and working with stakeholders on socio-ecological questions.
Location: The student will be based at School of Life Sciences, at the Cambridge campus of Anglia Ruskin University, but with time spent (average 2-3 months a year) in Aberdeen at the James Hutton Institute, and in Perth at the University of the Highlands & Islands. The project will involve working with a wide range of stakeholders. The student must therefore be prepared to spend time in both Cambridge and Aberdeen, and be prepared to travel and to spend time away from base.