PhD Studentship: Integrating modern and long-term ecology to inform UK peatland fire management in a changing climate

Integrating modern and long-term ecology to inform UK peatland fire management in a changing climate

DoS: Dr Jessie Woodbridge (jessie.woodbridge@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Scott Davidson (scott.davidson@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Professor Gareth Clay, University of Manchester

4^th Supervisor: Professor Ralph Fyfe (ralph.fyfe@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2025

Project Description

Scientific background 

Climate change is increasing wildfire risk globally. In the UK, peatland wildfires have been frequent and severe in recent years(1). Peatlands are important carbon-rich biodiverse ecosystems. Wildfire can severely damage peatlands with significant environmental impacts(3). Fire has played an important role in shaping landscapes historically(2), but uncontrolled fires lead to loss of ecosystem function and reduced peatland carbon storage capacity(3). This research aims to inform future peatland fire management strategies and improve understanding of carbon loss following fire events. Information about recent and long-term past (palaeo) ecological trends(4) in response to fire, climate and vegetation change will be integrated with modern ecological research. 

Research methodology

The research will be based within two National Parks (Peak District and Dartmoor) facing current and future wildfire challenges. This project will use palaeo-environmental indicators to investigate the relationships between vegetation (fossil pollen analysis(4)), fire activity (micro-charcoal analysis), climate, and carbon accumulation over centennial to millennial timescales to understand long-term patterns of change that lead to greater ecosystem resilience to fire(2). Remote-sensing will be used to evaluate patterns of peatland disturbance, vegetation loss and post-disturbance recovery. Fire modelling techniques(5) will be used to predict biomass and burned areas under different climate and fire frequency scenarios integrating past and modern ecological data. Post-fire carbon exchange will be evaluated through measuring CO2 flux in areas where wildfires have previously taken place. Spatial analysis and mapping techniques will be used to generate outputs with ArcGIS Online. 

Training

The supervisory team will provide training in microscopic pollen and charcoal analysis, carbon flux monitoring and data analysis. You will attend training courses on vegetation, climatic and fire modelling. Time will be spent with a partner organisation (Natural England) developing multidisciplinary skills. You will learn to use a range of computer software (e.g. GIS) and R programming.

Person specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a degree within Geography, Environmental Science and related disciplines. Students from numerical disciplines are also encouraged to apply. Experience of long-term ecology and/or fieldwork is desirable. Alternative modes of working (desk-based research using existing databases) are available to accommodate personal circumstances.

For information on Eligibility and Funding, please click on the links below: 

• Eligibility
• Funding

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.  

Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship that you are applying for at the top of your personal statement. 

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.

The closing date for applications on 8^th January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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