Microbial Drivers of Temperate Rainforest Expansion and functional resilience

Microbial Drivers of Temperate Rainforest Expansion and functional resilience

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Thomas Murphy, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth

Dr James Buckley, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth

Dr Kirsty Matthews Nicholass, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth

Dr Jennifer Rowntree, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth

 

Scientific Background

The British and Irish Isles have very low levels of current tree cover and what remains is frequently of poor condition [1]. The UK government has therefore proposed increasing tree cover through tree planting and natural regeneration via seed dispersal. Tree planting is expensive but necessary for woodland expansion in areas lacking trees [2], yet the relative capacity of planted woodland and natural regeneration to support healthy and resilient native woodland is still unclear [3].  In particular, we know little about the roles of soil regeneration and associated microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) for supporting woodland restoration [4]. This project will focus on temperate rainforests of SW England, examining the connection between woodland restoration, soil condition and biodiversity in temperate rainforests of SW England.

 

Research Methodology

Temperate rainforests are an internationally important habitat with extensive epiphyte (moss, lichen and fern) growth found in mild and wet climates; a recent report identified significant capacity for restoration of temperate rainforest in SW England [5]. This project aims to 1) assess the soil communities and ecosystem functioning of established temperate rainforest sites; 2) compare these to neighbouring plots of woodlands created by tree planting and natural regeneration; and 3) test the effect of soil community inoculation in supporting temperate rainforest restoration through an established experiment on Exmoor.

Alongside assays of soil physico-chemical characteristics (soil carbon, nutrient composition, compaction and water retention), DNA metabarcoding of soil (ground and arboreal) bacterial, fungal and invertebrate communities will be used to comprehensively document the soil biological community at the study sites. The student will visit field sites across two growing seasons to collect data on tree health and establishment, as well as the soil samples for molecular metabarcoding analysis.

 

Person Specification & Training

The candidate should have experience of field and lab-based (molecular) research, and an interest in understanding and communicating the importance of Temperate Rainforest. The project will provide extensive fieldwork experience, as well as laboratory and analytical skills in metabarcoding. Experience of soil analysis and plant identification would be an advantage. Site selection will provide opportunities to network with local landowners and practitioners.

Acceptable first degree subjects: The candidate should have BSc degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation or Environmental Sciences.

Project code: MURPHY_PLYM_ARIES26

References

  • Reid, C, Hornigold K., McHenry E, Nichols C, Townsend M, et al. (2021). State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021, Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2021/04/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees-2021/
  • Murphy TR, Hanley ME, Ellis JE, and Lunt PH. (2022). Optimizing opportunities for oak woodland expansion into upland pastures. Ecological Solutions and Evidence. 3(1), e12126. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12126
  • Bauld J, Guy M, Hughes S, Forster J and Watts K .(2023). Assessing the use of natural colonization to create new forests within temperate agriculturally dominated landscapes. Restoration Ecology 31 (8), e14004. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14004
  • Li T., Phillips RP, Rillig MC et al. (2025). Mycorrhizal allies: synergizing forest carbon and multifunctional restoration. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2025.07.004
  • Murphy TR, Chernyuk K, Roszkowski M, Lewin S, Lunt PH, Buckley J. (2025). State of Temperate Rainforest in SW England – mapping and report. South West Rainforest Alliance, University of Plymouth. Preview map available at: https://swtemperaterainforest.nextgis.com/resource/414/display?panel=layers

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via  University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training