Peatlands on the edge: integrating modern and long-term ecology to inform UK peatland fire management in a changing climate, CASE project with Natural England

Peatlands on the edge: integrating modern and long-term ecology to inform UK peatland fire management in a changing climate, CASE project with Natural England

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Jessie Woodbridge, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth

Professor Ralph Fyfe, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth

Professor Gareth Clay, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester

Mrs Frances McCullagh, Natural England

 

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 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 past environmental indicators to investigate the relationships between vegetation (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 will be used to predict biomass and burned areas under different climate and fire frequency scenarios integrating past and modern ecological data(5). 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 in 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.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Geography, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and related disciplines.

Project code: WOODBRIDGE_PLYM_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Belcher, Clay, et al. (2021) UK Wildfires and their Climate Challenges. Expert led report prepared for the Third Climate Change Risk Assessment. (online: www.ukclimaterisk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/UK-Wildfires-and-their-Climate-Challenges.pdf) Accessed: July 2021.
  • Connor, Woodbridge, et al. (2019) Humans take control of fire-driven diversity changes in Mediterranean Iberia’s vegetation during the mid–late Holocene, Holocene. 29, 886-901. DOI: 10.1177/0959683619826652
  • Wilkinson, Davidson, et al. (2023) Wildfire and degradation accelerate northern peatland carbon release, Nature Climate Change. DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01657-w
  • Woodbridge et al. (2021) What drives biodiversity patterns? Using long-term multi-disciplinary data to discern centennial-scale change, Journal of Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.13565.
  • Woodbridge et al. (in press) Historical ecology and stakeholder perspectives can inform peatland fire management, Journal of Applied Ecology.

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