Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/L008572/1
Understanding plant-soil feedback effects impacted by prescribed peatland burning to inform policy and site condition assessment procedures
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor J Holden, University of Leeds, Sch of Geography
- Grant held at:
- University of Leeds, Sch of Geography
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- We seek collaboration between the University of Leeds (UoL) & Natural England (NE) on a challenging topic with impact where the organisations provide an outstanding training experience for a student. Prescribed vegetation burning continues to be a common practice on UK moorlands to promote regeneration of shrubby plants suitable for grouse to support the gun sports industry which generates around 90M GBP in the rural economy per year. However, there is concern about economic losses associated with loss of peat-forming moss communities which help take carbon out of the atmosphere & lock it into the landscape as peat. Such damage contributes to economic losses associated with reduced biodiversity, poor water quality & peatland decay. The UK could face legal action or fines from the EU due to non-compliance with the Habitats Directive or Water Framework Directive. NE have a legal duty to monitor & ensure peatlands are protected but are also faced with the complex challenge of supporting landowners with management consents for activities so that there is a vibrant rural economy. A workshop held between the UoL & NE in Spring 2013, at which 30 NE staff were present, identified necessity for research to show how Sphagnum moss recovery can be accelerated after burning. Research will involve field sampling of peat chemistry & physical conditions, moss & other plant cover, soil & plant water properties, exploration & analysis of archived data held by NE on plant cover & site conditions in peatland systems under different burn management (including no-burn), & some laboratory experimentation to understand feedbacks between the moss & peat system under burnt/unburnt conditions. The student will be trained in the field by the CASE partner on plant survey techniques, methods used for site condition assessments, & methods used to determine consents for landowner burning & other management activity. This will enable the student to understand how their project can be best used to inform NE practice & advice. The project will also use direct routes to government in policy formation via senior NE staff. Dissemination (workshops, fliers & policy briefs) will occur for peatland stakeholder forums such as practitioner IUCN events & the Upland Hydrology Group which brings together conservation bodies, water companies, SMEs, charities such as RSPB & National Trust, Moorland Association, Game Conservancy Trust, national parks, local authorities. The collaborating team will develop a BBC TV Countryfile piece (& the student will undertake media training) as well as encourage student involvement with the British Science Festival & other outreach. The very best student will be selected for the project based on wide advertising, & a rigorous & fair selection process. The training programme will be split 50-50 between NE & the University & 9 months out of the 48 will be taken up with training activity including at least 4.5 months at the CASE partner. Training will cover core areas of the VITAE RDS providing transferable skills in additional to specialist & interdisciplinary training. Training will be supported by NE policy staff as well as field staff ensuring collaboration provides upskilling in field skills, management & consent decisions & policy impact pathways. The student will join water@leeds, the largest interdisciplinary research centre in Europe providing a stimulating environment for researcher development across disciplines and exposure to networks across industry & the third sector. A compulsory programme of personal, professional & career training will be delivered via a university-wide programme with dedicated faculty-based hubs offering discipline-specific programmes such as hillslope hydrology, soils, plant ecology & peatland science. The student will achieve Chartered Status with the Institute of Water & Environmental Management during the PhD programme ensuring external recognition & increasing employability.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/L008572/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £83,515
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - Student Stipend | Total - RTSG |
|---|---|---|
| £16,226 | £56,292 | £11,000 |
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