Current projects

An interdisciplinary research topic utilising knowledge and research methods within geology, heritage conservation and social sciences. Community led research will look at questions surrounding interactions with former quarries, such as remediation methods and development, whilst also considering access retention for small scale quarrying activities for local conservation.

Part of the research will involve developing new concepts around the emerging subject of geo-heritage based on a more-than-human approach, including what idealised conservation might look like, the regulatory and resource barriers that exist and community-buy-in methods.

Supervisors: Dr Steven Rogers, Dr Ian Stimpson, Dr Ben Anderson

Poverty has traditionally been examined in a material context a one dimensional approach, with development and well- being evaluated in the context of this material wealth. This project aims to evaluate rural poverty in a multi -dimensional approach, focussing on the ‘more than human’ aspects that can influence poverty and ones perception of poverty. The project will be further broken down into three main areas:

1. Importance of social isolation in shaping rural poverty
2. The implications for different groups of people
3. The importance of human and more-than-human approaches to community in helping to alleviate poverty- including a focus on material and psychological aspects. 

Supervisors: Professor Simon Pemberton, Dr Dan Allen and Dr Sara Vestergren

My project will explore the cultural value of darkness, using a more-than-human approach. Using interdisciplinary techniques, I will combine my ecology background with human geography, using methods such as multi-species sensorial ethnography to capture the experiences of human and non-human in differing levels of darkness. My aim is to capture the complex interactions between human and non-human entities in the night time landscape, with an aim of determining which of these hold value or fear, and how can we use this information to develop and promote sustainable lighting practices for the future.

Supervisors: Professor Clare Holdsworth, Dr Ellie Harrison

In recent years farmers protests have spread throughout much of Europe. Concerns over the cost of net-zero transitions and changes to subsidies have led to widespread protest. My research will look at how in 2024, these protests spread to the UK, challenging the often-repeated notion of the apolitical rural. The rural is a key locus for net-zero transition; ensuring it is a just transition is at the forefront of any notion of sustainability. My research will engage closely with the protesting farmers to understand how rural activism can help to bridge the gap between competing interpretations of sustainable futures.

Supervisors: Professor Clare Holdsworth, Dr Marit Hammond, Professor Deirdre McKay

This research will address two main aims: to explore barriers and facilitators to individual level environmentally sustainable behaviours in rural minority groups and to determine the influence of moral norms, moral values, and moral emotions on pro-environmental behaviours in rural minority groups. The proposed project will involve adopting an action research approach to conduct four studies, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods. Specifically, the research will involve theory building, theory testing, generalisability testing and an experimental study to test a possible intervention to improve engagement with sustainable behaviours in rural groups. 

Supervisors: Dr Kathryn Francis, Dr Sara Vestergren and Professor Zoe Robinson

My study is using advanced eco-acoustic devices and remote sensing data to understand the different effects solar farms have on Bats, Birds and Insects. This will be analysed in relation with species conservation implications and community perspectives towards solar farms and biodiversity. The study also aims to create a standardized system for monitoring biodiversity on a solar site thereby allowing to track and compare the species activity in solar sites across the country. GIS, machine learning and other ecological monitoring devices will also be trialled & studied throughout the study for easier monitoring of species in a larger scale.

Supervisors: Dr Christian Devenish, Dr Ellie Harrison, Professor Deirdre Mackay

This project aims to explore the socio-economic and environmental impacts of offshore wind farms on rural coastal communities proximal to offshore wind farms in the UK. By integrating nature-based solutions and conducting case studies across different communities, the research strives to enhance local livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. By engaging with local stakeholders, industry experts and academics, this project aims to co-create sustainable development strategies which benefit both human and natural systems. The findings should guide policy and practice to ensure that offshore wind farms contribute positively to rural coastal resilience and environmental stewardship.