Projects
Welcome to my PhD project, "Forest Restoration in the Face of Multiple Stressors.". This research explores the complexities of forest restoration amid various environmental challenges. The UK aims to plant 30,000 hectares of trees annually by 2035 to address biodiversity loss, increase carbon storage, and achieve Net Zero targets. However, the success of these efforts is influenced by multiple stressors, including drought, land degradation, and notably, surface-level ozone. Despite its significant impact, ozone-induced declines in net primary productivity are often overlooked, potentially jeopardising restoration goals. This project investigates how ozone, combined with other stressors, affects forest restoration trajectories in both the UK and abroad. By examining the relationships among functional traits, ecophysiology and ecological processes in the forest, we aim to understand how different stressors influence community assembly. The findings will inform tree-planting strategies and efforts, ensuring resilient restoration pathways in the face of environmental challenges. I invite you to take a look at the animation I developed with the North Walean based studio, The GAS, to introduce the PhD and initial 2 research chapters…
Restoring for the Future - PhD Animation: https://youtu.be/-aLJctUsSyg?si=l7nOfMT0wuZgiIrb
References:
1. UK Government (2021) ‘ The England trees action plan 2021-2024’: England Trees Action Plan 2021 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
2. PERRING, M. P., BULLOCK, J. M., ALISON, J., HOLDER, A. J. & HAYES, F. 2022. Out of sight, Out of mind - but not Out of scope: the need to consider ozone (O-3) in restoration science, policy, and practice. Restoration Ecology, 30.
Related Images
Quercus petraea. 2020.