Biography
I am a PGR based in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds working with Professor Dominick Spracklen, Dr Cat Scott and Professor Pippa Chapman, as well as Dr Mike Perks from CASE partner Forest Research. My research will be investigating the carbon sequestration potential of UK native woodland and its potential contribution to net zero emissions targets.
I previously completed my undergraduate degree in Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Edinburgh. For the last 2 years I have been working for Restoring Hardknott Forest, a partnership project between the University of Leeds and Forestry England to convert a former conifer plantation in the Lake District to a mosaic of native woodland and other habitats.
Qualifications
2011 – 2015: BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography, University of Edinburgh
Research Interests
- Carbon storage and sequestration in woodlands
- Native woodland restoration and expansion
- Ecosystems services and biodiversity of woodlands
Project Title
The contribution of native woodlands to the UK’s net-zero climate targets
Supervisors
- Professor Dominick Spracklen
- Dr. Cat Scott
- Professor Pippa Chapman
- Dr. Mike Perks
Funding
Panorama NERC DTP, 2021
CASE Partner: Forest Research
Project outline
My research will focus on improving estimates of carbon storage and rates of sequestration across of a range of native woodland types. I will be assessing carbon stocks in both above and below ground carbon and comparing how different factors affect this, for example tree species assemblage, soil type, previous land use and the method of woodland creation (planting or natural regeneration). Through analysis of this data there is potential to model how government targets for native woodland establishment may contribute to the 2050 net zero emissions targets.