"PhD Physical Geography and PhD Environmental Sciences - “Peatlands on the Edge: Integrating Modern and Long-Term Ecology To Inform UK Peatland Fire Management in a Changing Climate”"

University of Plymouth

DoS: Dr Jessie Woodbridge

2nd Supervisor: Professor Ralph Fyfe

3rd Supervisor: Professor Gareth Clay, University of Manchester

4th Supervisor: Mrs Frances McCullagh, Natural England

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2026

Project Description

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.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in Geographical, Biological or Environmental Science and related disciplines. Students from numerical disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend, £20,780 p.a. for 2025/26 (2026/27 rate TBC) and research costs.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Jessie Woodbridge jessie.woodbridge@plymouth.ac.uk.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

Please click on the 'Apply'button above for further information and to apply.

The closing date for applications on 7th January 2026.