Fully-funded PhD: Optimising peatland recovery across fragmented landscapes

This project investigates how peatland restoration can be optimised to improve the recovery of aquatic ecosystems in upland landscapes. Healthy peatlands provide essential services such as carbon storage, climate regulation, water purification and biodiversity support, yet around 80% of UK peatlands are degraded, with the Peak District National Park among the most affected. Historic pollution, drainage and grazing have left many areas severely damaged. Over the last 15 years, restoration projects have re‑wetted peatlands through gully blocking and revegetation, creating thousands of small pools and altering hydrology and habitat structure. However, the ecological outcomes of these interventions remain poorly understood, and techniques have seen limited innovation aimed at enhancing biodiversity. This project will use experimental and observational methods to test whether seeding aquatic vegetation improves ecological recovery, and how the spatial arrangement of restored pools influences biodiversity and ecosystem function. By assessing key ecological indicators, it will provide evidence to guide future restoration approaches. The findings will support policy development and help land managers, conservation organisations and the water industry improve peatland management across the UK. The student will have access to specialist laboratory facilities in the new £117M Dalton building.

Project aims and objectives

Aim: Quantify how landscape fragmentation and ecological starting conditions influence the recovery of aquatic peatland biodiversity.

Objectives:

1. Review current knowledge on aquatic biodiversity recovery in restored peatlands, emphasising dispersal limits, vegetation interventions and food‑web dynamics.
2. Select replicated rewetting and control sites spanning varied timelines and landscape configurations.
3. Collect biological and environmental data to assess how spatial isolation affects colonisation and community composition in rewetted pools.
4. Conduct experimental studies on vegetation seeding and its effects on biodiversity and food‑web complexity.
5. Undertake detailed invertebrate taxonomy and analyse water and soil parameters.
6. Use statistical and spatial modelling to identify optimal configurations and treatments for future rewetting schemes.