This Department brings together research, education and consultancy expertise with an aspiration of ensuring that land-based sector students – irrespective of the primary focus of their qualification – will obtain a much better understanding of the constraints and opportunities facing other land use sectors.

The Rural Policy Centre aims to: * Examine the impact of current policies on rural businesses and communities * Provide the knowledge required for the development of future rural policiesIn order to achieve this, the Centre brings together expertise from across SRUC, drawing in staff with experience in research and consultancy.

The Hill & Mountain Research Centre, with its team of systems-scale researchers, is based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms, a 2,200 ha Highland estate near Crianlarich in the west Highlands of Scotland.The site is set within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and ranges from high quality and productive grazing to high altitude (over 1,000 m.a.s.l) semi-natural habitats of high nature conservation value.Our work aims to help address the economic, environmental and social… Show more The Hill & Mountain Research Centre, with its team of systems-scale researchers, is based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms, a 2,200 ha Highland estate near Crianlarich in the west Highlands of Scotland.The site is set within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and ranges from high quality and productive grazing to high altitude (over 1,000 m.a.s.l) semi-natural habitats of high nature conservation value.Our work aims to help address the economic, environmental and social challenges facing hill and mountain land use systems at a Scottish, UK and international level.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SRUCKirkton Show less

SRUC was formed on 1 October 2012 by the merger of Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College). Prior to that date the Team was part of SAC.The Sustainable Ecosystems Team consisted of myself, three research staff and one postgraduate student based at SRUC Auchincruive in Ayrshire and nine research and three postgraduate students based at SRUC Edinburgh. The team contained a unique mixture of environmental economists, climate change researchers,… Show more SRUC was formed on 1 October 2012 by the merger of Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College). Prior to that date the Team was part of SAC.The Sustainable Ecosystems Team consisted of myself, three research staff and one postgraduate student based at SRUC Auchincruive in Ayrshire and nine research and three postgraduate students based at SRUC Edinburgh. The team contained a unique mixture of environmental economists, climate change researchers, rural sustainability researchers, agricultural ecologists and GIS specialists . Our focus was on the evaluation of ecosystem goods and services associated with agro-ecosystems and marine ecosystems. This focus was driven by the increasing concern for sustainable use of natural resources and increasing interest by policy makers and associated government agencies in taking an ecosystem approach to developing and implementing policies. Our work was therefore heavily influenced by the ongoing push for agricultural policy reform and by the need to implement national and global action on the ground to address a wide range of environmental concerns. These include issues such as identifying ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change, halting the decline of farmland biodiversity, ensuring that water bodies achieve good ecological status and understanding the attitudes and perceptions of these issues among rural and urban communities. The team had particular strengths in the valuation of non-market goods and services and the use of valuation in applied cost benefit decisions for agro-ecosystem issues such as land use and water quality, renewable energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation and halting farmland biodiversity decline.I was awarded a Readership in Agricultural Ecology in 2007 and awarded a Professorship in Agricultural Ecology in 2013. Show less

The National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Group comprises representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) and Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF). The Group was established to contribute to the development and implementation of the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, which is managed by local stakeholder groups set up across the sea… Show more The National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Group comprises representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) and Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF). The Group was established to contribute to the development and implementation of the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, which is managed by local stakeholder groups set up across the sea eagle range and administered, on their behalf, by SNH.I have been asked to join the Group to help inform discussions of agricultural damage in a sea eagle context, especially with regard to the other factors, in addition to predation, that can cause losses in extensive sheep grazing systems. SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre has a long history of investigating the many challenges constraining hill sheep production across the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. I will be able to draw on past and ongoing research to help inform the discussions within the Group.I am an ecologist who was born and bred on a hill sheep farm and who now heads up a research centre which investigates agricultural and environmental challenges in upland areas. I therefore consider myself well-placed to understand all sides in a wildlife and farming conflict such as we currently have with sea eagles in Scotland. Show less

The Scottish Farmed Environment Forum has been established to provide a forum for key individuals from organisations with an interest in the sustainable management of farmland to discuss current and future challenges and map out ways in which collaboration and positive outcomes can be increased.It's remit is:1. To discuss policy, funding, initiatives and communications regarding the production of food and other ecosystem services (including but not limited to biodiversity, water… Show more The Scottish Farmed Environment Forum has been established to provide a forum for key individuals from organisations with an interest in the sustainable management of farmland to discuss current and future challenges and map out ways in which collaboration and positive outcomes can be increased.It's remit is:1. To discuss policy, funding, initiatives and communications regarding the production of food and other ecosystem services (including but not limited to biodiversity, water quality, Climate Change mitigation) from farmland (including crofting land and estates) and farm forestry. 2. To map out positive ways in which farmland in Scotland can be managed in an integrated way, delivering multiple benefits and profitable farm businesses. Show less

Formed in 2002, Scotland's Moorland Forum has developed into a unique partnership that robustly engages with matters influencing the uplands of Scotland, and actively promotes improvements in policy, practice and management:http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/ The Forum consists of 30 member organisations, and provides the prime opportunity for cross-cutting debate on the future of the Scottish uplands and its communities, and it seeks consensus on key issues affecting the uplands, founded… Show more Formed in 2002, Scotland's Moorland Forum has developed into a unique partnership that robustly engages with matters influencing the uplands of Scotland, and actively promotes improvements in policy, practice and management:http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/ The Forum consists of 30 member organisations, and provides the prime opportunity for cross-cutting debate on the future of the Scottish uplands and its communities, and it seeks consensus on key issues affecting the uplands, founded on a sound evidence base. Our aim is to have a sustainable future for moorland through collaborative work Show less

Nature Conservation is a peer-reviewed, open-access, online and print, rapidly published journal.Nature Conservation is launched to mobilize ideas and data in all theoretical and applied aspects of nature conservation - biological, ecological, social and economic. Its broad scope and innovative use of media encourage interdisciplinary and integrative approaches. All papers published in Nature Conservation can be freely downloaded, copied, printed and distributed at no charge to… Show more Nature Conservation is a peer-reviewed, open-access, online and print, rapidly published journal.Nature Conservation is launched to mobilize ideas and data in all theoretical and applied aspects of nature conservation - biological, ecological, social and economic. Its broad scope and innovative use of media encourage interdisciplinary and integrative approaches. All papers published in Nature Conservation can be freely downloaded, copied, printed and distributed at no charge to the reader. Authors are encouraged to post their published papers on homepages or elsewhere to expedite distribution. There is no charge for colour. Full details at: http://www.pensoft.net/journals/natureconservation/ Show less

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice is an interdisciplinary and peer-reviewed journal on extensive livestock production systems throughout the world. Pastoralists rely on rangelands and livestock for their livelihoods, but exhibit different levels of mobility and market involvement, and operate under a variety of different land tenure regimes. Pastoralism publishes research that influences public policy, to improve the welfare of these people and better conserve the environments… Show more Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice is an interdisciplinary and peer-reviewed journal on extensive livestock production systems throughout the world. Pastoralists rely on rangelands and livestock for their livelihoods, but exhibit different levels of mobility and market involvement, and operate under a variety of different land tenure regimes. Pastoralism publishes research that influences public policy, to improve the welfare of these people and better conserve the environments in which they live. For more information see: http://www.pastoralismjournal.com/ Show less

Scottish Natural Heritage's Scientific Advisory Committee helps steer the organisation's overall scientific programme, facilitates access to a wider network of scientific excellence, peer reviews the science of specific research topic areas and supports the quality assurance of the science of novel and contentious areas of work. The Expert Panel has been established to bring together a range of skills to complement those on the Committee.

The main remit of the Biodiversity Science Support Group (formerly the Biodiversity Science & Technical Group) is to: Provide advice and information to other Scottish Biodiversity groups as required on a prioritised basis.Provide reviews and quality assurance for scientific content of reports arising from other Scottish Biodiversity groups; review outputs and reports relating to ecosystem services projects.Promote innovative thinking, collaboration, knowledge exchange… Show more The main remit of the Biodiversity Science Support Group (formerly the Biodiversity Science & Technical Group) is to: Provide advice and information to other Scottish Biodiversity groups as required on a prioritised basis.Provide reviews and quality assurance for scientific content of reports arising from other Scottish Biodiversity groups; review outputs and reports relating to ecosystem services projects.Promote innovative thinking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and input of high quality scientific advice to aid the delivery of the 2020 Challenge for Scotland's Biodiversity.Develop and review ecosystem health and other biodiversity indicators.Organise an annual biodiversity conference.Information on the workings of the group is available at: https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scottish-biodiversity-strategy/scottish-biodiversity-strategy-working-groups Show less

In recognition of the importance of the Slamannan Plateau for wintering Bean Geese, a group was established in 1994 to represent conservation interests in the area. The broad aims of the Bean Goose Action Group (BGAG) are to help conserve the population of Bean Geese wintering in central Scotland by protecting and managing the habitats used by the geese. The group seeks to minimise potential land use conflicts in the Slamannan Plateau area through the development of land management guidelines… Show more In recognition of the importance of the Slamannan Plateau for wintering Bean Geese, a group was established in 1994 to represent conservation interests in the area. The broad aims of the Bean Goose Action Group (BGAG) are to help conserve the population of Bean Geese wintering in central Scotland by protecting and managing the habitats used by the geese. The group seeks to minimise potential land use conflicts in the Slamannan Plateau area through the development of land management guidelines to assist industries such as farming, forestry and mineral extraction. It also seeks to influence the practice of planning policies for conserving Bean Geese without discouraging employment prospects or the enhancement of the landscape. The group includes representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Forest Enterprise (FE), Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Falkirk and North Lanarkshire Councils. Show less

The Committee for Scotland meets quarterly and comprises 13 members appointed by Council to advise RSPB on its work and conduct in Scotland

Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2014-20At the first meeting of the Scottish Government's SRDP Monitoring & Evaluation Steering Group in March 2015 it was agreed that an Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) Monitoring & Evaluation Subgroup should be established.The remit of the group is to recommend a framework for monitoring and evaluating the extent to which AECS is delivering its intended outcomes. The Subgroup will also recommend an approach for monitoring the… Show more Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2014-20At the first meeting of the Scottish Government's SRDP Monitoring & Evaluation Steering Group in March 2015 it was agreed that an Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) Monitoring & Evaluation Subgroup should be established.The remit of the group is to recommend a framework for monitoring and evaluating the extent to which AECS is delivering its intended outcomes. The Subgroup will also recommend an approach for monitoring the new Environmental Cooperation Action Fund (ECAF) when it is launched in September 2015. Show less

In pursuance of the "Scottish Biodiversity Strategy: the 2020 Challenge", the Working Group was formed to help:• Develop ‘ecosystem health’ indicators in order to measure the extent to which we are restoring ecosystems and building natural capital; • Ensure streamlined working with the broader biodiversity and engagement indicators for the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, the UK biodiversity Indicators and the Natural Capital Asset Index.

Riparian Ecology and Conservation is a new Open Access journal. The journal's goals are (1) to be the first and the main publishing option for authors working on riparian ecology, conservation and management, and (2) to serve a hub integrating research community for the exchange of information between ecologists, conservation biologists, environmental scientists and managers, and regional, national and international authorities on riparian science and policy. Riparian Ecology and… Show more Riparian Ecology and Conservation is a new Open Access journal. The journal's goals are (1) to be the first and the main publishing option for authors working on riparian ecology, conservation and management, and (2) to serve a hub integrating research community for the exchange of information between ecologists, conservation biologists, environmental scientists and managers, and regional, national and international authorities on riparian science and policy. Riparian Ecology and Conservation publishes original research, reviews and opinions studying the ecology and conservation of riparian zones of all aquatic environments, including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Coverage on riparian systems includes all levels from molecular, organism, community to ecosystem studies on hypothesis-driven approach to empirical investigation, as well as theoretical research relevant to a broad riparian ecology audience.The journal welcomes rigorous empirical or theoretical studies that relate to populations, communities and ecosystems, as well as their conservation. Manuscripts can be submitted via email to Yixin Zhang yzhang@versita.com and more information on the journal can be fiund at: http://www.versita.com/rec Show less

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) plays a vital role in the conservation of Scotland's wildlife and its ecosystems, whether it is through the reintroduction of the European beaver, saving Scotland's red squirrels from extinction or developing 'Living Landscapes' programmes where they work alongside local communities for the benefit of both people and wildlife.The Conservation Committee advises the Council of SWT on all strategic conservation issues, including policy, and so has an… Show more The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) plays a vital role in the conservation of Scotland's wildlife and its ecosystems, whether it is through the reintroduction of the European beaver, saving Scotland's red squirrels from extinction or developing 'Living Landscapes' programmes where they work alongside local communities for the benefit of both people and wildlife.The Conservation Committee advises the Council of SWT on all strategic conservation issues, including policy, and so has an important role in helping shape the priorities of the Trust. In recent years SWT has been particularly active in seeking to inform policy development. They are currently highlighting the need for; ecosystem-scale conservation, actions to address the threat to the natural environment from climate change, sustainable development, wildlife-friendly planning and design, and protection for the marine environment. Show less

The European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP: http://www.efncp.org/) is a non-profit organisation which brings together a wide variety of specialists interested in the effects of European agricultural policy on nature conservation and provides a vehicle through which many pan-European issues affecting high-nature-conservation value farming systems can be highlightedI was been involved with the EFNCP since its first meeting in 1988 and was a Director since its formal… Show more The European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP: http://www.efncp.org/) is a non-profit organisation which brings together a wide variety of specialists interested in the effects of European agricultural policy on nature conservation and provides a vehicle through which many pan-European issues affecting high-nature-conservation value farming systems can be highlightedI was been involved with the EFNCP since its first meeting in 1988 and was a Director since its formal establishment as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1995. Between 1995 and 2011 I also performed the duties of Company Secretary. Information on EFNCP's activities are available at: http://www.efncp.org/ Show less

A new initiative by Scotland’s Moorland Forum will improve and provide a wider shared understanding of the relationship between predators and wading and wild game birds. Scottish Natural Heritage has commissioned the project following discussions with the Scottish GovernmentIn addition to reviewing scientific knowledge, the novel approach adopted by the project will also allow local knowledge to be incorporated into the work. Member organisations of the Moorland Forum will be invited to… Show more A new initiative by Scotland’s Moorland Forum will improve and provide a wider shared understanding of the relationship between predators and wading and wild game birds. Scottish Natural Heritage has commissioned the project following discussions with the Scottish GovernmentIn addition to reviewing scientific knowledge, the novel approach adopted by the project will also allow local knowledge to be incorporated into the work. Member organisations of the Moorland Forum will be invited to provide their views at the start of the project in small focus groups and workshops. At the end of the project, three large seminars, probably held in October 2015, will allow stakeholders to comment on the draft report and see how their input helps shape the final report.People with an interest in the impact of predation on wading and wild game birds will be encouraged to provide their views and comments throughout the project. Updates on progress will be provided on a regular basis: http://understandingpredation.blogspot.co.uk/In developing the proposal, it was accepted that predation is a natural process. Everyone agreed that this work should aim to help achieve and maintain balanced, healthy populations of all wild birds in Scotland. The project will establish and agree the facts, and then consider the effectiveness of existing management options. A report will be published, at the conclusion of this work in January 2016, and this will provide an agreed position from which solutions to the issues can be developed. Show less

UK BRAG (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3900) existed to: Identify, promote and facilitate biodiversity research to support UK and individual country biodiversity action plan commitments Coordinate effective and efficient UK engagement with European biodiversity research issues, fulfilling the role of a national biodiversity research platform; Contribute to effective biodiversity research networking in the UK, leading to increased interdisciplinary… Show more UK BRAG (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3900) existed to: Identify, promote and facilitate biodiversity research to support UK and individual country biodiversity action plan commitments Coordinate effective and efficient UK engagement with European biodiversity research issues, fulfilling the role of a national biodiversity research platform; Contribute to effective biodiversity research networking in the UK, leading to increased interdisciplinary capacity Support knowledge transfer activities in relation to biodiversity research. Show less

The main aim of the Conservation Committee was to help guide the direction of conservation work carried out by The Grasslands Trust. The Committee also helped advise the Trust on opportunities:• to influence Government policy as it affects grassland conservation• for collaborative working with other organisations• to seek funds for conservation projectsI sat on this Committee in a personal capacity

I became an Associate Editor of Journal of Applied Ecology in 2005 after serving on the Editorial Board between 1995 and 2004. I acted as a temporary Senior Editor for the journal from June 2006 to July 2007 and again from April 2008 to October 2008. More information on the journal can be found at; http://www.journalofappliedecology.org

The Council runs the British Ecological Society (http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/) and Council members get involved in all the Society's activities. Council members are nominated and are elected annually by the membership at the Society's AGM, held in association with the Annual Meeting. During my time on Council I also served on BES's Public Affairs Committee

The remit of this Committee (which is now called the Public & Policy Committee, http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/policy/index.php) is very wide and it is responsible for raising awareness of ecology outside the formal education system. Specific responsibilities include liaison with external organisations, publicity, Ecological Issues booklets, meetings aimed at a non-scientific audiences and administering the Public Engagement and Ecology Into Policy grants. The committee consists of BES… Show more The remit of this Committee (which is now called the Public & Policy Committee, http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/policy/index.php) is very wide and it is responsible for raising awareness of ecology outside the formal education system. Specific responsibilities include liaison with external organisations, publicity, Ecological Issues booklets, meetings aimed at a non-scientific audiences and administering the Public Engagement and Ecology Into Policy grants. The committee consists of BES Council members together with a number of co-opted members whose skills and expertise are needed to cover the wide range of interests the Committee has to deal with. Show less

Defra funds research to support its agri-environment scheme, Environmental Stewardship. The overall aim of the research programme is:To provide an underpinning evidence base to support the development of, and maximise benefits from the operation of, the Environmental Stewardship Scheme covering biodiversity, climate change, landscape, resource protection, the historic environment and public access and contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services and the achievement of UKBAP… Show more Defra funds research to support its agri-environment scheme, Environmental Stewardship. The overall aim of the research programme is:To provide an underpinning evidence base to support the development of, and maximise benefits from the operation of, the Environmental Stewardship Scheme covering biodiversity, climate change, landscape, resource protection, the historic environment and public access and contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services and the achievement of UKBAP targets.To ensure that the research funded is fit for purpose, Defra instituted an independent evaluation of the programme involving peer review of the final reports arising from a representative sample of the programme’s projects. The projects covered the period April 2004 to March 2010; a previous evaluation was published in 2004. Show less

The Steering Committee for GWCT's Scottish Lowland Research was composed of members of The GWCT with interests in lowland game species, habitat management and farmland ecology and biodiversity in Scotland. The committee also included representatives from the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and SAC.The Committee:• Receives reports from GWCT scientists on developments and progress in their respective research projects.• Considers the merits of proposed… Show more The Steering Committee for GWCT's Scottish Lowland Research was composed of members of The GWCT with interests in lowland game species, habitat management and farmland ecology and biodiversity in Scotland. The committee also included representatives from the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and SAC.The Committee:• Receives reports from GWCT scientists on developments and progress in their respective research projects.• Considers the merits of proposed research programmes ensuring that they are relevant, to and in accordance with, the Trust’s charitable objectives of research and education in Scotland.• Actively seek sources of outside funding to allow research projects to continue and/or expand.• Prioritises research in the absence of sufficient funds and recommends priority research projects for GWCT core funding.• Suggests how research findings can be disseminated to the Trust’s wider audience. Show less

The technical working group explored the development of the High Nature Value Farming and Forestry indicators as required by the European Commission for the monitoring of the 2007-2013 Scotland Rural Development Programme. It was a small group comprising Scottish Government analysts, scientists and policy along with representation from Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland, SRUC and Scottish Natural Heritage.

I was one of the four lead authors conducting the assessment of Enclosed Farmland as part of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/)

Established in 1997 and closed in 2010, the Sustainable Arable LINK Programme facilitated Government financial support of the arable sector's own research efforts. Defra was the lead Government sponsor and was responsible for the running of the Programme. It also provided a Programme Coordinator whose role was to advise industrial and research partners during the development of concept notes and proposals to be put to the Programme Management Committee (PMC). The PMC advised on the… Show more Established in 1997 and closed in 2010, the Sustainable Arable LINK Programme facilitated Government financial support of the arable sector's own research efforts. Defra was the lead Government sponsor and was responsible for the running of the Programme. It also provided a Programme Coordinator whose role was to advise industrial and research partners during the development of concept notes and proposals to be put to the Programme Management Committee (PMC). The PMC advised on the management of the programme and on appraisal of projects. Grants were awarded to consortia of industry and academia delivering high quality pre-commercial research for their members to further the sustainable development of the UK Arable Industry. Show less

Crop Protection Northern Britain (CPNB, http://www.cpnb.org/) is the foremost Conference concerning environmental management and crop protection and associated topics in the north of the UK. CPNB covers Agri-environmental and Economic Aspects, Combinable Crops, and Potatoes. The aim of the Conference is to bring together farmers, agricultural and horticultural advisers, the technical staff of the agricultural chemical trade and all those concerned with recent advances in chemical and… Show more Crop Protection Northern Britain (CPNB, http://www.cpnb.org/) is the foremost Conference concerning environmental management and crop protection and associated topics in the north of the UK. CPNB covers Agri-environmental and Economic Aspects, Combinable Crops, and Potatoes. The aim of the Conference is to bring together farmers, agricultural and horticultural advisers, the technical staff of the agricultural chemical trade and all those concerned with recent advances in chemical and non-chemical crop protection, including advisory, research and government organisations, to discuss crop protection problems prevalent in northern environments.I worked with a small team of colleagues from SAC, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency which organised the programme, speakers and published content for the Agri-Environment sessions held at CPNB 2004, CPNB 2006, CPNB 2008 and CPNB 2010. Show less

I was a member of a small team conducting research and development work on the effects of European agricultural policy on the nature conservation value of extensive (i.e. low-intensity) farming systems. I reported and published results from a range of studies on the interactions between nature conservation and farming, and developed recommendations from these in both a UK and a European context. I also provided the invertebrate expertise to studies into the ecological requirements of the… Show more I was a member of a small team conducting research and development work on the effects of European agricultural policy on the nature conservation value of extensive (i.e. low-intensity) farming systems. I reported and published results from a range of studies on the interactions between nature conservation and farming, and developed recommendations from these in both a UK and a European context. I also provided the invertebrate expertise to studies into the ecological requirements of the chough, one indicator species of extensive farmland throughout Europe. The European work was largely focused around the meetings of the European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (see above), and on participation in and instigation of research into some of the key issues raised at these meetings. I was responsible for contract management and liaison tasks associated with some aspects of work of the team. Show less

The research centred on a heather regeneration project (through a reduction in sheep grazing pressure) on an area of moorland at Redesdale MAFF Experimental Husbandry Farm, Northumberland. The project involved detailed studies of changes in the vegetation and invertebrate fauna associated with reduction in density of sheep grazing area. I conducted the invertebrate research and assisted with botanical field work. I was also involved in teaching students and supervision of honours projects.