MRes - An Investigation of the Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits of Urban Green Walls

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with a growing business on a timely research project in the Greater Manchester area, in order to quantify the biodiversity and environmental benefits of vertical green wall planting in urban areas.

Urban areas are expanding, putting pressure on infrastructure and the environment. Particular concerns are the impact of urbanisation on biodiversity and air quality. Despite clear knowledge of the benefits of planting in urban environments, there is limited research into the quantifiable benefits of vertical planting (green walls) for biodiversity and the environment. 

This research will combine both in-situ before and after studies to assess biodiversity gains from green wall installations, but also a combination of ex-situ laboratory experiments, and in-situ research to determine the environmental impact of green walls on a range of environmental conditions such as temperature, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide. 

The project is funded and supported by I Want Plants; a local Manchester-based business specializing in vertical green wall systems. As such, access to installations across the area will be provided for the in-situ works. 

We strongly recommend that interested applicants contact Emma Coulthard to discuss this exciting project in more detail.

Aims and objectives

This project aims to identify the environmental and biodiversity benefits of urban green walls. The research objectives are to:  

1. Compare biodiversity metrics before and after urban green wall installation (in-situ)
2. Identify changes in environmental conditions associated with urban green wall planting (ex-situ in laboratory)

Specific requirements of the project 

Applicants should have good knowledge of ecology or environmental sciences, with a first degree in a related field. This experience should also include knowledge of basic chemical analysis techniques, which will be built upon during this project and the supervision. Candidates should have a good knowledge of data management and analysis.

Student eligibility  

Only open to home students. 

Home fees (2022/23) included. 

How to apply 

Interested applicants should contact Emma Coulthard for an informal discussion. 

To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Closing date 27^th January 2023. Expected start date April 2023.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-EC-2022-urban-green-walls

Advert information