PhD Studentship: Small and Beautiful Assessing the Importance of Miyawaki ‘Tiny Forests’ for Urban Biodiversity

Urbanisation is a driving force in biodiversity change at a global level (McDonald et al. 2020), affecting species’ assemblages, and affecting functional ecology across multiple taxa (Hahs et al., 2023). Its impact is typically assessed using gradient approaches (McDonnell, & Hahs, 2008). While the results of many gradient studies show pervasive impacts on assemblage structure and individual populations, direct causal association of the processes involved (e.g. isolation, fragmentation) is problematic as these factors covary along the gradient. For example, site size typically decreases, and habitat fragmentation increases moving from rural to urban areas.

While woodlands are known to provide habitat and enhance connectivity for a wide range of organisms (e.g. Croci et al. 2008; Hale et al. 2013; Soga et al. 2014), previous gradient studies (e.g. Sadler et al. 2006) have shown them to be particularly impacted by metrics indicative of fragmentation and reduced connectivity (e.g. site size, distance to nearest similar habitat). Disentangling the role of area effects from those of site isolation along urban gradients is problematic (Fahrig, 2013) but research syntheses point the importance of increased habitat area (e.g. Bennicke et al. 2015). Little research exists on the value of habitats of smaller size although recent work on ‘Tiny Forest’ (Earthwatch, 2023a,b) indicates their promise.

Here, we use a novel natural experiment in the West Midlands, drawn from a sample of >200 ‘Tiny Forest’ plots, to test how tree species’ establishment and its associated biodiversity is structured along an urbanisation gradient. Crucially, plot size is held constant, therefore controlling for area effects, allowing us to understand how site characteristics such as site age and tree composition influence biodiversity metrics in sites in urban areas with different landscape characteristics.

This project will examine: (i) the impact of urbanisation on plot biodiversity, and test how (ii) landscape habitat configuration around the plot impacts plot establishment, and biodiversity assembly, (iii) plot age and (iv) plot tree species mixes affect biodiversity across trophic levels. This work will inform management recommendations for the use of ‘Tiny Forests’ as restoration and conservation tools in urban areas where woodlands are not extensive.

For further information on this project and details of how to apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Further information on how to apply for a CENTA studentship can be found on the CENTA website: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/

Funding notes:

This project is offered through the CENTA3 DLA, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funding covers: annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level), Research Training Support Grant.

Academic requirements: at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.

International students are eligible for studentships to a maximum of 30% of the cohort. Funding does not cover any additional costs relating to moving or residing in the UK. International applicants must fulfil the University of Birmingham’s international student entry requirements, including English language. Further information: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgt/requirements-pgt/international/index.aspx.

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