Our world is shaped by factors including climate change and a growing population and therefore the provision of sufficient, sustainable food is becoming increasingly important. I am interested in researching ways in which science can address these food production challenges whilst protecting and enhancing the environment to provide people with multiple health benefits.
My PhD research focuses on hedgerows in an agricultural context. Hedgerows provide multiple ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, flood and drought prevention, pollination and biological control (which means that beneficial insects naturally control insect ‘pests’), shelter and food for wildlife, plant and animal biodiversity, wellbeing and landscape benefits, plus a food and timber/fuel source for people. There are even more benefits provided by hedgerows - what’s not to like about hedgerows! I am exploring how hedges can contribute to carbon sequestration by understanding how different types of hedges can help accelerate our net-zero goals. I am also exploring how different hedge types can attract beneficial insects to deliver natural pest control services to crops rather than using synthetic pesticides.
These studies are not just vocational for me but a passion I have had all my life. I enjoy fieldwork, laboratory work and constantly learning about the latest developments in research, but I benefit hugely from speaking directly to farmers and understanding their challenges, frustrations and successes. For example, we hear increasingly about the concept of regenerative farming and its multiple benefits. I was encouraged to hear first-hand from a farm where I have been studying to find that regenerative farming has increased their crop yield and profits through better soil health and no longer requiring chemical pesticides.
My work has so far raised many questions and challenges for the future: Could there be multiple benefits of planting edible fruit trees at intervals in hedges? Do interval trees in hedges (not just edible ones) increase soil health in adjacent crops and consequently increase yield? Does healthier soil produce more nutritious food? What are the human health benefits of consuming food not subjected to pesticides?
Our aim is to contribute to the production of healthier and safer food products in a less polluted environment through reduced use of synthetic pesticides, thus reducing agricultural costs and increasing crop yields whilst also increasing carbon sequestration.
Whilst not part of my research but reared on one of my study sites, this friendly calf highlights the importance of excellence in animal welfare!
