Building natural resilience to floods and drought using gardens as green infrastructure
Explore how UK domestic gardens can be managed to naturally reduce flood and drought risk. Use hydrological monitoring and modelling to understand garden water cycles and develop practical resilience strategies.
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Project Description
Project Overview
Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts are increasing in the UK. Domestic gardens, a major yet under-studied component of the UK's water cycle, have the potential to contribute to natural resilience against these events. This project aims to better understand how garden vegetation affects evapotranspiration, soil moisture storage, groundwater recharge, and storm runoff mitigation.
The PhD involves collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society and is part of the Leverhulme Trust Connected Waters Doctoral Programme.
What You Will Do
- Design, install, and monitor garden water balance measurements in various sites including domestic gardens, RHS Wisley facilities, and Cranfield glasshouse.
- Parameterise, calibrate, and validate a numerical model simulating garden hydrological behaviour.
- Combine data analysis, modelling, remote sensing, and land-use classification to upscale the contribution of UK gardens to the national water balance and ecosystem services.
- Develop recommendations for gardeners on rainwater management to enhance flood and drought resilience.
Expected Outcomes
The research will improve understanding of hydrological impacts and natural capital benefits of UK gardens. It will inform water use efficiency in gardens and strategies for adapting to climate change, supporting resilience against water stress.
Why This Matters
With around 30 million gardens covering 20% the area of Wales, their role in the water cycle is significant but poorly quantified. This research helps alleviate seasonal water stress, provides habitat connectivity, and enhances ecosystem services, thus supporting sustainable water management and climate adaptation at domestic and national levels.
Entry Requirements
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Andrea Momblanch supervises this project at Cranfield University’s Faculty of Business and Management. Her research focuses on hydrology and environmental data analysis, particularly relating to natural water cycles and green infrastructure. She collaborates with notable organizations like the Royal Horticultural Society, contributing to impactful environmental solutions.