Important Trees - Co-creating ways to recognise and protect their value

The University of Gloucestershire's Countryside and Community Research Institute offers a fully funded WGSSS (ESRC DTP) Environmental Planning Pathway studentship starting October 2026. This project focuses on redressing the gap between UK legal frameworks and the complex values of trees, including ecological, social, and cultural importance. Established and ancient trees provide crucial ecosystem services such as climate regulation, carbon storage, and habitat support. However, no formal mechanism currently exists in the UK for their designation or adequate protection, and threats from climate change, biological risks, and human harm jeopardize these vital treescapes. The research embraces co-design with communities to develop better protection mechanisms for important trees. The successful candidate will engage in developing qualitative research skills and participatory co-design methods while gaining grounding in environmental governance and policy analysis. Collaboration with partners including The Tree Council, Welsh Government, and Forest Research will provide real-world policy engagement experience. The role includes participation in a funded 3-month Research in Practice placement and building networks in academia, policy, and civil society. The project aims to produce evidence supporting decision-making on protecting important trees, understanding their holistic worth, and designing more effective environmental regulation. Insights from this work will impact future legal protections and community-based management of trees, contributing to sustainable treescape governance. Trees contribute significantly to ecosystem services and social well-being, yet current UK protections inadequately value their multidimensional importance. This research addresses urgent environmental and social challenges posed by climate change and human impacts, supporting emerging legal reforms, especially in Wales. By co-creating protection frameworks with stakeholders and communities, it enhances conservation effectiveness and public engagement in treescape stewardship.

To receive WGSSS funding, applicants must have UK honours degree equivalent qualifications at first or upper second-class level or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are welcome. Applicants should consider the project description carefully and may contact Dr Alice Goodenough (agoodenough@glos.ac.uk) prior to applying.

Applicants must meet WGSSS criteria and are encouraged to discuss the project with Dr Alice Goodenough. Applications are open to home and international students who satisfy UKRI eligibility. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Teams on 2026-05-13.