MOSSFLOW: Mechanisms Of Sphagnum controlling Surface FLOW

Project Overview Sphagnum mosses are keystone species crucial to peatland ecosystems, maintaining wet conditions, promoting bog growth, and supporting services such as biodiversity, flood alleviation, and carbon sequestration. However, these mosses are sensitive to disturbance and extensive damage has occurred in UK peatlands over the last 200 years due to pollution and human activity. Damaged peatlands have lost vegetation cover and hydrological integrity, resulting in erosion and increased flooding risk. Recent restoration efforts aim to reintroduce Sphagnum moss to slow runoff through increased surface roughness, but the mechanisms remain poorly quantified. This project will measure how Sphagnum planting affects peatland roughness and hydrology. What You Will Do The PhD candidate will conduct fieldwork at the Kinder National Nature Reserve, using both outdoor measurements and experimental flume lab work to assess Sphagnum’s impact on surface roughness and runoff. Collaboration with Moors for the Future Partnership, National Trust, Newcastle University, and Manchester Metropolitan University will enrich the research. Expected Outcomes This research will provide critical data to enable modelling of Sphagnum’s role in flood risk reduction, assisting peatland restoration strategies and informing ecological and hydrological interventions. Why It Matters Understanding the hydrological mechanisms driven by Sphagnum moss is vital for conserving UK peatlands, protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change effects, and reducing downstream flooding risk, with significant environmental and economic benefits.

Applicants must include Bachelor's and Master's transcripts and certificates (or interim transcript if Master's is pending), academic CV, a supporting statement up to 700 words, an academic writing sample up to 5,000 words, and nominate two academic referees. A PhD proposal is not required.

Apply online for a PhD in Physical Geography at the University of Manchester. Select 'Yes' for applying for an advertised project in Section 6 and insert the project title. Indicate your intention to apply for the Sphagnum Moss Studentship in Section 9 Funding Sources. Submit all supporting documents with your application before midnight GMT, 30 April 2026. For questions, contact Emma Shuttleworth at emma.shuttleworth@manchester.ac.uk.