PhD: Conservation Palaeobiology Evidence Base for Southern England National Nature Reserves

This PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol, within the School of Geographical Sciences, focuses on developing a conservation palaeobiology evidence base for southern England's National Nature Reserves, specifically the Purbeck Heaths Super National Nature Reserve in Dorset. The project is part of the Evolution and Biodiversity science theme and aims to integrate fossil and historical records to inform the conservation, management, and restoration of species, communities, and ecosystems beyond the scope of short-term human observation. Key research areas include evaluating the conservation information-content of regional archives, ranging from fossil and zooarchaeological assemblages to pre-modern historical texts. The project will establish a new evidence base to guide restoration and management of Britain’s heathlands and wetlands, focusing on biodiversity and creating a template for best-practice integration of historical baselines. Major topics involve assessing changes in heathlands since postglacial times, investigating the deeper-time presence of species now considered invasive or likely to arrive due to climate change, and reconstructing the past status and ecology of extirpated or threatened native British heathland and wetland species. The project is co-supervised by Professor Danielle Schreve (University of Bristol) and Dr. Barbara Silva (Natural England), with additional input from senior landscape geomorphology specialists and ecologists from Natural England and the National Trust. Collaborative training opportunities include site designation, rewilding ecology, long-term habitat monitoring, and participation in workshops on protected site management. The student will gain hands-on experience in landscape-scale partnerships and contribute to best-practice guidance for nature reserve management. Applicants should have a strong academic background in environmental science, geography, biology, earth science, or a related discipline, with an interest in palaeoecology, conservation, or landscape restoration. Analytical, research, and communication skills are essential, and English language proficiency is required. The application deadline is 8 January 2026. For further information, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Danielle Schreve at [email protected]. Application details and program information can be found via the Bristol NERC GW4+ DTP Prospectus and the University of Bristol postgraduate application portal.