Beyond Monument and Artefact: Embedding Nature as Cultural Heritage in Protected Area Management The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

The University of Manchester invites applications for a fully funded PhD project titled "Beyond Monument and Artefact: Embedding Nature as Cultural Heritage in Protected Area Management." This research responds to the urgent need for a fundamental shift in human-nature relationships, particularly within the UK's protected landscapes where cultural heritage and biodiversity have traditionally been managed as separate domains. The project, in partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, aims to challenge this division by adopting a biocultural heritage perspective, recognizing the inseparability of cultural identities, practices, and histories from the ecosystems that sustain them.

Biodiversity loss not only threatens species and habitats but also undermines the memories, traditions, and creative expressions rooted in landscapes. Despite increasing global recognition of cultural–ecological interdependence, UK heritage and conservation practices often operate through narrow frameworks that privilege material heritage and reinforce institutional silos. This research will address these gaps by examining how biocultural approaches can reshape the governance of protected landscapes, using the Peak District National Park as a case study.

The overarching aim is to establish how biocultural heritage frameworks can inform the social, economic, and political structures governing protected cultural landscapes, and influence policy and practice in the entangled arenas of nature recovery and cultural heritage. The project will explore how cultural landscape management can better reflect multispecies relationships and how nature recovery can actively support cultural flourishing. Working with the CASE Partner, practical ways to integrate ecological and cultural priorities will be investigated, from landscape management to policy design.

By developing evidence, frameworks, and collaborative methods, this PhD will help transform understandings of heritage, demonstrate the cultural importance of biodiversity, and offer new models for managing protected areas through socially and ecologically just approaches. The research areas include Social Anthropology, Rural Planning, Tourism, Cultural Geography, Environmental Geography, Historical Geography, Social Geography, Heritage Studies, and Ethics.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent) and a Master's degree in a relevant subject with an overall average of 65% or above and a minimum mark of 65% in the dissertation. English language proficiency is required: IELTS minimum score 7.0 overall (7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections), TOEFL minimum score 100 overall (25 in all sections), or Pearson Test of English minimum score 76 overall (76 in writing, 70 in other sections). Degrees from majority English-speaking nations within the last 5 years may be accepted. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, certificates, CV, supporting statement, writing sample, and nominate two academic referees.

The ESRC NWSSDTP CASE Award with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust covers UKRI tuition fees and an annual stipend (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27). The project is scheduled to commence in September 2026. The application deadline is April 13, 2026. Formal interviews are expected to take place the week commencing April 27, 2026.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester. The institution actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and career paths. For further information or to discuss the project, contact Dr Anna Gilchrist ([email protected]) and cc Dr Jenna Ashton ([email protected]).

References:
Ashton, J. (2022). Following the dogs of Prishtina: Landscape as living memorial. Landscape Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2022.2150158
Gilchrist, A. Glentworth, J. and Thornhill (2025) Recovering what? Reversing Shifting Baseline Syndrome to Enable Nature Recovery in UK. National Parks. The British Academy http://doi.org/10.5871/nature-recovery/reversing-baseline-syndromes
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED, n.d.), Biocultural Heritage: https://biocultural.iied.org/