Community Tree Nurseries; Treescapes; Heritage Apple Varieties; Ecology and Conservation; Plant Ecology; Agroecology; Agroforestry; Organic Agriculture; Distribution and taxonomy of tropical tree species.

My PhD in environmental sciences focused on the improving the identification and differentiation of two closely related tropical trees investigating their ecology, cytology and taxonomy. These multifunctional and resilient trees are frequently chosen for arid land reforestation, but as one species is extremely invasive it is important to be able to correctly identify any trees intended for planting schemes.

Since finishing my PhD I have been involved in a number of research projects on organic and sustainable agriculture in Europe, West Africa and Jamaica. These included the EDULINK project to build capacity in organic agriculture research and training in West Africa, two British Council funded projects for organic entrepreneurship and organic education in Nigeria and an EU funded project on organic agriculture, market development and agrotourism in Jamaica.

My current research focuses on community tree nurseries, how to support community tree production and finding more agroecological ways of producing trees, on preserving heritage apple varieties and improving green roof ecology.

I am an environmental scientist, with research interests that centre on the interactions between people and plants. Currently these interests include trees and treescapes and blue-green roofs. I lead a Forestry Commission funded project which is examining the contribution of community tree nurseries to the UK tree production sector and identifying ways to support more agroecological ways of producing trees. I also have a small project which is aims to preserve Coventry’s heritage apple varieties with community involvement. I am also involved in research which aims to improve green roof ecology and design. I am particularly interested in research which investigates alternatives to conventional intensive production, such as agroecology which work with ecological cycles to help protect and enhance natural ecosystems.

I am interested in hearing from students who want to undertake research in community tree nursery production, heritage apple conservation or green roof ecology.