This project investigates how peatland restoration can be optimised to improve the recovery of aquatic ecosystems in upland landscapes. Healthy peatlands provide essential services such as carbon storage, climate regulation, water purification and biodiversity support, yet around 80% of UK peatlands are degraded, with the Peak District National Park among the most affected. Historic pollution, drainage and grazing have left many areas severely damaged. Over the last 15 years, restoration projects have re‑wetted peatlands through gully blocking and revegetation, creating thousands of small pools and altering hydrology and habitat structure. However, the ecological outcomes of these interventions remain poorly understood, and techniques have seen limited innovation aimed at enhancing biodiversity. This project will use experimental and observational methods to test whether seeding aquatic vegetation improves ecological recovery, and how the spatial arrangement of restored pools influences biodiversity and ecosystem function. By assessing key ecological indicators, it will provide evidence to guide future restoration approaches. The findings will support policy development and help land managers, conservation organisations and the water industry improve peatland management across the UK.
Project aims and objectives
Aim: Quantify how landscape fragmentation and ecological starting conditions influence the recovery of aquatic peatland biodiversity.
Objectives:
- Review current knowledge on aquatic biodiversity recovery in restored peatlands, emphasising dispersal limits, vegetation interventions and food‑web dynamics.
- Select replicated rewetting and control sites spanning varied timelines and landscape configurations.
- Collect biological and environmental data to assess how spatial isolation affects colonisation and community composition in rewetted pools.
- Conduct experimental studies on vegetation seeding and its effects on biodiversity and food‑web complexity.
- Undertake detailed invertebrate taxonomy and analyse water and soil parameters.
- Use statistical and spatial modelling to identify optimal configurations and treatments for future rewetting schemes.
Funding
Both Home and International students can apply. Only home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the three-year award, which is ÂŁ5,006 for the year 2025/26. Eligible international students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding (Band 3 for the year 2025/26).
The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently ÂŁ20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.
Specific requirements of the candidate
Essential:
- Strong academic background in biology, geography or environmental science.
- Experience conducting upland peatland fieldwork.
- Experience of laboratory/field analysis of water quality and peat sediments.
- Experience working effectively with landowners, conservation bodies and stakeholders to facilitate fieldwork.
- Sound knowledge of upland ecosystem services, conservation challenges and practical interventions.
How to apply
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Scott Pedley (s.pedley@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in Biological Science
Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.
Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.
Applications closing date: 19 March 2026
Expected start date: October 2026
Please quote the reference: SciEng-SP-October 2026-27-Optimising Peatland Recovery
