Research Opportunity: Monitoring the impact of Green Infrastructure using Citizen Science in Urban Rural Catchments
Project title: Monitoring the Impact of Green Infrastructure using Citizen Science in Urban and
Rural Catchments
(Ref: OP2212)
Lead Supervisor: Dr Claire Walsh, National Green Infrastructure Facility, Newcastle University
Project Description: Urban and rural environments face a range of pressures and impacts as a
result of extreme weather events, including flooding, which are projected to increase in frequency
and severity with climate change. Green infrastructure (GI) measures, such as sustainable
drainage systems (SuDS) and natural flood management (NFM), are being used across the UK
and internationally as a result. Although GI techniques have the potential to offer multiple benefits,
the evidence-base is still inadequate as interactions are complex, preventing widespread uptake [1].
Citizen Science (CS) has enabled the general public to work alongside scientists and researchers
to co-produce new knowledge across a range of environmental disciplines. This participatory
approach has been implemented in the water management sector, and policy frameworks welcome
the involvement of communities [2,3]. However robust monitoring methods are yet to be developed.
This cross-disciplinary project aims to co-develop, test and evaluate a GI orientated CS
monitoring toolkit which uses a range of cost-effective and innovative techniques. Working in
various community settings for comparison, the monitoring programme will provide evidence
associated with the value of CS (as a monitoring technique) and report on the effectiveness and
maintenance of various GI measures investigated. The candidate will work alongside the National
Green Infrastructure Facility (NGIF), Northumbria University, Tyne Rivers Trust (TRT) and urban
and rural community groups across the NE of England. A variety of desk-based, stakeholder
engagement and hydrometric fieldwork techniques are envisaged, will expand on previous projects
such as the Haltwhistle Burn and My Tyne, and will have access to NGIF’s laboratory. The
candidate will benefit from an exciting training package, including opportunities and networking
offered through partners. This PhD will specifically develop fieldwork, engagement, participatory,
citizen science, water management and data visualisation skills which are crucial in today’s water
and climate change sector.
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