Dr Thomas Murphy collaborated with creative agency Just Enough Brave on a set of resources to increase the accessibility of research for improved native woodland expansion.
Woodland expansion is a ‘nature-based solution’ which is now recognised as potentially one of the most effective climate change mitigation options to date, with the capacity to absorb and store large volumes of carbon, reduce river flooding and support biodiversity. However, it remains unclear whether natural tree establishment can supply demand for expanded oak woodland in the UK uplands, where they are needed to reduce downstream flood risk. The research examined the potential for the natural establishment of native oak trees into upland pasture slopes, and provided targeted management recommendations to land managers and policymakers for the expansion of these woodlands.
The creative collaboration, called ‘Trees for climate: an emergency help-guide’, is about getting the research where it is needed through the use of high-impact communication tools. The project aims to communicate research and management guidance for the establishment of upland oak woodland in a digestible way to land managers and policymakers, while also linking individuals and stakeholders who want to take action with organisations supporting native woodland creation.
