The Future of UK Treescapes programme, with support from NERC, ESRC, and AHRC, is pleased to announce the second round of Treescapes Fellowships.

This exciting opportunity aims to fill research gaps in the areas of productive forestry, tree health, and woodland expansion while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with stakeholders.

Under the Future of UK Treescapes programme, nine fellows were appointed during Round 1 of the Treescapes Fellowship Scheme, and Round 2 now seeks to fund up to two additional fellows. The focus of this round is on targeted projects that align with the programme's research portfolio and contribute to enhancing environmental and forest science capacity.

Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Productive Forestry

One of the fellowship topics revolves around the challenges and opportunities facing productive forestry during the transition to a net-zero future. With the increasing demands for multifunctionality, forest management and the commercial forestry sector must adapt to diverse species mixes, technological advancements, changing markets, and the need to cope with different timber sizes for a range of wood products.

Research in this area may include assessing functional biodiversity, modelling carbon flows and ecosystem services, evaluating economic potential, co-designing innovative support tools, and learning from best practices in other countries.

Future-Proofing New Tree and Woodland Planting

The second fellowship topic focuses on future-proofing new tree and woodland planting from tree pests and diseases. As trees, woods, and forests face growing pressures from a range of biotic and abiotic factors, it is crucial to understand the cumulative impact on treescapes and develop effective management strategies.

This research area encompasses enhancing surveillance, optimizing pest and disease management, breeding resilient treescapes, and building stakeholder awareness of plant health.

Opportunities for Researchers and Non-Academics

Applications for the Treescapes Fellowships are open to researchers and non-academics from all disciplines within the remit of NERC, ESRC, and AHRC. This provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn new techniques, methodologies, and modes of knowledge production and exchange. Non-academics can gain research skills and valuable experience in bridging the gap between academia, policy, and practice.

Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Future of UK Treescapes Programme is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the research community. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there are no restrictions on the amount of postdoctoral experience. The fellowship budget, up to £32,000, covers eligible costs such as the fellow's salary, associated expenses, travel, and subsistence.

Submission Details and Deadline

Interested applicants can find further information and download the application forms on the Future of UK Treescapes website. For any inquiries or assistance, please contact treescapes@glos.ac.uk.

The submission deadline for full proposals is 29th September 2023. Successful fellows can expect projects to commence in November 2023, with the fellowship duration ranging from three months to one year. Fellows will have the opportunity to deliver a short report at the end of their grant and engage in wider programme dissemination activities, including participating in the final Treescapes programme conference in autumn 2024.

With the Future of UK Treescapes Treescapes Fellowships, you can contribute to groundbreaking research, enhance your skills and understanding, and make a positive impact on the environment and society. Don't miss this chance to be part of the future of UK treescapes!