This project is an example of university community partnership in resolving issues of Environmental concern, for Environmental sustainability The study investigates possible causes of ecosystem deterioration in Greenmoor Ponds in Woodcote, Oxfordshire, for possible mitigations and environmental restoration.
Department: Geography & Environmental Science
Supervised by: Dr Udeme Dickson
There are two ponds at Greenmoor: The Upper Pond, and the Lower Pond. Due to its species richness and interesting historical background, the site is deemed both ecologically and historically significant and has been a valuable and historical part of the natural heritage of the people of the area(Hind, 2014). Members of the parish council of Woodcote, south Oxfordshire have reached out to the University of Reading to help in investigating and preferring solutions to a recent pronounced incident of ecosystem failure at the Greenmoor pounds. Recently, there have been noticeable decrease in biodiversity and death of vegetation, fishes, invertebrates, and amphibians in Greenmoor Ponds, raising concerns within the area. There are fears of possible contamination of the pounds, and because water from the pound is also used for other purposes such as cattle rearing, drinking, recreation, irrigation and other purposes, there is also a greater fear of public health issues (WCG, 2022). There is therefore a need to investigate and establish the current state of the water quality to allay fears and identify if there are possible issues of public health, and the possible causes of the observed deterioration. This study will investigate for physicochemical, nutrients, trace metals & microbial parameters; and quantify biodiversity in the ponds in relation to possible causes of the present situation around the pounds. Additionally, the study will include GIS analysis to map and present these parameters across the landscape covering the lower and upper ponds. WCG-Woodcote Conservation Group (2022). Woodcote Conservation rouphttps://woodcotecg.org.uk/2012-2/. Retrieved 16/12/2022 Hind, J. (2014). The historical archaeology of post-medieval water supply in Oxfordshire (Doctoral dissertation, Oxford University, UK).
? Collect and analyse current data on biodiversity in comparison to previous data such as those of 1990 and 2000, providing another 20-year data to access to situation around the pounds ? Collect and analyse water samples and sediments for nutrients, trace metals & microbial parameters, write up and present a scientific report of the findings.
• Experience of planning and carrying out a small research project, Able to negotiate/compromise among stakeholders in especially matters involving of community members • Able to organise own work and prioritise to ensure delivery on time according to specifications • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Analytical skills (sampling planning, Environmental data collection and analysis, analysis of nutrient, trace metals, microbial and other water quality parameters), Data analysis with Geographic Information System (GIS). Further training on the related skill sets will be provided during the project. The student will also develop further skills in Project management skills, Experience of working in science laboratory, experience of presenting environmental data using Geographic Information System (GIS)., experience of writing up and presenting scientific reports
1. Greenmoor Ponds in Woodcote 2. Russel laboratory, UOR Whiteknight
6 to a maximum of 8 hours per day
Saturday 08 July 2023 - Monday 14 August 2023
The deadline to apply for this opportunity is Monday 3rd April 2023. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter by email to urop@reading.ac.uk (applications will then be collated and passed onto the project supervisor). Please ensure you quote the title of the opportunity in the email subject line. Successful candidates will be invited for an interview.