- A513 Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 584580
- paul.lunt@plymouth.ac.uk
Profiles
Dr Paul Lunt
Associate Professor in Environmental Science
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)
Biography
Biography
Internal Roles
Director of Low Carbon Devon Project. Sustainable Earth Institute
Head of Environmental Science (2012-2017)
Award Leader MSc Environmental Consultancy (2008-2012)
External Roles
External Examiner, Bath Spa University, Masters in Ecological Impact Assessment (2007-2010)
External Examiner, The University of Greenwich, Masters in Environmental Conservation (2008-2011)
Steering Committee Member, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Skills Gap Project
IEEM Professional Development Programme Tutor (2006-2010)
Principal Investigator, Earthwatch (1998-2004)
Field Studies Council Plant Identification Tutor (2006-2010)
Environmental consultant specializing in Ecological Impact Assessment for the development sector
External Roles
External Examiner, Bath Spa University, Masters in Ecological Impact Assessment (2007-2010)
External Examiner, The University of Greenwich, Masters in Environmental Conservation (2008-2011)
Steering Committee Member, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Skills Gap Project
IEEM Professional Development Programme Tutor (2006-2010)
Principal Investigator, Earthwatch (1998-2004)
Field Studies Council Plant Identification Tutor (2006-2010)
Environmental consultant specializing in Ecological Impact Assessment for the development sector
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology 1991
PhD. Thesis 1997: Effect of Selected ectomycorrhizal species on the growth of Quercus on reinstated open cast coal mining sites. University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Senior Ecology Lecturer, Staffordshire University (1995-2004)
MSc Award Leader Habitat Creation and Management
Manager of Habitat Restoration Research Group
Principal Investigator with Earthwatch
University Admissions Tutor
University Nature Reserve Manager
Principal Consulatant Ecologist, Penny Anderson Associates (2004 -2006)
Providing consultation to government, developers and utility companies on habitat and species management and environmental auditing, including the writing of English Nature research reports, landscape restoration management plans and ecological impact assessments for major transport and residential developments.
Professional membership
Chartered Environmentalist CEnv., 2005-present
Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), 2004-present
Member of the British Ecological Society (BES), 1995-2004
Member of the British Mycological Society (BMS), 1991-2004
Roles on external bodies
Member of Defra's South West Regional Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force
Key publications
(2019) Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. Review commissioned by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
(2019) 'Chronosequence of former kaolinite open cast mines suggests active intervention is required for the restoration of Atlantic heathland' Restoration Ecology , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Role of recent climate change on carbon sequestration in peatland systems' Science of the Total Environment 667, 348-358 , DOI Open access
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
Taught Programmes
BSc Environmental Science
BSc Environmental management and Sustainability
MSc Environmental Consultancy
MSc Sustainable Environmental Management
ResM Environmental Science
Undergraduate Modules
ENVS1003 The Biosphere
GEES515 Professional Practice in the Environmental Sector
GEES519 Environmental Knowledge: From Field to Stakeholder
GEES517 Environmental Assessment
GEES520 MSc Dissertation
ENVS5003 Ecological Survey, Evaluation and Mitigation
Following several years of project managing ecological consultants, I returned to Higher Education to deliver vocational training in standardised techniques of ecological survey, appraisal and impact assessment, as required by graduate's and postgraduates seeking work in the rapidly expanding UK environmental sector.
ENVS1009 Sustainability Science
ENVS2006 Natural Ecosystems and Their Conservation
ENVS3004 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Environmental Sciences
ENVS3011 Climate Change: Impacts and Responses
ENVS3004 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Environmental Sciences
ENVS3011 Climate Change: Impacts and Responses
ENVS3001 BSc Research project
Postgraduate Taught Modules
Postgraduate Taught Modules
GEES515 Professional Practice in the Environmental Sector
GEES519 Environmental Knowledge: From Field to Stakeholder
GEES517 Environmental Assessment
GEES520 MSc Dissertation
ENVS5003 Ecological Survey, Evaluation and Mitigation
Following several years of project managing ecological consultants, I returned to Higher Education to deliver vocational training in standardised techniques of ecological survey, appraisal and impact assessment, as required by graduate's and postgraduates seeking work in the rapidly expanding UK environmental sector.
Staff serving as external examiners
External Examiner, Bath Spa University Masters in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
External Examiner, The University of Greenwich, Masters in Environmental Conservation
Research
Research
Research interests
I am a Plant Scientist specializing in climate change impacts on vegetation. Environmental management associated with species and habitat restoration. Key habitats of interest are semi-natural woodland, grassland and upland communities of nature conservation interest.
Investigation of the ecological impacts associated with land-use change and development; particular in relation to climate change. I am interested in changing rainfall patterns, particularly in the uplands, and how these will effect rates of carbon sequestration, biodiversity and natural flood management. My interests in climate mitigation and adaptation also include urban systems with the planning of green infrastructure and opportunities for living walls and roofs. My published work and that of my research students is associated with habitat restoration and creation. The majority of which relates directly to climate adaptation and ecological engineering (peatlands, semi-natural woodlands, heathlands and inter-tidal).
The Independent_ Climate Research Article (15/11/19) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-flood-rain-climate-change-met-office-carbon-wildlife-forecast-a9203121.html
https://www.realworldvisuals.com/blog-1/peatlands-by-dr-paul-lunt
Research Highlights for 2019/2020
Dartmoor Society Annual Research Lecture (Nov. 2019). Presentation. Conservation grazing with Dartmoor Ponies.
High Water, Common Ground - Natural Flood Management (NFM) public consultation meeting with the Environmental Agency and Buckfastleigh Flood Action Group (July 2019). Convener and presenter. Climate change on Dartmoor and NFM research findings.
Co-author of international review. Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
SoGEES A-level climate change conference. Opening address. The Carbon Cycle and Science of Climate Change. December 2019.
Other research
Postgraduate Research Students
Thomas Murphy PhD DoS 2016-2019
Mary Lane PT PhD (second supervisor) 2014 -2020
Rupert Goddard (second supervisor) 2018 -2021
Tegen Hill PT ResM (second supervisor) 2018 -2021
Kate Vogiatzis PhD (second supervisor) 2019 -2022
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
Katie O’Shaughnessy, (2019). Eco-engineering of marine and coastal artificial structures. Ph.D. University of Plymouth.
Philip Smith (2005). The effect of cutting on the Coleopteran fauna of grass tussocks. Ph.D. Faculty of Health and Science, Staffordshire University.
Anya Moon (2000). The restoration of Blakemere Moss, Delamere Forest, Cheshire. MPhil. School of Sciences, Staffordshire University.
Grants & contracts
Director. The Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project. A three year, £2.6m programme (£1.1m match, £1.5m ERDF) to support Devon-based organisations to access research, business support, and engage with the University around the low-carbon agenda.
Publications
Publications
Key publications
(2019) Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. Review commissioned by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
(2019) 'Chronosequence of former kaolinite open cast mines suggests active intervention is required for the restoration of Atlantic heathland' Restoration Ecology , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Role of recent climate change on carbon sequestration in peatland systems' Science of the Total Environment 667, 348-358 , DOI Open access
Key publications are highlighted
Journals
2021 Lunt PH., Leigh JL., McNeil SA & Gibb MJ. Using Dartmoor ponies in conservation grazing to reduce Molinia caerulea dominance and encourage germination of Calluna vulgaris in heathland vegetation on Dartmoor, UK.online at https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/9458.
2020 O’Shaughnessy KA., Yunnie, ALE., Hawkins, S J., Hanley. ME., Lunt, P., Thompson, R. C. & Firth, L. B. Occurrence and assemblage composition of intertidal non-native species may be influenced by shipping patterns and artificial structures Marine Pollution Bulletin. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1asxl,ashxlQv
2020 Murphy T., Hanley ME., Ellis JS & Lunt PH. To plant or not to plant? Native oak establishment in upland pastoral systems (in prep Journal of Environmental Management).
2020 Murphy T., Hanley ME., Ellis JS & Lunt PH. Native woodland establishment improves soil hydrological functioning in UK upland pastoral catchment. Land Degradation & Development. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3762
O’Shaughnessy, KA., Hawkins, SJ., Evans, AJ., Hanley, ME., Lunt, PH., Thompson, R.C., Francis, RA., Hoggart, S., Moore, PJ., Ducker, J & Firth LB. (2019) Design catalogue for eco-engineering of coastal artificial structures: a multifunctional approach for stakeholders and end-users. Urban Ecosystems, 1-13. DOI 10.1007/s11252-019-00924
Murphy, T. R., Hanley, M. E., Ellis, J. S., & Lunt, P. H. (2019). Taking the higher ground: deviation between projected and observed precipitation trends varies with altitude. Climate Research. doi:10.3354/cr01583
Lunt, P. H., Fyfe, R. M., & Tappin, A. D. (2019). Role of recent climate change on carbon sequestration in peatland systems.. Science of the Total Environment, 667, 348-358. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.239
Lane, M., Hanley, M. E., Lunt, P., Knight, M. E., Braungardt, C. B., & Ellis, J. S. (2019). Chronosequence of former kaolinite open cast mines suggests active intervention is required for the restoration of Atlantic heathland. Restoration Ecology. doi:10.1111/rec.12983
Cooper, E. M., Lunt, P. H., Ellis, J. S., & Knight, M. E. (2013). Biogeographical patterns of variation in European populations of the Great Green Bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima; Orthoptera Tettigoniidae). Insect Conservation, 17(3), 431-440. doi:10.1007/s10841-012-9525-9
Dover, J. W., Rescia, A., Fungariño, S., Fairburn, J., Carey, P., Lunt, P., . . . Dover, C. J. (2011). Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: species richness and family-level abundance. Journal of Insect Conservation, 15(4), 523-538. doi:10.1007/s10841-010-9331-1
Dover, J. W., Rescia, A., Fungariño, S., Fairburn, J., Carey, P., Lunt, P., . . . Dover, , M. Using Dartmoor Ponies in conservation grazing to reduce Molinia caerulea dominance and encourage germination of Calluna vulgaris in heathland vegetation on Dartmoor, UK. In Review Journal of Conservation Evidence.C. J. (2011). Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: individual species distribution and abundance. Journal of Insect Conservation, 15(1-2), 207-220. doi:10.1007/s10841-010-9338-7
Maskall, J. E., Stokes, A., Collins, T., Lea, J., Lunt, P., & Davies, S. (2011). Enabling Remote Access to Fieldwork: Gaining Insight into the Pedagogic Effectiveness of ‘Direct’ and ‘Remote’ Field Activities.. Journal of Geography in Higher Education. doi:10.1080/03098265.2011.619004
Dover, J. W., Rescia, A., Fungariño, S., Fairburn, J., Carey, P., Lunt, P., . . . Dover, C. J. (2010). Can hay harvesting detrimentally affect adult butterfly abundance?. Journal of Insect Conservation, 14(4), 413-418. doi:10.1007/s10841-010-9267-5
Smith, P. H., Dover, J. W., Lunt, P. H., & Mitchell, P. (2006). An improved standardized method for sampling and processing the coleopterous fauna of grass tussocks. Entomologist’s Gazette, 57, 153-164.
Lunt, P. H., & Hedger, J. N. (2003). Effects of organic enrichment of mine spoil on growth and nutrient uptake in oak seedlings inoculated with selected ectomycorrhizal fungi. Restoration Ecology, 11(2), 125-130.
Lunt, P. H., & Hedger, J. N. (1996). A survey of mycorrhizal infection of trees in the terra firme rainforest, Cuyabeno, Ecuador. Mycologist, 10(4), 161-165. doi:10.1016/s0269-915x(96)80010-3
Articles
(2023) 'Restoration management of phosphorus pollution on lowland fen peatlands: A data evidence review from the Somerset Levels and Moors' Agricultural Water Management 287, 108419-108419 , DOI
(2023) 'Metrics matter: Multiple diversity metrics at different spatial scales are needed to understand species diversity in urban environments' Science of The Total Environment , DOI Open access
(2022) 'Comparing the thermal conductivity of three artificial soils under differing moisture and density conditions for use in green infrastructure' Soil Use and Management , DOI Open access
(2022) 'Optimizing opportunities for oak woodland expansion into upland pastures' Ecological Solutions and Evidence 3, (1) , DOI Open access
(2021) 'Living wall systems for improved thermal performance of existing buildings' Building and Environment 207, , DOI Open access
(2021) 'Spatially Variable Effects of Artificially-Created Physical Complexity on Subtidal Benthos' Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9, , DOI Open access
(2021) 'Addition of composted green waste and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi fails to facilitate establishment of Atlantic heathland species' Restoration Ecology , DOI Open access
(2021) 'Using Dartmoor ponies in conservation grazing to reduce Molinia caerulea dominance and encourage germination of Calluna vulgaris in heathland vegetation on Dartmoor, UK' Conservation Evidence Journal 18, 25-30 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Native woodland establishment improves soil hydrological functioning in
UK
upland pastoral catchments' Land Degradation & Development 32, (2) 1034-1045 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Occurrence and assemblage composition of intertidal non-native species may be influenced by shipping patterns and artificial structures' Marine Pollution Bulletin 154, 111082-111082 , DOI Open access
(2020) 'Physico-chemical factors controlling the speciation of phosphorus in English and Welsh rivers' Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Design catalogue for eco-engineering of coastal artificial structures: a multifunctional approach for stakeholders and end-users' Urban Ecosystems 23, (2) 431-443 , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Deviation between projected and observed precipitation trends greater with altitude' Climate Research , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Chronosequence of former kaolinite open cast mines suggests active intervention is required for the restoration of Atlantic heathland' Restoration Ecology , DOI Open access
(2019) 'Role of recent climate change on carbon sequestration in peatland systems' Science of the Total Environment 667, 348-358 , DOI Open access
(2013) 'Biogeographical patterns of variation in European populations of the Great Green Bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima; Orthoptera Tettigoniidae)' Insect Conservation 17, (3) 431-440 , DOI
(2011) 'Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: species richness and family-level abundance' JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION 15, (4) 523-538 , DOI
(2011) 'Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: individual species distribution and abundance' JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION 15, (1-2) 207-220 , DOI
(2011) 'Enabling Remote Access to Fieldwork: Gaining Insight into the Pedagogic Effectiveness of ‘Direct’ and ‘Remote’ Field Activities' Journal of Geography in Higher Education , DOI
(2010) 'Can hay harvesting detrimentally affect adult butterfly abundance?' JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION 14, (4) 413-418 , DOI
(2006) 'An improved standardized method for sampling and processing the coleopterous fauna of grass tussocks' Entomologist’s Gazette 57, 153-164
(2003) 'Effects of organic enrichment of mine spoil on growth and nutrient uptake in oak seedlings inoculated with selected ectomycorrhizal fungi' Restoration Ecology 11, (2) 125-130
(1996) 'A survey of mycorrhizal infection of trees in the terra firme rainforest, Cuyabeno, Ecuador' Mycologist 10, (4) 161-165 , DOI
Chapters
(2010) 'Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: individual species distribution and abundance' Lepidoptera Conservation in a Changing World Springer Netherlands 247-260 , DOI
Conference Papers
2019: Lunt PH. Deviation between projected and observed precipitation trends greater with altitude. Biogeochemistry Annual Research Conference. University of Plymouth December.
2019: Lunt PH & Harry B. Processes of vegetation change following the hydrological restoration of blanket mire in the UK. Results of ten years of monitoring on restored and control sites on Dartmoor National Park. Invited speaker at South West Water and Mires Project Forum. Exeter University, Jan.
2018: Lunt PH & Hanley, B. Processes of vegetation change following the hydrological restoration of blanket mire in South West England. Presented at the International Peatlands Society, Jubilee Symposium, Rotterdam.
2018: Lane, M., Ellis, J., Lunt, PH., Hanley & Knight, M. What happens after restoration occurs. In Abstract of British Ecological Society. Securing Our Natural Environment for Future Generations, Portugal
2018: Murphy, T & Lunt PH. At the limits of growth? – Evidence for impacts of recent climate change on the growth of Quercus robur in relic upland Atlantic oak woodland. Submitted to Abstracts of The ICEBE: 20th International Conference on Ecology, Biodiversity and Environment. Berlin, Germany.
2015: Lunt, P.H. & Cooper, F. Dartmoor Mires Project. In proceedings of The Fourth Annual ISSR Sustainability Research Event: Building Sustainability Research with Foundations. University of Plymouth
2013: Lunt, P.H. Valuing Terrestrial Ecosystem services. In proceedings of The second Annual ISSR Sustainability Research Event: Responding to the challenges of living with environmental change. University of Plymouth
2013: Lunt, P.H. Allot, T., Anderson, P., Buckler, B., Coupar, A., Jones, P. & Labadz, J. Chair of Ecological Perspectives on Restoration. IUCN Investing in Peatlands; Partnership for a New Peatland Era. York University.
2010: Lunt, P.H. Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands. Open Inquiry Review Team Leader. Scottish Parliament
2010: Lunt, P.H. Allot, T., Anderson, P., Buckler, B., Coupar, A., Jones, P., Labadz, J., Worrall, P., and Evans, M. IUCN Review of the Impacts of Peatland Restoration. In Investing in Peatlands – the Climate Challenge. University of Durham.
2007: Lunt, P.H. & Dover, J.W. Butterflies and orchid distribution in the Deva Valley, Picos de Europa, Spain. In High Value Grasslands. Proceedings of the British Grasslands Society Conference. University of Keele
2003: Lunt, P. H. & Dover, J.W. Impacts of land-use change on butterflies and orchids of the Picos de Europa, Northern Spain. Annual report and presentation at Earthwatch International’s Annual Conference in Boston, USA.
2001: Atkinson, D. A. & Lunt, P. H. Effects of management on the above ground competition and mycorrhizal infection associated with orchids in mesotrophic grassland. In: Proceedings of International Orchid Workshop. University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic, May 6-13, 2001.
2000: Lunt, P. H. & Moon, The Restoration of Blakemere Moss. In: Abstracts of Vegetation Management Association of Applied Biology. University of York.
1995: Lunt, P.H., Hedger, J.N. & Schafer, C. A survey of mycorrhizal infection of the trees in the terra Firme rainforest, Reserva de Produccion Cuyabeno, Ecuador. In: Abstracts of the 7th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology, Santos, Brazil.
1994: Lunt, P.H., Hedger, J.N. & Savidge J.P. Natural re-colonisation of reinstated open cast coal mine sites by the ectomycorrhizal fungi of Quercus petraea. In: Abstracts of the European Symposium on Mycorrhizas, Granada, Spain.
(2007) 'Butterflies and orchid distribution in the Deva Valley, Picos de Europa, Spain.' High Value Grasslands: providing biodiversity, a clean environment and premium products 209-212
Reports
Allot, T., Auñón, T., Dunn, J., Evans, C., Labadz, J., Lunt, P., . . . Walker, J. (2019). Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. Review commissioned by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands..
Bain, C.G., Bonn, A., Stoneman, R., Chapman, S., Coupar, A., Evans, M., Gearey, B., Howat, M., Joosten, H., Keenleyside, C., Labadz, J., Lindsay, R., Littlewood, N., Lunt, P., Miller, C.J., Moxey, A., Orr, H., Reed, M., Smith, P., Swales, V., Thompson, D.B.A., Thompson, P.S., Van de Noort, R., Wilson, J.D. & Worrall, F.. (2011). IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.: Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands. UK: Published by the IUCN UK Peatland Programm. Retrieved from http://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/sites/all/files/IUCN%20UK%20Commission%20of%20Inquiry%20on%20Peatlands%20Full%20Report%20spv%20web.pdf
Lunt, P., Allott, T., Anderson, P., Buckler, M., Coupar, A., Jones, P., Labadz, J. & Worrall, P. (2010) Peatland Restoration. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme. Edinburgh. (2010). Peatland Restoration. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme.: Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme..
Littlewood, N., Anderson, P., Artz, R., Bragg, O., Lunt, P. & Marrs, R.. (2010). Peatland Biodiversity. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme..
Lunt. (2006). Consultation Report and Recommendations - Biodiversity Enhancement Areas for the West Midlands Region..
Lunt, P. H. (2006). A review of the effects of recreation and sport on nature conservation.
(2019) Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. Review commissioned by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands. Open access
(2019) Peatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management. Review commissioned by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
(2011) IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands. Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands International Union for the Conservation of Nature UK Published by the IUCN UK Peatland Programm Publisher Site Open access
(2010) Peatland Biodiversity. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme.
(2010) Peatland Restoration. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme. Report to IUCN UK Peatland Programme. Open access
(2006) Consultation Report and Recommendations - Biodiversity Enhancement Areas for the West Midlands Region. English Nature
(2006) A review of the effects of recreation and sport on nature conservation. English Nature
Personal
Personal
Reports & invited lectures
Dartmoor Society Annual Research Lecture (Nov. 2019). Presentation. Conservation grazing with Dartmoor Ponies.
Conferences organised
High Water, Common Ground - Natural Flood Management (NFM) public consultation meeting with the Environmental Agency and Buckfastleigh Flood Action Group (July 2019). Convener and presenter. Climate change on Dartmoor and NFM research findings.
Other academic activities
Provider of Professional Development Training:
Ecological Impact Assessment
Common Standards Monitoring for Habitats of Nature Conservation
Habitat Restoration and Management
Plant species Identification
Fungal species Identification