Microbial drivers of Temperate Rainforest expansion and functional resilience

Director of Studies: Dr Thomas Murphy  

2nd Supervisor: Dr James Buckley  

3rd Supervisor: Dr Kirsty Matthews Nicholass  

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026

Scientific background
The British and Irish Isles have very low levels of current tree cover and what remains is frequently of poor condition [1]. The UK government has therefore proposed increasing tree cover through tree planting and natural regeneration via seed dispersal. Tree planting is expensive but necessary for woodland expansion in areas lacking trees [2], yet the relative capacity of planted woodland and natural regeneration to support healthy and resilient native woodland is still unclear [3].  In particular, we know little about the roles of soil regeneration and associated microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) for supporting woodland restoration [4]. This project will focus on temperate rainforests of SW England, examining the connection between woodland restoration, soil condition and biodiversity in temperate rainforests of SW England.  

Methodology
Temperate rainforests are an internationally important habitat with extensive epiphyte (moss, lichen and fern) growth found in mild and wet climates; a recent report identified significant capacity for restoration of temperate rainforest in SW England [5]. This project aims to 1) assess the soil communities and ecosystem functioning of established temperate rainforest sites; 2) compare these to neighbouring plots of woodlands created by tree planting and natural regeneration; and 3) test the effect of soil community inoculation in supporting temperate rainforest restoration through an established experiment on Exmoor.

Alongside assays of soil physico-chemical characteristics (soil carbon, nutrient composition, compaction and water retention), DNA metabarcoding of soil (ground and arboreal) bacterial, fungal and invertebrate communities will be used to comprehensively document the soil biological community at the study sites. The student will visit field sites across two growing seasons to collect data on tree health and establishment, as well as the soil samples for molecular metabarcoding analysis. 

The candidate should have experience of field and lab-based (molecular) research, and an interest in understanding and communicating the importance of Temperate Rainforest. The project will provide extensive fieldwork experience, as well as laboratory and analytical skills in metabarcoding. Experience of soil analysis and plant identification would be an advantage. Site selection will provide opportunities to network with local landowners and practitioners.

Reid, C, Hornigold K., McHenry E, Nichols C, Townsend M, et al. (2021). State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021, Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2021/04/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees-2021/

Murphy TR, Hanley ME, Ellis JE, and Lunt PH. (2022). Optimizing opportunities for oak woodland expansion into upland pastures. Ecological Solutions and Evidence. 3(1), e12126. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12126 

Bauld J, Guy M, Hughes S, Forster J and Watts K .(2023). Assessing the use of natural colonization to create new forests within temperate agriculturally dominated landscapes. Restoration Ecology  31 (8), e14004. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14004 

Li T., Phillips RP, Rillig MC et al. (2025). Mycorrhizal allies: synergizing forest carbon and multifunctional restoration. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2025.07.004 

Murphy TR, Chernyuk K, Roszkowski M, Lewin S, Lunt PH, Buckley J. (2025). State of Temperate Rainforest in SW England – mapping and report. South West Rainforest Alliance, University of Plymouth. Preview map available at: https://swtemperaterainforest.nextgis.com/resource/414/display?panel=layers

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.  

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend, £20,780 p.a. for 2025/26 (2026/27 rate TBC) and research costs. 

A limited number of ARIES studentships are available to International applicants. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK.

NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential. 

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Thomas Murphy . 

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application. 

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College .

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.