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The Environmental Change and Biodiversity (ECB) group brings together physical geographers and environmental scientists. They study the causes of environmental and biodiversity change, as well as its effects across different places and time periods.
The group includes many researchers and projects from the Environmental Change Research Centre (ECRC). With over 30 years of experience, we focus on long-term chemical and biological tracking. We use natural archives, such as sediment records, to reconstruct environmental impacts and responses. Our research covers both terrestrial and aquatic systems
Our research on environmental change focuses on a few key areas. We investigate how freshwater ecosystems respond to eutrophication, particularly in terms of ecosystem function and service delivery (Helen Bennion, Carl Sayer). We also examine the recovery of surface waters from acidification, using long-term observations to track chemical and biological changes and identify disruptive factors (Ewan Shilland, Rick Battarbee, Neil Rose). Another focus is understanding how toxic pollution spreads over space and time and its impact on aquatic life (Neil Rose, Simon Turner, Handong Yang). Finally, we explore the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, including its implications for control strategies and compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (Helen Bennion, Simon Turner).
We use field surveys, palaeoecology, and biological databases to study ecological patterns and processes. This helps us track changes over time and guide recovery work (Helen Bennion, Viv Jones, Anson Mackay, Carl Sayer, Jan Axmacher, Roger Flower).
Our research on forest and agricultural biodiversity focuses on invertebrates and vascular plants. We study their assemblages and how they interact. We also examine the spread of invasive plant species (Jan Axmacher). We study the changing ecology of tropical forests using long-term phytodemographic inventory plots, such as Afritron and ForestPlots. We also conduct vegetation and invertebrate surveys. Additionally, we use advanced technologies like laser scanning and remote sensing to understand functional trends in the tropical forest biome. This research is led by Simon Lewis, Jan Axmacher, Mat Disney.
Our science directly supports conservation and restoration actions through the UCL Pond Restoration Group and the Aquatic Restoration Partnership. These initiatives focus on bringing back lost and disrupted pond networks and their ecosystems, particularly in agricultural landscapes. The ECB also runs the UCL Environmental Radiometric Facility (Handong Yang and Neil Rose).
Group Members
- Helen Bennion (Co-Cluster Lead)
- Carl Sayer (Co-Cluster Lead)
- Jan Axmacher
- Mat Disney
- Viv Jones
- Simon Lewis
- Anson Mackay
- Neil Rose
- Ewan Shilland
- Simon Turner
- Handong Yang