A team of Brazilian and British scientists have discovered that extreme wind and water-deficiency are the main causes of tree death in the southern Amazon. Their study is available with free online access via the Journal of Ecology. This new research reveals that more than 70% of all trees dying at the edge of…
There are 14% more tree species in the world than we previously thought, according to a new study, authored by an international group of 146 scientists. Amongst these were Simon Lewis and Oliver Phillips, who are based at the University of Leeds. Using the largest forest database yet assembled, the team suggest that there are…
A recently published paper has shown that upland woodlands are able to reduce flooding downstream, compared to other common upland land uses. In today’s guest blog, the authors share and discuss their findings. Felicity Monger is a PhD researcher studying woodlands and flooding, Robin Hayward is the LEAF Communication and Engagement Officer, Prof. Dominick Spracklen…
Daisy Cooper MP and Dr Cat Scott of the University of Leeds call for central government funding to support woodland creation alongside the planting and maintenance of trees outside woodlands, with support for local authorities to monitor this and coordination across all four nations of the UK. Planting and restoring trees and woodlands will play…
In July 2019, UBoC and LEAF published the University of Leeds i-Tree report, as part of the ongoing Leeds4Trees project which is exploring the value of trees and greenspaces across the city of Leeds. The project formed part of the Sustainability Service’s Living Lab initiative, to use the university campus as a test bed for…
A new flagship restoration project showcasing an alternative future for the UK’s uplands has been launched. Wild Ingleborough aims to restore an iconic area in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, around Ingleborough – the second highest peak in the Dales. The project is a partnership between the University of Leeds, WWF, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the United Bank of Carbon and…
In South America, land-atmosphere interactions have a strong influence on climate, particularly the hydrological cycle. Moisture exchanges between the land and the atmosphere are essential for sustaining the Amazon forest and ensuring a supply of rainfall to the interior of the continent. Global climate models (GCMs) need to accurately represent these processes in order for…
A team from the University of Leeds and NatureScot have made the first estimate of potential carbon sequestration by large-scale native woodland expansion through natural regeneration in Scotland. Tree planting and woodland establishment, particularly of native woodland, is a topic which is increasingly in the public eye. With potentially significant contributions towards the government’s net-zero…
Tree species richness and diversity influences the degree to which greenspace can mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect, finds new study from scientists at the University of Leeds. Urbanisation impacts the reflection and absorption of solar radiation at Earth’s surface and can elevate surface temperatures, known as the Urban Heat Island Effect. With the rise…
A team of researchers at the University of Leeds have been looking at the future role for UK public parks. In their recent publication ‘Park futures: Excavating images of tomorrow’s urban green spaces’ the team examine the historical role of parks, particularly in the Victorian era, to study the potential use and trends for parks…
