Supervisors:

Dr Hollie Blaydes, Lancaster University

Prof Alona Armstrong, Lancaster University

Prof Piran White, University of York

Industry supervisor:

Olivia Bryant, Foresight

Project Description:

Overview

As the UK strives to meet Net Zero targets, land use change for solar farms is accelerating. A growing body of research shows that in addition to providing clean energy, solar farms can be beneficial for biodiversity, including invertebrates, birds and plant communities. Most nature-based management at solar farms focuses on general actions to increase biodiversity, including creating or maintaining habitats. These measures are very effective at supporting common, adaptable species that can thrive in many different environments (i.e. habitat generalists). However, far less is understood about how solar farms could be designed and managed in a targeted way to support threatened and near threatened species, which often have more specific ecological requirements (i.e. habitat specialists). Several species of conservation interest have been recorded at solar farms, but at present there has been no research into how solar farms could be specifically managed to contribute to threatened species recovery.

Project focus

This project sits at the intersection of two urgent challenges: climate change and biodiversity loss. It will explore how renewable energy infrastructure can contribute to species recovery, with the aim of informing solar farm development and management decisions.

The focus of the project is flexible and will be tailored to the successful candidates interests and skills. Possible areas of focus include:

• Targeted conservation action within solar farms: Evaluating the potential for solar farms to deliver species-specific recovery actions drawing on the Threatened Species Recovery Action database. This project could assess the feasibility of implementing priority recovery actions within solar farms, focusing on plants, invertebrates, birds and/or mammals.
• Mapping opportunities for species recovery using solar farms: Using spatial datasets, including species records from the National Biodiversity Network and solar farm data curated by Lancaster University, to identify where solar farms could contribute most effectively to threatened species recovery. This project could also explore patterns of habitat use by key species and habitat connectivity within selected regions or landscapes depending on focal species of interest
• Field-based research: Using existing ecological data collected at Foresight’s assets to define a field-based research project around a specific threatened species.

The final project scope will be developed collaboratively, allowing the successful candidate to help shape the research direction.

What you will gain

Within this one-year Masters by Research project, the successful candidate will develop expertise at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and renewable energy, building skills in ecological research and data analysis. Depending on the direction of the project, they may also gain experience in fieldwork and/or spatial analysis and work with real-world data from operational solar farms. The candidate will collaborate with industry partner, Foresight, gaining insight into the opportunities and challenges of integrating conservation measures into the solar sector and will have the opportunity to present their research to stakeholders. Given the applied and timely nature of this topic, the student will contribute to a peer-reviewed scientific publication as well as producing reports and other outputs with direct value for industry and policy. The project will be co-supervised by academics from Lancaster University and the University of York and an industry expert from Foresight, providing a unique perspective on both research and applied environmental management.

Enquiries

Interested applicants are strongly advised to get in touch to learn more about the project. Please contact Dr Hollie Blaydes (h.blaydes@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.

General eligibility criteria

Enthusiasm, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for this Masters by Research. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students can be found here.

Project specific criteria

Interests in biodiversity conservation and threatened species and working at the interface of research and practice. Depending on the project focus, experience of GIS and fieldwork would be advantageous. However, training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Studentship funding

Tuition fees and associated research costs (including fieldwork, where applicable) will be covered by industry partner, Foresight. A small stipend to contribute towards living costs is also expected to be available, subject to final confirmation of the funding package.

Dates

Deadline for applications: 31st July 2026

Provisional Interview Date: to be confirmed

Start Date: October 2026

Application process

1. Download the LEC Funded PhD/MSc-R Application FormLEC Funded PhD/MSc-R Application Form and LEC Funded PhD/MSc-R Reference Form
2. Complete the Application Form, renaming the document with your 'Name and Application Form' e.g., Joe Bloggs Application Form.
3. Submit the completed Application Form and a CV to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
4. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted.
5. Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
6. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
7. You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
8. Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
9. Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
10. Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.

Submit all applications and references to this email address: lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk