Head of Farmland Ecology Unit
Niamh is Head of Farmland Ecology Research at the GWCT. Much of her research focuses on landscape-scale farmer collaboration and the potential benefits this may have on farming systems (e.g. regenerative agriculture), farmland birds (e.g. barn owls), and wider ecosystem health (e.g. biodiversity). She is also an active bird ringer, which has allowed her to take part in bird monitoring projects across the world.
What is your favourite GWCT Initiative or project?
My favourite GWCT research project has to be the Horizon 2020 funded project FRAMEwork. Through this project I have helped to establish 11 pilot Farmer Clusters across Europe, covering a range of different farming systems (e.g. arable, alpine grass, olive groves). I also oversee the project’s biodiversity management activities including monitoring and evaluation of Farmer Clusters. This work is particularly important as it will provide crucial evidence of how Farmer Clusters can deliver benefits at a landscape scale across a range of European contexts, demonstrating their potential to enhance biodiversity and support more sustainable farming practices.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the opportunity to work with researchers across the UK and Europe, collaborating on projects that drive biodiversity improvements on the ground. Sharing knowledge and ideas with experts from different backgrounds not only enhances our understanding of farmland ecology but also helps develop innovative, practical solutions for farmers and wildlife alike.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from taking on challenges you never expected.