Molly studied BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at Bournemouth University before continuing her studies by undertaking a Master by Research exploring the effectiveness of UK legislation and management in producing nature conservation outcomes. Molly also worked as an assistant lecturer delivering material on environmental law and policy before joining Loughborough University to begin her PhD.
Research interests: conservation management, biodiversity loss, ecological restoration
The river restoration ‘toolbox’: Simultaneously examining biomonitoring indices to guide catchment management strategies.
Supervisors: Professor Paul Wood and Dr Kate Mathers
Declines in freshwater biodiversity globally have prompted an increase in river restoration projects. However, many restoration activities have resulted in limited ecological benefits being realised due to primary stressor(s) not being clearly identified, project objectives not being fully achieved, or an absence of post-restoration data.
Molly’s PhD research seeks to develop an ‘ecological toolbox’ that can be used to inform river restoration practices. This research will provide a greater understanding of how faunal and floral communities respond to restoration practices at a range of spatial scales, which will help guide future sustainable river restoration projects that deliver benefits to the entire freshwater ecosystem.