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Project Summary

Trophic rewilding, involving the reintroduction of missing species, is gaining momentum worldwide, including in the UK, to enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems. However, managing wide-ranging species whose ecological functions depend on anthropogenic landscapes is challenging, as seen with the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in England. Extinct for over two centuries, the species is now slowly recovering through a translocation project initiated on the Isle of Wight in 2019, aiming to establish a self-sustaining breeding population in southern England.  
Despite these efforts, reintroducing this wide-ranging raptor poses difficulties, especially with local perceptions of potential conflicts. This project will use GPS tag data from nearly 40 white-tailed eagles to address the following broad questions: 

1. How do white-tailed eagles develop spatial memory and behavioural plasticity in relation to multi-use landscapes across their range in southern England?
2. How can critical life stages, such as breeding, be supported through multiple area-based management perspectives, such as Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)?
3. How is the white-tailed eagle recovery perceived among people given that the species was extirpated more than two centuries ago in England?

To address these questions, the successful PhD candidate will need to combine over five years of GPS tag data and spatial modelling to explore the relationship between white-tailed eagle responses, landscape features and land-use management. Some of this work will involve using machine learning algorithms to provide fine-scale illustrations of the relationships. The individual will also use social science methods to evaluate people’s perception of the eagles.

Person specification: We are seeking an engaged PhD candidate, keen to work across multiple academic disciplines and develop strong quantitative analytical skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in ecology, conservation, or a related discipline. The PhD will involve quantitative ecological (R or Python, GIS) and social science research methods, with training provided as required to develop the necessary skills. The successful PhD candidate must be enthusiastic about conducting fieldwork across southern England.  

Scholarship value

The PhD scholarship includes an annual stipend (equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend; the 2025/26 rate is £20,780, which is not taxed income). Tuition fees will be covered at the home student rate only. The PhD scholarship comes with a £10,000 research and training fund.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for this Leverhulme ‘Space for Nature’ Doctoral Scholars funding is Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

Criteria 

• Hold a 1 or 2.1 Bachelor's degree or, if applicable, a taught Master's degree at merit or distinction or MSc by Research. Please be aware that securing a PhD scholarship tends to be a competitive process, with most applicants holding a Master’s degree. 
• Provide a CV. On the CV, please list the degree modules you have studied and provide the grade you were awarded for each one. Please also provide the overall grade you were awarded for your degree(s).
• Provide a covering letter, which outlines why you are interested in the PhD, no more than two A4 pages long. Any statement exceeding this limit will not be accepted.
• Complete our equality, diversity and inclusivity questionnaire in full (linked).
• Provide academic references in support of your application; these will be requested if you are successful through the shortlisting process.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by members of the supervisory team. The interview questions will be given to shortlisted candidates in advance.
• Be able to start the PhD programme in Sept 2025.

Eligibility

This award is open to home students only. To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:  

• Be a UK national or, 
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter. 

How to apply

Please apply by sending your covering letter and CV to LHScholars@kent.ac.uk and filling out our equality, diversity and inclusivity questionnaire linked here or at the button below.

These tasks must be completed by Wednesday 23rd April 2025 at 23.55 GMT. For informal enquiries about the project, please contact the primary supervisor directly via email.