Beth Taylor

PhD Summary

Rapid urbanisation has resulted in profound environmental and social challenges, with cities facing increased pollution, heat island effects, reduced green spaces, and altered microclimates, and their residents consequently facing adverse human and ecosystem health and well-being.  To address these challenges, innovative approaches to urban planning and green space design are needed.   

Miyawaki Forests, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, offer a solution.  These are densely planted urban forests which aim to mimic natural ecosystems by incorporating a diverse mix of native plant species in a smaller area.  It is widely assumed that these forests offer a multitude of benefits, including carbon sequestration, improved air and water quality, enhanced microclimates, and the establishment of natural habitats in densely populated urban areas.  The establishment of these forests could potentially have far-reaching effects on both local communities and the biogeochemical cycles that underpin urban ecosystems. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine the extent of these advantages, the broader implications and trade-offs associated with their implementation, in order to inform urban planners and policymakers as they consider the adoption of Miyawaki Forests as a tool for urban greening.  

This PhD project will address this knowledge gap by investigating the social, pedological, and biogeochemical impacts of establishing Miyawaki Forests in urban areas, with the aims of informing decision-making in urban planning and green space management.  The results of this research will also determine the suitability of Miyawaki Forests as a mechanism of fostering more sustainable, resilient, and liveable urban environments.   

Previous activity

Before my PhD I completed a BASc in Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick, which provided me with a strong, interdisciplinary understanding of global social, environmental and economic issues.  This BASC cemented my interests about using policy and planning to improve environmental outcomes as I got to research these concepts globally, but also on a local and regional scale, with my dissertation looking at how the differences in biodiversity policy in Coventry and at the University of Warwick impacted their freshwater biodiversity.  To develop these interests, I took part in a MSc in Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy where I explored the theory behind policy and planning and how this impacted society and the environment in the UK.  I completed a dissertation on the extent to which the planning mechanisms can address the English biodiversity crisis to research these issues in more detail. 

Alongside my MSc and my PhD, I work part time as an Ecology and Biodiversity Officer in the Planning Department at Coventry City Council.  This role involves ensuring our planning policies and practises are up to date following changes to national policy and guidance, as well as using Biodiversity Net Gain funding and grant awards to actively improve the environment in Coventry.  Currently I am leading two projects, one looking at creating an ARK site to reintroduce White Clawed Crayfish into the City, and the other being to plant over 7200 trees in the 2024/25 season, which includes the establishment of 6 Tiny Forests with Earthwatch Europe. 

Why did you choose CENTA?

CENTA’s focus on developing well rounded researchers through a comprehensive provision of training and support greatly appealed to me, in addition to being part of a cohort which provides the comfort of individuals going through a similarly new experience.