Work

Talking the same language: Co-production of a palaeoecological investigation to inform heathland management

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: There is a recognised role for the integration of palaeoecological data into conservation management, but its application remains hampered by a disconnect between academics and practitioners. We co-produced a palaeoecological investigation with conservation practitioners at an internationally important lowland heathland in the UK, to highlight the value of synergistic working between researchers and managers. We used a multi-proxy approach to reconstruct the site's ecological history over the past c.200 years, focusing on changes in vegetation, hydrology, and fire regimes, and translated the results into accessible visual and spatial formats to support management decisions. Our results reveal significant ecological changes, particularly a post-1950 shift from diverse wetland habitats to a drier, Birch-dominated landscape, linked to increased wildfire frequency and site acidification, as well as the decline of several conservation priority species. The spatial analysis highlights the need to consider site-specific heterogeneity in conservation planning. The management recommendations arising from the improved understanding of historical ecological conditions are focused on rare species conservation, increasing natural variability and the value of a rewetting programme to enhance resilience to climate change. The study highlights the value of a palaeoecological perspective for informing contemporary conservation management; in particular regarding in-site spatial considerations when making recommendations, as well as illustrating the importance of effective communication between researchers and land managers. • A multi-proxy palaeoecological approach was taken to understand site history. • Chobham Common has experienced increasing fire frequency, whilst losing wetland biodiversity. • Results are presented with spatial and socio-economic context to facilitate interpretation. • Rewetting the site is an opportunistic management solution to tackle multiple challenges. • Co-producing research with conservation managers is beneficial to its applicability.

Source: Journal of Environmental Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124652