Lapworth Lecture - The Mighty Microbes

It is relatively well known that peatlands are the greatest terrestrial carbon store, but what might be a lesser-known fact, is that an army of microorganisms carefully orchestrates the carbon dynamic of bogs. As with many areas of research, we are finding that microorganisms are the missing link in our understanding behind critical processes - whether that be human health or environmental function. By examining ecosystems at their smallest constituent level, we can often find clearer answers to questions that have long puzzled the sector.

It is now understood, that without these small but mighty organisms, we would lack crucial climate and water-quality regulation provided by healthy peatlands. This lecture will provide an overview of the microbial characteristics of peatlands, how the communities are structured and the function they play. Then the lecture will progress into the research being carried out by Alice Whittle and the wider research group involved in the Combs Moss Green Investment Project at Derby University and Moors for the Future, looking at how microbes are responding to restoration efforts and whether this is yielding intended results.

About Alice

Alice is a first-year PhD student at the University of Derby, conducting industry-focused research in collaboration with two of the UK’s leading organisations in peatland restoration - Moors for the Future and Severn Trent Water. Before beginning her PhD, she worked in industry for several years, most recently as a Specialist Advisor for the Welsh National Peatland Action Programme.

Her academic background has centred on peatland restoration, including the development of a UAV monitoring protocol for restoration assessment with the North Pennines AONB Partnership as part of her Master of Research in Ecology. Alice is passionate about fostering collaboration between academia and industry to address real-world environmental challenges.

This event takes place on campus in room WG12, Aston Webb A-Block, or via Zoom. Please register for the Zoom webinar.

Open to everyone and free to attend.