Helen Roberts

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Doctoral Researcher

Contact details

Email: hxr133@bham.ac.uk

Address: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

I am carrying out doctoral research investigating how human populations interact with urban green spaces, specifically parks and corridors. A socio-ecological perspective frames this work and examines how certain key aspects of ecosystem service provision are dependent on human use of a green space.

New techniques are being employed to analyse the structure of vegetated areas in a number of urban landscapes, whilst social networks provide the basis for investigating human use of these spaces.

Qualifications

First class Bachelor of Science (Honours) Geography

Biography

Prior to gaining this current doctoral researcher position I studied geography at the University of Birmingham. Related to my current research theme, over the summer break of 2014 I undertook a work placement with Birmingham City Council’s Sport and Healthy Lifestyles team within the Department of Sport, Events and Parks Department working alongside them to promote, monitor and develop the Active Parks and Parkslive schemes.

Doctoral research

Supervisors: Professor Jon Sadler and Professor Lee Chapman

Research

Research interests

Ecosystem service provision within an urban context
Human uses of urban green space
Using social media and smart technologies to understand human behavior
Health benefits of urban green space
Promoting use of green space amongst urban populations

Other activities

I have recently joined a committee developing an exciting new project planning to regenerate a series of old parks and green spaces and create one ‘wellbeing park’ within an area of Birmingham.

Putting my research interests into action, I am a strong believer in the benefit of outdoor sport for all and am heavily involved in the University of Birmingham’s Ultimate Frisbee club, previously having captained and coached the women’s teams. As a player I have represented Great Britain playing for the U23 Mixed team in the summer of 2015.