Georgina Mitchell

PhD topic title: Urban biodiversity and society in the Anthropocene - exploring attitudes, behaviours and consequences of urban rewilding

PhD supervisors: Professor Steve Cinderby, Dr Rachel Pateman, Dr Sarah Knight

Biography and research

Exemplified by wetland restoration projects, campaigns to reduce mowing, de-paving domestic gardens or allowing species to thrive on disused sites, urban rewilding initiatives are becoming increasingly commonplace. The practice is a vital response to rapid urbanisation and biodiversity loss, that can benefit humans and wildlife alike. Yet recent media attention highlights the potential public criticisms it can provoke, such as perceived neighbourhood untidiness or neglect.

I am interested in understanding how contextual factors affect public reactions towards urban rewilding and more broadly, nature connectedness. Interactive mapping using Participatory GIS tools will be employed as a key method to involve stakeholders and compare findings across case study locations. The project aims to produce fundamental insights useful for cross-sectoral rewilding practitioners, policy makers and advocates worldwide.

Qualifying as an architect in 2021 after studying at Manchester School of Architecture, I hav worked in practice, community engagement, research and teaching. My master’s thesis involved mapping indices of deprivation across the Scottish Highlands, translating findings into a restorative design proposal. This led to key roles on the Manchester Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods and Story of Stockport research projects, which used action planning and thematic analysis to uncover inequalities linked to urbanisation.

Funder

The Leverhulme Trust