Land-based research opportunities
Please see below for a list of our land-based research opportunities in need of project leads, students, volunteers, specialists and professionals. Each project has a 'contact lead' identified at the end of the description. This person and their organization should be your first port of call and will help you write the application to the Jersey Community Foundation for the required funding. Please note, projects listed as (FULLY SUBSCRIBED) are no longer open for applications.
More Information
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) have been identified as one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. In 2023, a threat score analysis was undertaken to risk assess INNS believed to be established in Jersey. This analysis identified and ranked 186 terrestrial species based on their ecological risk, geographic spread and invasive potential. However, for many species, the true geographic spread was unknown or given with low confidence. As a result, many species remain unreported across the island. Through this project, students will work alongside the Biosecurity team of Natural Environment to undertake a baseline assessment of the top 10 established INNS in Jersey to determine geographic spread and population density across the island. Students will undertake a desk study to identify the location of records stored on the Jersey Biodiversity Centre followed by various field-based studies to confirm these records and determine species density.
For more information and to apply, please contact Adam Dallas-Chapman: A.DallasChapman@gov.je
Climate change and trade are impacting the distribution of mosquitoes globally. Mosquitoes are important vectors of human disease making it crucial to understand their distribution. As these species’ track north, they do so with the potential to introduce historically tropical and sub-tropical diseases into Europe and beyond. Recently, there have been cases of Dengue fever and Chikungunya in Europe and with the geographic range of important vectors such as Aedes aegypti & Aedes albopictus further increasing, there is a requirement to monitor for these species locally. These invasive mosquitos are not present in Jersey, however we would like to understand which species are present across different habitats in Jersey.
This project will consist of setting up and monitoring numerous mosquito traps and identifying the species found. The study aims to understand the local species mix of mosquitoes in Jersey whilst monitoring for the important vector species such as Aedes aegypti & Aedes albopictus. There is potential for the scope of this project to be increased – further detail can be discussed with any interested candidates.
For more information and to apply, please contact Nathan Hayes: N.Hayes@gov.je
Develop catchment maps to better understand the pressures (pollution/encroachment/development/land use) detaining land use are essential for protection of water habitats to allow appropriate management, alongside the consideration for a site ecological improvement.
For more information and to apply, please contact Shelley Hawkins: S.Hawkins@gov.je
A review and analysis of existing phenological data in Jersey, how Jersey compares to other jurisdictions, and formulation of recommendations for improved phenological monitoring in the future. This would involve liaising with multiple stakeholders, including the Jersey Biodiversity Centre and numerous non-government specialist groups. This work will contribute to the first official ‘State of Nature’ report to be published by the Government of Jersey.
For more information and to apply, please contact Tim Wright: T.Wright2@gov.je
A review and analysis of Jersey bird data collected through long-term BTO monitoring schemes, and what these tell us about biodiversity in Jersey. This project would review the various national monitoring schemes run by the British Trust for Ornithology which hold Jersey data (e.g. Breeding Bird Survey), and analyse and interpret those data where possible. This will include analysis of long-term trends and how Jersey trends compare to those seen elsewhere. This work will contribute to the first official ‘State of Nature’ report to be published by the Government of Jersey.
For information and to apply, please contact Tim Wright: T.Wright2@gov.je
The changes in the responsibilities in the plant health statutory survey workstream have highlighted a requirement for better curation of data across the NE department. This work is now underway with suitable recruitment of the required still skill sets to deliver modern data curation and architecture.
Governments play a critical role in safeguarding the natural environment, and one of the most impactful tools at their disposal is the transparent publication of environmental monitoring data. This practice supports a wide range of national and international objectives, including evidence-based policy making, compliance with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and public engagement.
With the modern IT tools we now have at our disposal it is never been a more interesting time to analyse and publish this data both verbally and graphically, In the form of website content, annual reporting to various audiences and the use of live data and responsive dashboards to give up to date information as to the status of certain work streams/species/outbreaks.
1. Data-Driven Policy Making and Reporting
Publishing environmental data enables governments to:
Develop informed policies grounded in empirical evidence, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental interventions.
Track progress against national targets and international commitments, such as biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and pollution reduction.
Support cross-sectoral planning, allowing integration of environmental considerations into agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development strategies.
Access to robust datasets also facilitates adaptive management, enabling policymakers to respond dynamically to emerging environmental trends and risks.
2. Responsibilities Under Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
Many MEAs, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), require:
Regular reporting of environmental indicators and compliance measures.
Transparency and accountability in how countries meet their obligations.
Data sharing to support global assessments and cooperative action.
Publishing monitoring data helps countries meet these obligations and contributes to the global pool of knowledge necessary for coordinated environmental governance.
3. Informing and Engaging the Public
Transparent environmental data publication:
Empowers citizens with knowledge about the state of their local and national environment.
Builds trust in government institutions by demonstrating accountability and openness.
Encourages public participation in environmental stewardship, from community-level conservation to informed voting and advocacy.
Accessible data also supports education, research, and innovation, enabling stakeholders across society to contribute to sustainable development.
The NE Biosecurity Team would like to work with an MSc level student from a suitable area of skill/study/discipline, and develop an robust, modern and attractive set of portals from which to publish Jersey's environmental data to the public, politicians and the public
For information and to apply, please contact Scott Meadows: s.meadows@gov.je
Jersey would like to incorporate public consultation Data-driven policy making into its Tree Framework, by providing objective, repeatable measurements, and giving transparency and engagement to its tree Policy going fwd.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imagery is a powerful tool for managing tree stocks and forestry, offering high-resolution, three-dimensional data that can transform how forests are monitored, assessed, and managed.
Species density studies, linked and ground truthed to the LIDAR data produce a Tree Stock Assessment and Inventory able to;
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Measure tree height, canopy structure, and density across large areas.
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Estimate biomass and carbon stocks,
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Differentiate between tree species and age classes when combined with spectral data
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Tree mortality and canopy gaps, which may indicate disease, pest outbreaks, or storm damage.
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Wildlife corridors and habitat fragmentation.
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Precision forestry, enabling targeted plantings - Right Tree, Right Place, that improve benefits, carbon sequestration and survivability
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Fragmentation and connectivity, aiding landscape-level conservation planning.
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National forest inventories and MEA reporting, such as under the UNFCCC and CBD
For more information and to apply, please contact Scott Meadows: s.meadows@gov.je
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