The right location: Dr Matt Davies

Issued: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:12:00 BST

Since joining the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dr Matt Davies has been making the most of the research opportunities that the naturally stunning area of south-west Scotland offers.

The lecturer in environmental stewardship is a key figure in research developments at the school, including the Solway Centre for Environment & Culture. As co-lead on the rural land management research theme, Dr Davies recently supported a successful proposal to bring existing Biosphere Reserves in the south of Scotland in line with recently revised UNESCO criteria.

Biosphere Reserves are places with environments that are designated by the UN to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. With support from the University’s Adam Smith Research Foundation Seedcorn Fund, Dr Davies has been organising events to support the reserve: ‘We’re bringing together representatives from across the region, such as resource managers, walking and mountain biking groups and rural landowners, to establish how we can develop sustainable land management strategies and manage the landscape sympathetically.

‘The next step will be to establish some research linkages with local organisations. We have great links already on campus with Scottish National Heritage, the Wetland and Wildlife Trust and the Scottish Agricultural College, and we’re hoping that we can identify interested parties and begin to put together proposals that will be suitable for postgraduate research projects.’

For Dr Davies the campus and surrounding region is the perfect place to pursue his area of research: ‘In terms of studying the natural environment, rural landscapes and communities, and sustainable rural development, you can’t really ask for a better place than Dumfries. We’re based in a community whose heart is in agriculture, tourism, forestry and renewable energy, so all these issues are on our doorstep to see.’