Nature

Reversing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems through integrated solutions to sustainably and equitably balance human land and resource demands with ecosystem integrity, enabling co-existence within planetary boundaries.

The Nature theme is driving the search for sustainable futures that safeguard both people and ecosystems. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research, our work focuses on solutions to maintain and restore ecosystem functioning and integrity in ways that tackle the biodiversity crisis, support adaptation to climate change and preserve resilience of communities and society.  

Human pressures on land, water and resources – for food, energy, security and economic growth – are driving environmental degradation and climate change. At the University of Manchester, researchers and key institutes are working with communities and partners across sectors to address global sustainability issues including deforestation, pollution, freshwater depletion, biodiversity loss and urbanisation. By drawing on world-leading expertise and facilities, we aim to generate innovative solutions and critical debate on how societies can live sustainably with nature. 

Ian Thornhill

Theme Lead

Dr Ian Thornhill

Ian works at the intersection of nature recovery and society. He has his roots in freshwater ecology but has since explored a wide range of research avenues such as citizen science and ecological resilience. More recently, Ian's research has focused on soundscapes, ranging from bioacoustics as a tool for understanding ecosystem health, to exploring how sound can act as a bridge between disciplines, including links with the arts. He is also involved in research examining how biodiversity is, or is not, integrated into the built environment. Ian is also part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the Irwell Catchment Partnership, translating ecological evidence into practical impact.

Ian is a Senior Lecturer in Planning and Environmental Management in the School of School of Environment, Education and Development at The University of Manchester.

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Case Studies