A new partnership between Bridgwater College, Oxford Brookes University and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) has been launched to facilitate joint research on the UK’s largest new coastal wetland being created at Steart, near Bridgwater.

Oxford Brookes PhD student Adam George has been appointed as a coordinator for the three organisations, and will also teach on the College’s BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation programme at its Cannington Centre. The third aspect of his role will be to conduct research on how the saltmarsh and mudflats evolve as the tides bring in marine organisms, sediment and nutrients, and how these influence the nature of the establishing saltmarsh and mudflat communities. Understanding these processes will provide better guidance for habitat creation schemes elsewhere, for example by enhancing their ability to support wildfowl and commercially exploitable marine species.

The research project will also allow students from the College to play an active part in the studies at Steart, as part of the ecological and research modules on their programme. The local community will also be able to get involved, by participating in citizen science projects centred around the monitoring of flora and fauna at the site, as well as engaging further with the role of wetlands in providing recreation and contributing to the local economy.

Adam said, “I am very excited to be working in collaboration with Oxford Brookes, Bridgwater College, and WWT on this project. Wetlands provide protection from flooding and offer temporary or enduring habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Therefore, the aim of my research is to deliver valuable data that can facilitate the management of Steart Marshes and other wetland habitats. Working for Bridgwater College will provide me with the opportunity to involve students in this project, where they will learn valuable skills and contribute to this important area of research.”

Tim McGrath, from WWT said, “WWT Steart Marshes is designed to be a working wetland, rich in wildlife, supporting farming and protecting the local community from rising sea levels. WWT want reserves like Steart Marshes to demonstrate how creating wetlands can solve many of the problems we’re going to face in the future. This PhD will provide an important piece of evidence in making that case.”

If you would like more information about studying at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234 or visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk. Our next Open Evening at our Cannington Centre is on Wednesday 14 May between 5.30pm and 8pm, with the College’s Summer Open Day on Saturday 7 June.