Janet Jackson

University of Northampton
Senior Lecturer Ecology

My PhD thesis was entitled 'Spatial and temporal dynamics of plants colonizing species-poor hedgerow'. This thesis reflects my interests in aspects of community development which examines ecological processes that occur over time and space. Dispersal, colonisation and establishment of species are important processes that may influence conservation management decisions, restoration of communities and sustainability of organisms in the wider landscape. Land use, development and environmental impact are increasing becoming important as we decide how best to manage, 'restore' or enhance ecological resources.

Recent research has recently made use of previous experiences in surveying rivers and floodplain habitats in Northamptonshire and more particularly in the Upper Nene Valley. The Milton-Keynes - South Midlands predicted growth area now extends to Northamptonshire and these new pressures for economic growth and demand for housing require forward thinking and strategic planning to benefit both people and the environment. My colleagues and I have recently began research and monitoring a housing development that incorporates, what is considered today as a demonstration of Best Practice in planning and urban design. This development includes mitigation to prevent additional risk of flooding through the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and a series of retention ponds. The research and monitoring of the site is multidisciplinary and encompasses disciplines in: water quality, hydrology, wetland creation, biodiversity, human geography and social science. I will be particularly interested in the colonization and movement of wetland species in the newly created habitats within the SUDS and how management and water quality influence community development.