My main research interests are in the factors that affect the distribution and abundance of species within agricultural environments, including the effects of landscape elements on dispersal; my main research subjects are Lepidoptera. I have a particular interest in the ecology of hedges, green lanes and hay meadows. Recently my interests have expanded to include the value of green walls in providing wildlife habitat and their potential in air quality improvement. More generally, I am interested in green infrastructure and its multifunctional role in delivering ecosystem services. After finishing my PhD, I had a short contract with the Southampton Common Studies Centre creating an inventory of butterflies and moths. I also carried out survey work which led to the Common being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as an Amphibian community site. I spent six years as a researcher with the Game Conservancy (now the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust) studying butterflies on farmland. A short stint as Head of Terrestrial Ecology at an environmental consultancy was followed by eight years as Programme Area Leader for Countryside Studies at Myerscough College in Lancashire. I started work at Staffordshire University in 2000 as a Senior Lecturer in Ecology. Between 2005 and 2007 I was Director of the University’s Institute for Environment, Sustainability and Regeneration and in 2006 I was made a Reader in Biology and Forensic Science, an appointment instituted to provide research leadership for these areas. In 2008 I was appointed Professor of Ecology. Throughout these years I conducted research in Norway, Sweden, Spain, Australia and England.

Biodiversity in relation to regeneration/green infrastructure The role of green walls in providing wildlife habitat and in improving air quality The ecology and status of green lanes, including work on hedgerows The ecology of the western jewel butterfly Hypochrysops halyaetus in remnant Banksia woodland Factors affecting the distribution, abundance and species richness of butterflies in the wider countryside Insect dispersal studies in relation to wildlife corridors Landscape ecology