Most asked: Adam Brown, Research and Evidence Officer for SDNPA
July 4, 2017
Send us your questions about a particular area of work in the National Park to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk
Answering this month is: Adam Brown, Research and Evidence Officer for the SDNPA who is currently busy organising the South Downs Research Conference 2017, sponsored by Coast to Capital.
Why does a national park need research?
We want to make sure that all the work we do is informed by evidence. Evidence is how we know that we’re making the best decisions – whether that’s informing the best way to manage the National Park through our Management Plan or the best places to release water voles on the river Meon. Evidence is also how we know whether we’re achieving what we say we will – for example whether the water voles are thriving in their new homes.
What does a research and evidence officer do?
It’s my job to make sure that our work is informed by up-to-date evidence and research. If I can’t find existing evidence I’ll go out and do, organise or commission collection of the relevant data. I also develop and maintain relationships with local universities, alongside my colleague, and bring them all together once a year for our research conference.
I cover the provision of geographic mapping (GIS) for the National Park and, I’m not sure how, I’ve also gained a reputation for being a spreadsheet ninja so I get a lot of colleagues asking for tips.
What sort of research does a national park need?
A lot of people assume that we only need evidence on ecology or biodiversity. We do need that but we’re also looking for evidence on all the different special qualities of the National Park. For example we carry out regular visitor surveys and I was recently involved in a ‘strategic stone study’ looking at what our heritage buildings are made of and where that stone comes from – useful information for our planning team!
How can I do my dissertation/ research with the National Park?
Every year we publish a list of research priorities on our website. This outlines the subjects where we know we’re going to need evidence. We want prospective researchers to think about the best ways to approach that subject – they’re the experts – and submit an application form. You can find the list and application form on our site at www.southdowns.gov.uk/research
How do you work with universities?
Mainly through our research priorities. If we see an evidence gap we’ll approach specific academics and work together on a joint funding bid to the relevant research council.
Do you enjoy working outside?
I’ve been lucky enough to work on our water vole project on the river Meon and I try to get out whenever I can but sadly my job is mostly desk-based.
Where are the rhinos?
OK, this is a question my friends and family ask as I used to research large mammal migration in Tanzania and before that worked for Save the Rhino. Actually white rhinos’ wide, flat lip makes them incredible grazers so I believe they’d make a great, if surprising, addition to our chalk grassland management work.
What’s your favourite fact about the National Park?
There are now more than 27 vineyards in the National Park. Last October, when I carried out a survey, there were exactly 27 but they’re increasing so quickly that there are almost certainly more now.