Applications are invited for a fully-funded interdisciplinary 3.5-year PhD project within the Department of Political Economy, King’s College London (KCL) in collaboration with the Department of Geography (KCL) and Forest Research.
PhD project summary:
This research project explores how community forestry—where local people are involved in managing forests—can help address some of the United Kingdom’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and social wellbeing. Around the world, community forestry has shown that when local communities have a say in how forests are managed, the results can be positive for both people and nature. However, in the United Kingdom, this approach is often overlooked in national policy and underused in efforts to expand woodland.
Working together with Forest Research, the project aims to better understand the many benefits (and potential costs) of community forestry in the UK and to identify how government policies can better support these initiatives. It will explore how ideas about the value of community forestry have changed over time, how to measure its wide-ranging benefits more effectively, and how to involve communities in decision-making in ways that reflect their values and priorities.
The research will be carried out through a combination of policy analysis, interviews with experts, and in-depth case studies in three community forest sites where it will implement both conventional and participatory approaches to assessing ‘Value for Money’. The latter will test new ways of working with communities to understand what they value about their forests and how decisions are made about forest management.
This work will have a wide range of impacts. Academically, it will contribute to debates about how to measure the value of complex, place-based projects like community forestry. It will use innovative methods to include the views of local people in research and policy, especially in areas like wellbeing, empowerment, and governance. The case studies will provide real-world evidence of how community forestry can deliver many kinds of benefits, and how these are understood by different groups.
In terms of policy, the project is highly relevant to current government priorities. The United Kingdom is committed to planting more trees and restoring nature, and community involvement is recognised as important. However, community forestry is still not understood as a serious option in many parts of the country, in part because it is difficult to measure and compare the full range of benefits it provides. This project will help fill that gap by identifying barriers to wider adoption, translating evidence into formats that are useful for policymakers, and showing how community forestry can contribute to multiple government goals.
In the long term, the project aims to bring community forestry into the mainstream of environmental policy in the United Kingdom. By showing how it can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits all at once, and by providing practical tools for evaluating and supporting it, the research will help create more joined-up, inclusive, and effective forest policies. It will also offer timely insights as the country plans new national forests and seeks to involve communities in shaping a greener future.
Research Community at KCL
The Department of Political Economy (DPE) is home to a vibrant community of over 70 PhD students. The Environment and Public Policy Research group in DPE, and the Political Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group in the Department of Geography, will provide valuable communities of practice for the successful applicant. PhD students also have the opportunity to develop their teaching expertise by taking on Graduate Teaching Associate positions, with relevant training and support to become Associate Fellows of Advance HE.
Placement at Forest Research
As part of the studentship, the applicant will undertake a 3-month placement with Forest Research at either the Northern Research Station or the Alice Holt Research Station (locations here).
Application criteria:
The applicant will have a good undergraduate degree in geography, social or environmental sciences, economics, or related disciplines, with a strong interest in forestry, sustainability, and policy analysis. They will either have, or be working towards, a Master’s degree in a relevant field (and expect a distinction or high merit). They should demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, and be comfortable working with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Relevant non-academic work experience and experience in participatory research, policy evaluation, and/or environmental governance is desirable but not essential. The applicant should be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently while contributing to an interdisciplinary team. A commitment to impact-oriented research is key.
Supervisor(s):
Maia King: maia.king@kcl.ac.uk
Kate Schreckenberg: kate.schreckenberg@kcl.ac.uk
CASE non-academic partner: Forest Research: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/
LISS Institution: King’s College London, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, Department of Political Economy
PhD Programme: Public Policy Research
Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
1+3.5 or +3.5 studentship: +3.5
Fee Eligibility: Home‑eligible applicants only (UKRI eligibility guidance)
How to apply:
Interested candidates should apply via King’s Apply including the funder reference “LISSDTPCASE26-KING”and submit the following documents:
- A CV (max 2 A4 sides), including details of two references, at least one of which should be an academic referee.
- A personal statement including why you are interested in undertaking the project, what relevant skills, training and knowledge you would bring to the project; and any ideas you have for executing the named project (max 1 page).
- 1 x example of written academic work.
- A completed LISS DTP CASE application form for the position
- Academic transcripts.
Please quote the following funding reference in your application: LISSDTPCASE26-KING
Additionally, all applicants must complete:
- LISS DTP Diversity Monitoring Form (online)
Closing date for applications: 16th February 2026
Interviews date: 16th March 2026
If you have any questions before applying, please contact Dr Maia King or Professor Kate Schreckenberg.
More details on funding and general eligibility is available on the LISS-DTP CASE Studentship website.
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