CAWR Newsletter

November 2024

Our monthly newsletters are an easy way to keep up-to-date with new developments at our research centre. From successful project bids to upcoming events, our newsletter informs you on how we are 'driving innovative transdisciplinary research on equitable, sustainable and resilient food and water systems.'

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Coventry University.

Copenhagen Media Centre

Can you eat an organic diet on the average food budget in the UK?

Findings of research on this question as well as on the state of play of certified organic agroforestry products worldwide, were presented by Julia Wright at the Third International Organic Food Quality and Health Conference: Organic Food for a Sustainable Future, in Copenhagen, Denmark, 11-13 Nov 2024. These findings draw from doctoral research and CAWR’s EU AGROMIX project respectively, and contribute to the Centre’s exciting new research cluster on Environmental Practices, Agroecology and Health.

Undertrees Project colleagues visit Growing Connections’ pilot community tree nursery 

Photo of Liz Trenchard (centre), Growing Connections, CAWR, and Felister Mombo (right) and Phillipo Abihudi (left) 

Felister Mombo and Philipo Abihudi of Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania visited Growing Connections’ pilot community tree nursery at Ryton Organic Gardens, CAWR, Coventry University, as part of the Undertrees Project exchange. Felister Mombo is a natural resources and environmental economist and Philipo Abihudi is a librarian with a fruit tree nursery enterprise, both working with tree production and agroforestry. Together with Liz Trenchard and Sam Green, we compared similarities and differences in the apple tree production on the tour and discussed community tree nurseries and entrepreneurial nursery enterprises. 

Representatives of agroecological living labs and research infrastructures from across Europe

European Network of Agroecology Living Labs 

CAWR researcher Judith Conroy attended the first annual meeting of the European Network of Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures in Helsinki. The network, established as part of the Horizon Europe project Agroecology Partnership, aims to facilitate the transition to agroecology across Europe, by building on participatory research approaches such as Living Labs, including the Coventry Agroecological Living Lab (CALL). The newly formed network connects participatory place-based innovations, to enhance knowledge sharing and support the co-creation of agroecology innovations across various scales in Europe. In addition, CAWR’s Professor Ulrich Schmutz is part of the Agroecology Partnership advisory board.

10,000 Sunflowers 

Sunflowers being propagated in the CAWR polytunnel

Earlier this year, volunteers from Cubbington and Lillington Environmental Acton Now (CLEAN) used one of the CAWR polytunnels at Ryton Organic Gardens to propagate some of the 10,000 sunflowers needed for a local community project. The blooms were distributed to local schools, community groups and individuals, with the aims of bringing joy, widening awareness of environmental issues and to bring local groups together. CLEAN has now produced a video detailing this fantastic project. 

Planning the next soil mission projects: Ulrich Schmutz, Coventry University, Natatia Rastorgueva, Bozen-Bolzano Free University, Katharina Angerer ,REA Brussels

European Soil Mission Week Brussels

Ulrich Schmutz was invited to the Soil Mission (a €0.5bn European mission, larger than Horzion-2020) to facilitate a session on soil health in agriculture. Further items on the programme were networking, and a tour around more then 10 mission-funded research projects exhibitions. Recordings of day-1 main sessions are here. Day-2 had an artistic session by Bjarne Mastenbroek to explore how architecture can be a bridge between site and people, revealing how humans have shaped soils, well worth watching here. Day-2 also had various practical visits and we picked an urban forest project at Tivoli Park, Mechelen following the Miyawaki method from Japan to create dense, biodiverse forests – super interesting! 

Field trip: Miyawaki urban forest soil at Tivoli Park, Mechelen, Belgium 

CAWR attends Diverse Cereal Seed Project convening event in North Yorkshire

Participants at the Diverse Cereal Seed event. Credit: UK Grain Lab

Last month was the first convening event of The Diverse Cereal Seed Project being led by the UK Grain Lab, hosted in Osmotherley from the 10th – 12th November. The event was intended as an update on the project work on promoting diverse cereal seed, including varietal trials and efforts to lobby for changes to UK law to allow the production and sale of heterogeneous materials, like cereal populations. Chris Maughan was in attendance to help facilitate some aspects of the event including exploring options for extending the project work at the regional level.  

Peat-free Partnership 

CAWR researchers working to phase-out the use of peat in horticulture met with representatives of the Peat-free Partnership, to share details of our work. The partnership is a coalition of UK horticultural businesses and environmental NGOs with the overarching goal of ending the commercial trade in peat. Despite a government commitment made in 2022, there is still no legislation in sight to end peat sales for horticulture. However, a Private Members’ Bill read in Parliament on 7th November offers some promise with a second reading scheduled for January.

CAWR Visits Melcourt Industries 

Photo taken by Joachim Steiner

In early November, CAWR researchers visited Melcourt Industries Limited in Gloucestershire. Melcourt have been producing exclusively peat-free products for over 40 years, so the visit was a great opportunity to discuss our ongoing work on the topic and to see how growing media is blended and bagged at scale. We were joined by Riverford Organic Farmers, Delfland Nurseries and Cambridge Eco Ltd, with whom we are working on the design and evaluation of peat-free blocking media. 

Biodynamic joyful food festival poster

CAWR Researcher Wins Long Service Award

As part of the global celebrations of 100 years of Biodynamic Agriculture, Julia Wright was nominated and selected to receive a Long Service Award at the prestigious BD100 Event at Steiner House in London on 10th November 2024, organised by the Biodynamic Association. This event was the first-ever awards honouring one hundred individuals, farmers, growers and businesses who have restored the health and well-being of our soils, food, people and planet during the last century.

Biodynamic 100 year logo

Presentation at “Comfort at the Extreme 2024” conference in Seville, Spain 

Yasaman presenting her research

Yasaman Namazi presented her PhD research at the Comfort at the Extreme CATE2024 conference held in Seville, Spain. The conference focused on improving thermal comfort especially in extreme heat. 

Her paper, titled "Exploring the Microclimatic Conditions and Cooling Effect of Trees in UK Primary Schools During Summer," addresses the growing issue of high heat in schools across the UK during the summer months. Through field measurements conducted at schools in Coventry, she investigated how hot schools can become in the summer and how trees can help mitigate this heat. 

She is currently conducting computer simulations to explore optimal cooling strategies and design solutions to help reduce the temperature in primary school environments.  

At the conference, she received valuable feedback on her research, particularly regarding the importance of cross ventilation and the use of fans. 

Large scale Poinsettia and Basil production at two growers in West Sussex

Propagation Nursery Visits 

PhD researcher Victoria Adams along with supervisors Dr Francis Rayns, Dr Raghavendra Prasad and Dr Margi Lennartsson-Turner visited two growers in West Sussex to discuss peat-free propagation systems in connection to the RHS Peat-free Fellowship.

RHS PhD Symposium 

Victoria presenting her research at the RHS PhD Symposium

Victoria Adams presented a 5 minute flash talk on her PhD project ‘The Evaluation of Peat-Free Media Suitable for the Propagation of High-Quality Ornamental Transplants’ in the RHS PhD & Fellowship Symposium 2024 at Hilltop, Wisley.

Jasber presenting at the Institute of Agroecology, University of Vermont (UVM)

Secondment at the Institute of Agroecology, University of Vermont, USA

As part of a four-week secondment at the Institute of Agroecology, University of Vermont (UVM), Jasber discussed the possibility of future collaboration between CAWR and UVM. During the secondment, Jasber taught on the UVM  agroecology course, met a range of scholars, and exchanged perspectives with the organisation WhyHunger based in New York. Jasber also presented at the ‘Power UP’ seminar series on ‘A researcher’s reflection on a collaborative participatory research photovoice process on right to food in the UK and how it relates to immigration policies’. The presentation and secondment more broadly, stimulated discussions on moral issues of hunger and the shared problem of structural racism and the right to food violations in the UK and the USA. Jasber and UVM are hoping that the secondment stimulates future collaborations.  

Research Visit to Advanced Atmospheric Facilities at the University of Genoa under ATMO-ACCESS 7th Trans-National Access

Jishnu, Federico Mazzei, and Steve in front of the atmospheric chamber

Ivan Kourtchev (PI), Steve Coupe (Co- PI), and PhD student Jishnu Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil from CAWR completed a research visit to advanced atmospheric research facilities at the University of Genoa, Italy, as part of the European ATMO-ACCESS 7th Trans-National Access program. 

This study focused on understanding how a group of man-made chemicals, called PFAS (or “forever chemicals”), can spread through the air and interact with biological particles like bacteria. These chemicals, including a newer type called GenX, are used in many products but have been linked to serious health and environmental concerns. While most research looks at PFAS in water, we explored how the Gen X and other PFAS might travel through the air, especially in wastewater treatment plants where vigorous bubbling processes can release them into the atmosphere. 

Ivan, Federico Mazzei, and Jishnu in front of the atmospheric chamber

Workshops were held around the Cambrian Mountains, including in Llanidloes and Tregaron

Understanding the Cambrian Mountains 

During the autumn, CAWR researchers Donna Oldbury-Thomas, Judith Conroy and Liza Marley visited a range of locations around the Cambrian Mountains to speak with residents about how land there is used; both currently and historically. Working with the Cambrian Mountains Society and Aberystwyth University, the aim is to understand the potential consequences of the Welsh government’s new landscape management schemes. Although the region includes remote communities and some of the last remaining wilderness in southern Britain, there is no official boundary or designation for the Cambrian Mountains. Following fascinating and wide-ranging discussions with residents, we will produce a report and academic papers addressing the economic, environmental and cultural impacts on the mountain range and its people. 

Find out more about the project: 

Agricultural, Environmental and Mental Health Benefits of Working with Welsh Native Ponies

In collaboration with Groundwork Caerphilly and funded by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Donna recently completed a proof-of-concept project working with native Welsh Mountain Ponies, a species sadly nearing extinction in the wild. The project involved the ponies pulling agroecological bracken-bashing equipment, with outstanding results that delighted all partners. The ponies thrived in their roles, becoming even fitter than before the project. National Trust ecologists observed that this method of bracken control, unlike tractor-based approaches, allowed tree saplings to recover. As a result, the National Trust is now an enthusiastic partner in Donna's future initiatives. Watch the video to learn more. 

Events

Wednesday 15th January - Wildlife Gardening Virtual Symposium - To find out more and to register your attendance see here.

Catch up on our events and seminars by visiting our YouTube channel

Publications

Milgroom, J., Brem-Wilson, J. (2024) Opinion: How informal policies of care shape agroecological food systems. Rooted Magazine: Issue 1 on Policies for Agroecology. Open access

Kiss, C., Binder, L. (2024) Public procurement powering agroecological transformation in Europe. Rooted Magazine: Issue 1 on Policies for Agroecology. Open access

Faedo, L., Matias, C., Verdi, R., Wright, J., Rayns, F., Kretzschmar, A., & Boff, P. (2024). The use of mineral dynamised high dilutions for natural plant biostimulation; effects on plant growth, crop production, fruit quality, pest and disease incidence in agroecological strawberry cultivation. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01448765.2024.2396894  

Novoa, A., Vimercati, G., Brundu, G., Richardson, D. M.,..Dehnen-Schmutz, K. … Weldesemaet, Y.T…. & Wilson, J. R. (2024). Stakeholders' views on the global guidelines for the sustainable use of non‐native trees. People and Nature 6: 1640-1654. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10670

Monerie, P.-A., Dieppois, B., Pohl, B., & Crétat, J. (2024). Internally driven variability of the Angola low is the main source of uncertainty for the future changes in southern African precipitation. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 129, e2024JD041255. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JD041255

Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil, J., Shi, Z., Bogush, A., & Kourtchev, I. (2024). Aerosolisation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during aeration of contaminated aqueous solutions. Atmospheric Environment, 120716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2024.120716

Chiara Tornaghi, Michiel Dehaene (2024), AGROECOLOGICAL URBANISM: What is it, why we need it, and the role of UN-Habitat. Policy Briefing, Coventry, pp. 1-6, Open access

Chiara Tornaghi (2024), “Raising the ambition of urban agriculture in public space: nurturing urban agroecology and more-than-human health”, Chapter 13 in Beata Sirowy, Deni Ruggeri (eds), Urban Agriculture in Public Space: Planning and Designing for Human Flourishing in Northern European Cities and Beyond, SpringerNature, ISBN: 978-3-031-41549-4. Gold open access here

Raúl Terrile* , Nahuel Martinez, Nicolás Paz, Francisco Brunotto, Mariano Costa, Natalia Budai, Cristina Ruiz,Macarena Rizzi, Marta Invernizzi, Telma Scarpeci, Rubén D Piacentini, Kevin Winter and Chiara Tornaghi (2024), “Urban food waste for soil amendment? Analysis and characterisation of compost for use as inputs in agroecological horticultural production systems in the city of Rosario, Argentina”, in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems - Agroecology and Ecosystem Services, vol. 8, first published 5th April 2024, open access here

Aphramor, L. (2024) Queering as Process: Disrupting Scientific Imperialism for Health Justice Using Kitchen Table Pedagogy. Journal of Critical Dietetics, 7:2. https://doi.org/10.32920/jcd.v7i2.1964

Ekolu J., Dieppois B, Tramblay Y., Villarini G., Slater L.J.,  Mahé G., Paturel J-E, Eden J.M., Moulds S., Sidibe M., Camberlin P.,Pohl B., Van de Wiel M. (2024) Variability in flood frequency in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of large-scale climate modes of variability and their future impacts, Journal of Hydrology, 640, 131679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.131679

Folorunsho, O., Kizhakkethil Pandamkulangara, J., Bogush, A., and Kourtchev, I. (2024) Effect of short-term sample storage and preparatory conditions on losses of 18 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to container materials. Chemosphere, ScienceDirect. 363, 142814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142814 

Namazi, Y., S. Charlesworth, A. Montazami and M. Taleghani (2024) The impact of local microclimates and Urban Greening Factor on schools’ thermal conditions during summer: a study in Coventry, UK. Building and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111793

Kourtchev I, Sebben BG, Brill S, Barbosa CGG, Weber B, Ferreira RR, D'Oliveira FAF, Dias-Junior CQ, Popoola OAM, Williams J, Pöhlker C, Godoi RHM. Occurrence of a "forever chemical" in the atmosphere above pristine Amazon Forest. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Jun 10;944:173918. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173918. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38866151.

Roy, H. E., Pauchard, A., Stoett, P. J., Renard Truong, T., Meyerson, L. A., Bacher, S.,... Dehnen-Schmutz, K.,... & Ziller, S. R. (2024). Curbing the major and growing threats from invasive alien species is urgent and achievable. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 1-8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02412-w

Abell, J., Oldbury-Thomas, D. & Mazhandu, C.,12 Jun 2024, In: Conservation Science and Practice. A Scoping Review of Academic Papers on Human Lion Conflict in Africa

Qadir M.I., R. Mumtaz, M. Manzoor, M. Saleem and S. Charlesworth. (2024) Development of Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Intelligent Water Quality Assessment and Comparative Analysis of Oversampling Techniques for Addressing Class Imbalance. IWA. Water Supply Special Issue on: Impact of Sustainable Development and Industrialization on Water Quality: Human Health and Disease Heterogeneity. 1-12. doi: 10.2166/ws.2024.141

Álvarez, R., M. Izquierdo, H. Serrano, E. García-Ordiales, C. García, F. Alberquilla, F. Barrio, E. De Miguel, S. Charlesworth, A. Ordóñez. (2024) Comparison of sediment bioavailable methods to assess the potential risk of metal(loid)s for river ecosystems. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.

Tshuma, F., Swanepoel. P.A, Labuschagne, J., Bennett, J., and Rayns, F. (2024). Tillage rotation and biostimulants can compensate for reduced synthetic agrochemical application in a dryland cropping system. Cogent Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2352958

Mushunje, L.H., Marandure, T., Chikwhana, O.C., Bennett, J., Hawkins, H-J, Palmer, A., Wu, L., Marufu, M. and Mapiye, C. (2024). Supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal has potential to maintain growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands in South Africa. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 56:152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04004-z

Aphramor, L. How Community Connections Boost Our Health. Permaculture Magazine. Issue 119 pp 13-15. Spring 2024.

Chen D.T., Roy A., Bogush A., Stegemann J.A. (2024) Speciation of toxic metals in metal finishing filter cake by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Journal of Environmental Management, 360, 120994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120994  

Aphramor, L. (2024) Refarming nutrition beyond the healthy/unhealthy binary. Food Ethics Council blog. April 2024. https://www.foodethicscouncil.org/opinion/reframing-nutrition-beyond-the-binary/