CAWR Newsletter

October 2025

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.

Heritage crops for a resilient future 

CAWR researchers Margi Lennartsson, Geraldine Brown and Judith Conroy are working with Garden Organic and their Heritage Seed Library on a new project, to raise awareness of heritage crop varieties and their significance for biodiversity and resilience.  

This project sits alongside Garden Organic’s Sowing Your Seeds, which is actively finding, conserving and sharing heritage varieties. The CAWR team is exploring the outcomes in terms of how well the project: conserves heritage, protects the environment, improves organisational stability, and increases inclusion, access and participation.  

For more information, visit the project page (below) and check out this upcoming webinar:

Drying and storing seeds: 19^th November

Publication Spotlight!!

This pilot study evaluated the suitability of a citizen science approach to analyse the impacts of invasive alien plants on native vegetation and makes recommendations for the wider application of the method.

Dehnen-Schmutz, K, Adekola, OE, Jones, TS (2025): Testing the feasibility of citizen science to record impacts of invasive alien plants. Ecological Solutions and Evidence 6(3): e70121. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70121

 Living Labs to enhance research

CAWR’s Ulrich Schmutz and Judith Conroy participated in two recent events in Bordeaux, France. They represented the Coventry Agroecological Living Lab (CALL) at the second annual meeting of the European Network of Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures. They then attended the International Forum on Agroecosystem Living Labs, which included a visit to a vineyard incorporating agroforestry. People came together to share a rich range of experiences and to discuss research, actions and lessons learned in the use of the living lab approach around the world. 

IPPS Europe Conference 2025 

Victoria Adams giving her talk at the conference

At the IPPS Europe Conference 2025: Innovation Meets Efficiency, CAWR PhD researcher Victoria Adams shared her work on peat-free propagation media for ornamental plant production. Hosted in Peterborough 8-10th October it featured talks from a wide scope of the horticultural community. 

Participants attend a seed swap at the gathering (credit: Catherine Howell)

Alternative Grains at the first in-person Seed Gathering 

The Gaia Foundation held their first in-person Seed Gathering at CAT in Wales this month (17-19 October). The event convened around 200 seed savers, researchers and seed sovereignty campaigners for two days of workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, presentations, art and celebration. Chris Maughan participated in the event, co-facilitating a session with colleagues from the South West Grain Network to outline their vision and continuing work towards an alternative grain economy centred on diversity, democratic participation, and decentralised systems. 

Why We Need Pro-Pastoralist Policies

Pastoralist Maasai woman and her livestock in Tanzania. Credit: MISA. 

On 26 September, Priscilla Claeys from CAWR brought together six distinguished panelists to launch a new Policy Brief and Research Report titled “Why We Need Pro-Pastoralist Policies”. The report highlights the importance of pastoralism and the need for the EU and African States to implement pro-pastoralist policies. The event was co-organized by CIDSE, MISA, AFSA, CELEP, IYRP 2026 and Coventry University (CAWR), hybrid from Brussels. Panellists discussed the importance of pastoralism for effective land use, food security, economic activity, environmental health, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and social and cultural value. They also discussed major impediments to pastoralism in Eastern Africa, as well as how decision-makers in Eastern Africa and the European Union can better support the continued practice of pastoralism. Pastoralism is not an artifact of the past; it is a viable path forward with centuries of success to propel it.

Publication Spotlight!!

New article just published in NORMA exploring different masculinities amongst male urban gardeners in Cali. Drawing on life histories of nine men, I contend that the influence of values grounded in Buen Vivir offers working-class men alternative visions of the future grounded in relations of care and reciprocity for human and non-human beings.

Smith Khanna, P. (2025). Buen Vivir as fertile soil for ecological masculinities: learning from gardening men in Cali, Colombia. NORMA, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/18902138.2025.2576329 

Pierre is PGR with a joint supervision team from CAWR and the Centre for Global Learning at Coventry University.

Food basket delivered by Agricovert, one of the coops discussed in the paper. Credit: Agricovert. 

Why are multi-stakeholder cooperatives a great tool for food systems transformation?

Multi-actor coops are increasingly popular. They bring together farmers, consumers, workers, and citizens around a shared social mission — to create fairer, more democratic, and sustainable food systems. They are a great tool for food system transformation because they bring together FOOD SOVEREIGNTY and SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY. They have complex governance arrangements, but they work! In a new open-access article, Priscilla Claeys (CAWR), Antoinette Dumont (SAW-B) & Lopamudra Patnaik Saxena (CAWR) explore how multi-stakeholder cooperatives (MSCs) can rebalance power relations and strengthen farmers’ voices in food governance. Drawing on the experience of three MSCs in southern Belgium, they identify: - 3 governance innovations that protect farmers’ interests - 6 enabling factors that make MSCs more inclusive and equitable Their findings show that addressing power imbalances is not only possible — it’s essential for achieving genuine food system transformation grounded in food sovereignty and the social and solidarity economy.

Ash dieback PhD viva success 

Ffion pictured in the trial area at CAWR

Ffion Thomas recently passed the viva for her PhD on approaches to managing ash dieback disease using sustainable soil amendments. Her examiners were Jane Fisher (Centre for Alternative Technology and University of Liverpool) and Barbara Smith (CAWR). Ffion was supervised by Francis Rayns, Liz Trenchard and Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz. The PhD was funded by LOBs charity and Coventry University with additional support from Sacred Earth CBS.

COFSA at 42 Acres retreat participants

Conscious Food Systems: A Collective Transformation Journey Retreat 

From 27-31 October, Jasber Singh and Julia Wright participated in a retreat organised by the Conscious Food Systems Alliance of the United Nations Development Programme, at 42 Acres in Somerset. Over 30 thought leaders gathered to discuss the intersection of inner and out change for food systems transformation, guided by international teachers Satish Kumar and Gary Zukav. Key determinants for systemic change were identified, including worldview shifts to those that recognise the consciousness of all life and all beings, and the need for individual and collective emotional growth and development. 

Impact News - 'working for change'

Former Colour Sergeant Roger Lees, now director of About Turn Wales with Donna Oldbury-Thomas

Pony Power Project Wins Coventry University’s Most Impactful Project of 2025!

Dr Donna Oldbury-Thomas is delighted to announce that the Pony Power Project has been named Coventry University’s Most Impactful Project of 2025! This recognition celebrates our innovative work using Welsh Mountain Ponies to tackle wildfires, improve land management, and support community wellbeing.

Each year, UK wildfires release around 0.37 million tonnes of CO₂. Our research shows that ponies can help prevent these fires by grazing scrub to create natural firebreaks—while also offering green skills training and mental health benefits for veterans and farmers. Instead of burning harmful bracken, we’re turning it into biochar, which locks away carbon and could improve firefighter gear.

Next, we’re scaling up with field trials, community demos, biodiversity monitoring, and PPE testing—working alongside the Fire Services, RSPB, National Trust, and local councils.

Thank you to our incredible team and partners—Diolch!

Fire Officer Rhydian Slade-Jones with Jupiter

Pony Power Project Releases First Inspiring Video

Dr Donna Oldbury-Thomas is delighted that the Pony Power Project has launched the first in a new series of powerful videos this month, highlighting its impact on both people and the planet. Focused on mental health support for ex-military veterans, the video showcases how working with Welsh Mountain Ponies helps improve wellbeing while also protecting the landscape. By grazing scrub and creating natural firebreaks, the ponies help reduce wildfire risks across Wales. At the same time, veterans and handlers gain physical exercise, outdoor connection, and emotional resilience. This inspiring film shows how caring for the land and caring for people truly go hand in hand.  See the six minute video here; Pony Power - Physical & Mental Health

Bracken Biochar: Reducing Carbon Emission and Capture Costs while improving Landscape Resilience through Kiln Technologies

Dr Donna Oldbury-Thomas Awarded Economic and Social Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (UKRI) Funding to Advance Pony Power Project

We’re delighted to announce that Dr Donna Oldbury-Thomas has been awarded ESRC IAA follow-on funding to continue her groundbreaking Pony Power Project. Building on the project’s success in wildfire prevention through bracken harvesting, this new phase will explore how converting harvested bracken into biochar—a charcoal-like substance that stores carbon—can help combat climate change.

The research will measure the carbon capture potential of bracken biochar and compare it to emissions from wildfires, supporting biochar as a nature-based climate solution. A mobile kiln will be developed for on-site production in remote areas, promoting sustainable land management and ecological restoration. The project also aims to improve carbon accounting accuracy and further reduce wildfire risks by creating natural firebreaks.

This next chapter strengthens the project’s mission to protect landscapes, empower communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Procurement for Good team at Ryton

Procurement for Good host consortium meeting at Ryton

Procurement for Good hosted their annual meeting at Ryton Gardens. Advisors, hubs and partners joined for a two-day workshop, gathering insights & lessons learnt from the first year of the project, as well as looking ahead into 2026. Sessions focussed on challenges and wins of the food hubs in procurement, values embedded in food procurement, the role of open-source software, policy engagement and more!

We had the pleasure of eating a delicious seasonal allotment feast as part of Grow Coventry and Millsy’s, as well as a tour of the heritage seed library at Garden Organic.

We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute to the 2 day workshop, with a special thanks to our advisory board.

Menu from the delicious allotment collaboration with local restaurant Millsy's 

CAWR researchers contribute to UN report on Mediterranean forests 

Researchers from CAWR have contributed to the Status of Mediterranean Forests report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The report calls for coordinated regional action to address inequality and land degradation in the face of climate change, highlighting forest restoration, wildfire management, and inclusive governance as essential for a resilient, low-carbon future. CAWR PhD student Carolina Gallo Granizo coordinated the chapter Fire management in the Mediterranean region, with contributions from Jonathan Eden and Bastien Dieppois. 

Gallo Granizo, G., Bacciu, V., Eden, J.M., Hernández Paredes, E., García Feced, C., Bedhiaf, S., Oom, D., Goldammer, J.G., Dieppois, B., Belen, İ., Mitri, G., Turhan, Ü., Ascoli, D., Alfonso, L. and San-Miguel-Ayanz, J. (2025) Fire Management in the Mediterranean Region, In: The status of the Mediterranean forests 2025, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 156pp. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6921en

Events

November 19th - Webinar - Drying and storing seeds

November 20th - SEMINAR - Reflections on a quarter-century of stabilisation agriculture in Casamance, Senegal with Martin Evans

November 27th - SEMINAR - Nature4Water on the Warwickshire Avon with Ian Jelley

December 11th - SEMINAR - Agroecological Innovations in Alternative Grain Systems with Chris Maughan and Leo Faedo

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

Publications

Gallo Granizo, G., Bacciu, V., Eden, J.M., Hernández Paredes, E., García Feced, C., Bedhiaf, S., Oom, D., Goldammer, J.G., Dieppois, B., Belen, İ., Mitri, G., Turhan, Ü., Ascoli, D., Alfonso, L. and San-Miguel-Ayanz, J. (2025) Fire Management in the Mediterranean Region, In: The status of the Mediterranean forests 2025, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 156pp. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6921en

Giannitsopoulos, M.L., Burgess, P.J., Graves, A.R., Olave, R., Eden, J.M. and Herzog, F. (2025). Predicted yield and soil organic carbon changes in grassland, arable, woodland, and agroforestry systems under climate change in a cool temperate Atlantic climate, Agron. Sustain. Dev. 45, 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-025-01020-7

Smith Khanna, P. (2025). Buen Vivir as fertile soil for ecological masculinities: learning from gardening men in Cali, Colombia. NORMA, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/18902138.2025.2576329 

Dehnen-Schmutz, K, Adekola, OE, Jones, TS (2025): Testing the feasibility of citizen science to record impacts of invasive alien plants. Ecological Solutions and Evidence 6(3): e70121. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70121

Pathania D., Venkatesan S., Kourtchev I., McKenzie M., Bogush A., Mackay G., Lampugnani E., Ristovski Z., Zare A., Stevanovic S. Pollen hydration and its induced effects on human bronchial epithelial cells: a comparative analysis of three species. Science of the Total Environment 2025 1002, 180665  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180665  

Berger, I., Pannure, A., Harris, A., Basu, P., Smith, B. and Dicks, L.V., (2025) Agroecological Cashew Cultivation Increases Pollinator Abundance, Diversity and Flower Visitation Rates, with Potential Yield Benefits. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2025.110006

Berger, I., Kamble, A., Morton, O., Raj, V., Nair, S.R., Edwards, D.P., Wauchope, H.S., Joshi, V., Basu, P., Smith, B. and Dicks, L.V., 2025. India’s agroecology programme,‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’, delivers biodiversity and economic benefits without lowering yields. Nature Ecology & Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02849-7

Wood, T.J., Patiny, S., Dutta, A., Laha, S., Smith, B., Basu, P. and Roberts, S.P., 2025. Camptopoeum paruii sp. n., the first species of Camptopoeum described from India (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae). Journal of Natural History, 59(33-36), pp.2143-2154.

Bacher S, Ryan-Colton E, Coiro M, Cassey P, Galil BS, Nuñez MA, Ansong M, Dehnen-Schmutz K, Fayvush G, Fernandez RD, Hiremath AJ et al. (2025): Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS). Scientific data12:832. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05184-5

Eluri, A., Gates, W., Callahan, D., Charlesworth, S. M. and Kourtchev, I., Pyrolysis gas chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) method for analysis of phthalic acid esters and its application for screening e-waste materials. Anal. Methods, 2025, DOI: 10.1039/D5AY00987A

Kourtchev, I., McGillen, M. R., Wenger, J., Donahue, N. M. Rethinking environmental boundaries for contaminants of emerging concern. Atmos. Environ. 2025, 361, 121492. DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121492

Diop, S. B., Ekolu, J., Tramblay, Y., Dieppois, B., Grimaldi, S., Bodian, A., Blanchet, J., Rameshwaran, P., Salamon, P., and Sultan, B. (2025) Climate change impacts on floods in West Africa: New insight from two large-scale hydrological models.  Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. In-press. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-130

Peña-Angulo, D., Tramblay, Y., Vicente-Serrano, S.M., Ekolu, J., Dieppois, B., El Kenawy, A. (2025) Multidecadal changes in hydrological droughts across Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 60, 102595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102595.

EKOLU, DIEPPOIS, DIOP, BODIAN, GRIMALDI, SALAMON, VILLARINI, EDEN, MONERIE, VAN DE WIEL, TRAMBLAY (2025) How could climate change affect the magnitude, duration and frequency of hydrological droughts and floods in West Africa during the 21^st century? A storyline approach. Journal of  Hydrology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133482

LIU, EDEN, DIEPPOIS, DROBYSHEV, KRIKKEN, BLACKETT (2025) Global assessment of historical changes in extreme fire weather: insight from CMIP6 ensembles and implications for probabilistic attribution to global warming. Global Planet. Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.104822

Rigg, A., Faedo, L. F., & Aphramor, L. (2025). An Experiment in Changing Ourselves and the World Through Pedagogy. Journal of Critical Dietetics, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.32920/jcd.v8i1.2284

Rastorgueva, N., Bassignana, C. F., Angarita, E., Fasso, A., Hassink, J., Goris, M., Schmutz, U., Conroy, J., Dinç, S., Wezel, A., Migliorini, P. (2025). Agroecological Living Labs as entry points for transition towards sustainable food systems: a novel framework for the evaluation of living labs at different scales. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2025.2477215

D.I. Anene, M. Beltran, B. Tjahjono, A. Schultz, M. McKenzie, S. Stevanovic, A. Bogush. 2025. Microplastics and chemical additives from disposable face masks: Environmental, human health and behavioural impacts, Science of The Total Environment, Vol 973, 179079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179079 

Maughan, C., Belletti, G., Marescotti, A., Balázs, B., Lazányi, O., & Mengoni, M. (2025). Against the grain: A commons approach to the governance of ‘Alternative Grain Networks’. Agricultural and Food Economics, 13(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40100-025-00352-y