CAWR Newsletter

May 2026

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.

CAWR Participates in More-Than-Human (MOTH) Festival of Ideas, London, 14-16 May

Described as “Interdisciplinary Perspectives for Earthly Flourishing”, New York University School of Law hosted the MOTH Festival of ideas with two components: morning academic sessions – during which Julia Wright presented a working paper on ‘Coming into right relationship with all beings in the farming sector’ – and afternoon sessions to engage a broader audience on the rights and well-being of humans, nonhumans and the web of life that sustains us all. This forms part of CAWR’s programme of research on Subtle Agroecologies.

Publication Spotlight!!

Dr Bastien Dieppois co-authored a new paper in Hydrological Processes examining how monsoons, ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation), and topography shape precipitation and terrestrial water storage across the Indochina Peninsula. Using ERA5 and GRACE data from 2002 to 2017, the study identifies two dominant seasonal patterns: a region-wide single-peak mode driven mainly by the Indian Monsoon, and a southern double-peak mode influenced by the Western North Pacific Monsoon and ENSO. The findings provide new insights into regional hydroclimatic variability and support improved water-resource management and climate resilience in a highly climate-sensitive region.

He, Q., Fok, H. S., Dieppois, B. & Ferreira, V. (2026). Diverse Seasonal Patterns of Precipitation and Terrestrial Water Storage over the Indochina Peninsula: Roles of Monsoons, ENSO, and Topography. Hydrological Processes. In press. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.70529

Impact News - 'working for change'

Growing agroecological floriculture

The FLAG team getting to work in the surroundings of CAWR’s base at Ryton Organic Gardens

CAWR researchers are part of a collaboration to develop FLAG, the Floriculture Agroecological assessment, a framework to help UK cut flower growers move closer to the principles of agroecology. 

In mid-May, Francis Rayns, Judith Conroy and Ulrich Schmutz joined a workshop with fellow Coventry University researcher David Bek, the University of Surrey’s Jill Timms and representatives of Flowers from the Farm and the Flower Grower Collective. The team examined how different growing practices align with agroecological principles such as input reduction, fairness and soil health. They also discussed how evaluations could take place, including the use of an on-site digital assessment tool developed by CAWR’s Donna Oldbury-Thomas. 

This work stems from a Defra funded project involving the Flower Grower Collective and Coventry University, with ESRC-IAA funds now being utilised to optimise the real-world impact of the research.

Judith, Ulrich and Liliane welcomed new projects to the Partnership and visited a local organic vineyard

New projects join the Agroecology Partnership 

Ulrich Schmutz, Liliane Binego and Judith Conroy participated in the launch of the second call of projects co-funded by the Agroecology Partnership. 19 projects totalling €30m were presented at a gathering, 11th – 13th May at the INRAE Nouvelle-Aquitaine centre in Bordeaux. The new projects utilise living labs and research infrastructures as a means of advancing agroecology across Europe and beyond. They include UNMEASURED, led by Nina Moeller of the University of Southern Denmark, formerly of Coventry University. 

The event was a great opportunity to meet the project representatives and discuss our research and collaboration. Coventry University is active throughout the Agroecology Partnership, leading work to scale the Network of living labs and chairing the Partnership’s Internationalisation Working Group. There will be up to 7 further funding calls during the Partnership lifespan. 

CAWR researcher on BBC Radio 4’s Rare Earth

Michelle Farrell was invited to be a guest on a recent episode of BBC Radio 4’s environmental programme Rare Earth. The episode was titled World of Flowers, and Michelle explained how pollen preserved in peat bogs can reveal the secrets of ancient crime scenes and help us to restore lost landscapes. The episode is available to listen to here.

Ivan collecting his award

Outstanding Editor Award 

Ivan Kourtchev was awarded the Outstanding Editor Award at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) in Vienna by Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Copernicus).

Publication Spotlight!!

Dr Bastien Dieppois, Liliane Binego and Marco Van De Wiel co-authored a new paper in Scientific African examining the ecosystem impacts of exotic tree species in Sao Hill, Tanzania. Focusing on the links between exotic forest plantations, water loss, groundwater recharge, and ecosystem services, the study reviews evidence showing that mature eucalyptus trees can substantially deplete groundwater resources. The paper highlights the need for sustainable forest-management strategies that balance economic benefits with water security, ecosystem health, and climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mkonda, M. Y., Dieppois, B., Mombo, F., Binego, L. & Van De Wiel, M. (2026). Exotic Trees and Ecosystem Impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Sao Hill, Tanzania. Scientific African, 32, e03404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03404

What Next ..

Dr Emma Burnett, who completed her PhD at CAWR in 2024, is soon to have a book published! During her time as a research student, she was also a prolific short story writer, sometimes driving her supervisor to despair. 

Rooted in Emma's research and lived experience, Ex Partum centres on food, family, and predatory capitalism. It will be released in June 2026 (pre-orders available here or through your favourite national distributor).

CAWR at EGU 2026

Bastien Dieppois, Jonathan Eden, Amoluck Eluri, Tina Fallah, Ivan Kourtchev, Jishnu Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil,  Marco van de Wiel and Zarmina Zahoor travelled to Vienna, Austria for the European Geosciences Union General Assembly. CAWR’s representation at this annual gathering of more than 20,000 geoscientists continues to grow – this year, our researchers contributed 15 abstracts and were involved in the convenorship of three sessions.

Reducing copper fungicide use in the British wine  

Plumpton College wine growing team at Ridgeview vineyard

Although wine has been grown in Britain since Roman times, the current size of the English and Welsh industries is a phenomenon of the last 30 years. This revival gives an opportunity to remove contentious inputs, particularly the use of copper fungicide (harmful to soil fauna) before France, Spain, Italy or Germany. These countries still rely on copper in organic, regenerative and conventional horticulture.

Within the Horizon-Europe Innovation Action SCALE-it, Coventry University is preparing sectoral business plans for countries to phase-out inputs “at scale”.Ulrich Schmutz undertook a 3 day visit to Plumpton College, the heart of British wine know-how, and nearby Ridgeview vineyard,  to help prepare for the SCALE-it data collection.

Researchers and Dexter cattle at Haye Farm and Pruning mature trees at Little Hidden Farm 

Agroforestry Open Weekend and Farm Woodland Forum 

This year the Agroforestry Open Weekend and Farm Woodland Forum were combined. CAWR staff (Judith Conroy, Ulrich Schmutz, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz and intern Pratiksha Sharma) went to see Haye Farm in Worcestershire, a mixed agroforestry farm with Dexter cattle, Wiltshire Horn sheep and a forest garden. Further visits where to Little Hidden Farm, where James Acworth demonstrated pruning mature agroforestry , and to Reading University, where Liliane Binego and Ulrich Schmutz gave a talk on funding opportunities in the Agroecology Partnership and Mission Soil and CU-lead research examples of AGROMIX and UNDERTREES projects. The next Farm Woodland Forum will be in Cumbria.

World Bee Day 

20th May was World Bee Day and CAWR researcher Judith Conroy gave guided walks, looking at the bees and wider biodiversity in Coventry city centre and at Ryton Organic Gardens. 

Despite some cool weather, both walks were an opportunity for staff and students to meet 7 species of bumblebee, various solitary bees (including the ‘Hairy-footed flower bee’!), lacewings, ladybirds, some fascinating flies and myriad beetles. The rich life on both walks demonstrates the ecological significance of garden spaces. Judith is also involved with the Wildlife Gardening Forum which offers lots of useful information and advice on nurturing gardens for wildlife. 

Coventry University at the International Conference on Homeopathy in Agriculture and Environment (HAE) 2026

During 7th, 8th and 9th of May, the International HAE Conference 2026 was held online.  

The successful conference programme brought together researchers, extensionists and farmers. Over 500 attendees joined from 32 countries. Innovating on the format and democratization of knowledge, the presentations were delivered in native languages, taking advantage of modern AI translation tools, therefore maximizing integration of all participants.  The topics covered the use of homeopathic remedies on the induction of resistance in plants to diseases, environmental restoration, management of resistance to antibiotics in livestock and technical training for farmers. Dr Leo Faedo was a keynote speaker and PhD student Charlotte Southall chaired a session.  

This activity is part of the research programme on Subtle Agroeclogies and cluster Agroecology and Health. 

L-R Marco van de Wiel, Stanley Oramah and Bastien Dieppois presented their work at the EGU26 General Assembly.

Elected Chair of the EGU “Catchment Hydrology” Sub-Division at CAWR

Dr Bastien Dieppois has been elected Chair of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) “Catchment Hydrology” Sub-division. This role provides an important opportunity to support and represent the international catchment hydrology community, foster scientific exchange, and contribute to shaping the EGU General Assembly programme through oral, poster, and PICO sessions. It will also support discussions on catchment-scale monitoring and sensing, tracer methods, hydrological model development, observation and prediction of hydrological change, water quality, hydrological extremes, catchment processes and pathways, and water resources across diverse climate and world regions. 

Contributing Author of the IPCC Working Group 1 Seventh Assessment Report at CAWR

Dr Bastien Dieppois has been invited to serve as a Contributing Author for Chapter 7, “Projections of Regional Climate and Extremes”, of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group I Seventh Assessment Report (IPCC WG1 AR7). His contribution will focus on West African climate change and climate dynamics.

Tina Fallah outside the main entrance of the EGU General Assembly 2026 conference venue.

Modelling the Impact of Soil Water Repellency on 
Catchment-Scale Soil Erosion

Tina Fallah presented her PhD research at the EGU General Assembly 2026 in Vienna, supervised by Prof. Marco Van De Wiel. The study explored how 
hydrological and mechanical effects of soil water repellency influence catchment-scale soil erosion under different rainfall and landscape conditions.

Tina Fallah during her oral presentation on the hydrological and mechanical effects of soil water repellency on catchment-scale soil erosion at EGU 2026

Norfolk Master Composters hear about CAWR research

Francis Rayns made a presentation to the Norfolk group of Garden Organic Master Composters at a recent meeting held near Dereham. Referring to research conducted at CAWR he described the ways in which a variety of composted materials can be used as soil improvers and as components of growing media.   

Events

SEMINAR - June 10th - Landed Community Kitchens: grassroots infrastructures of care, repair and justice with Chiara Tornaghi

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

Publications

He, Q., Fok, H. S., Dieppois, B. & Ferreira, V. (2026). Diverse Seasonal Patterns of Precipitation and Terrestrial Water Storage over the Indochina Peninsula: Roles of Monsoons, ENSO, and Topography. Hydrological Processes. In press. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.70529

Mkonda, M. Y., Dieppois, B., Mombo, F., Binego, L. & Van De Wiel, M. (2026). Exotic Trees and Ecosystem Impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Sao Hill, Tanzania. Scientific African, 32, e03404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03404

Wright, J.; Bojesen Jensen, J.; Dufour, C.; Altobelli, N.; McTiernan, D.; Gosnell, H.; Prescott, S.L.; Legrand, T. Conscious Food Systems: Supporting Farmers’ Well-Being and Psychological Resilience. Challenges 2026, 17, 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe17010003

Diop, S. B., Tramblay, Y., Bodian, A., Dieppois, B. & Ouarda, T. (2026). Intercomparison of regional flood frequency estimation procedures in West Africa. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment. In press.

He, Q., Fok, H. S., Dieppois, B. & Ferreira, V. (2026). Diverse Seasonal Patterns of Precipitation and Terrestrial Water Storage over the Indochina Peninsula: Roles of Monsoons, ENSO, and Topography. Hydrological Processes. In press.

Argamino, C. R. A., Silva, J. dos S., Kizhakkethil, J. P., Stevanovic, S., Ward, M., McKenzie, M., Bogush, A., Hamilton, J. F., Godoi, R. H. M., and Kourtchev, I.: Assessment of the occurrence of phthalate esters (PAEs) in indoor office PM2.5 from Brazil and the UK, Atmos. Pollut. Res., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2026.102987, 102987, 2026.

Kosgahakumbura, H. H., Kourtchev, I., Charlesworth, S., Callahan, D. L., and Gates, W. P.: Stability of recycled plastics in an aqueous alkaline cementitious matrix, Polymer Degradation and Stability, 246, 111915, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111915, 2026.

Kourtchev, I., Coupe, S., Buckley, A., Pandamkulangara Kizhakkethil, J., Gatta, E., Massabò, D., Prati, P., Vernocchi, V., and Mazzei, F.: Controlled chamber formation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) aerosols with Pseudomonas fluorescens: size distributions, effects, and inhalation deposition potential, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 3237–3252, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-3237-2026, 2026.

Peyton, J. M., Rorke, S., Aldridge, D. C., Pescott, O. L., Dehnen‐Schmutz, K., Noble, D. G., ... & Roy, H. E. (2026). Assessing the success of a horizon scanning approach in predicting invasive non‐native species arrival. Journal of Applied Ecology, 63(1), e70217. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70217

Verdi, R., Faedo, L.F., Scherr, C., Wright, J., Rayns, F. and Boff, P. (2025) Bioassay of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings in response to dynamized high dilutions of Calcarea carbonica and Silicea terra. Int J High Dilution Res. 2025; 25(CF): 402-416. http://doi.org/10.51910/ijhdr.v25icf.1719

Kelley, D. et al. (inc. Eden, J.M.) (2025) State of Wildfires 2024-25, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 17, 5377-5488. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-483

Gallo, C., Dieppois, D., Quilcaille, Y., Chiriacò, M.V., Drobyshev, I., Fulé, P.Z., San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., Blackett, M. and Eden, J.M.  (2025) Future impacts of climate change on global fire weather: Insight from weighted CMIP6 multi-model ensembles, J. Climate, 38, 6445–6462. https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-24-0540.1

Viera-Arroyo, W.; Binego, L.; Rayns, F.; López, D.; Moya, M.; Vera, L.; Caicedo, C. (2025). Systematic Review of Integrating Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Transitions: Ecuador, a Country with Agroecological Potential. Sustainability 2025, 17, 6053. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136053

Mariki SB and Binego L (2025). Conflicting interests over natural resource use: the case of interactions among livestock keepers, farmers, and wildlife at Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. Front. Sustain. Resour. Manag. 4:1650915. Doi: 10.3389/fsrma.2025.1650915 [URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsrma.2025.1650915 ]

Worsdell, L. S., Maughan, C., Wright, J., Hill-Butler, C., & Félix, G. F. (2025). Has agroecology lost the plot? The fracture between science, movement, and practice in the Insular Caribbean. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2025.2584306

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