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CAWR Newsletter
March 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.
World Water Day 2025
Our display on UN-Water online gallery
The UN declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, with the first World Day for Glaciers being held on Friday the 21st of March.
World Water Day followed on Saturday the 22nd of March with the theme ‘Glacier Preservation’, highlighting the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life and the water cycle.
CAWR supported this campaign by creating a glacier themed art display in our entrance. UN-Water shared a photograph of our display in their World Water Day 2025 online gallery.
CAWR Professor at Cambridge Festival
On 29 March, 2025, Professor Sue Charlesworth gave a talk at Cambridge University’s Cambridge Festival.
Her talk was: The value of water in informal settlements and UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) is the “water” SDG and its ambition is that everyone should have access to sustainable supplies of water and sanitation by 2030. However, in their 2023 report, it acknowledges that progress is “alarmingly off track”. Sue’s talk focused on an informal settlement to the east of Cape Town, South Africa, and favelas in the northeast of Brazil, showing that water is a valuable commodity to residents of these settlements – it is mainly tankered in or delivered in bottles, both of which are costly. Without a means of managing this water when used for personal bathing or food preparation, it becomes valueless, a waste and is disposed of in the street. Sue showed how this water can regain some value by being bioremediated through tanks containing aggregates and vegetation and then used to irrigate small urban gardens and trees which the community can use to either feed itself or engage in the local economy. With 1.1 billion people living in “slums” but generally ignored by SDG6, it is no wonder that access to water and sanitation for all will not be achieved by 2030.
We Are Avon – a bioregional food and water sovereignty movement launches
Launching of a new movement to save our rivers and regenerate our lands together.
'We Are Avon' project and crowdfunder is now live!
Some awesome rewards on there! ✨🦦
1) Please donate - every donation small to large makes a difference and each pledge is match funded!
2) Share this with 3 friends and a WhatsApp group!
3) Follow the journey @We Are Avon
Chris Maughan co-facilitating a workshop on research funding at recent ARC gathering Credit: ARC
The Agroecology Research Collaboration (ARC) convenes co-design workshop on the future of agricultural research funding
This one-day workshop gathered both farmers and academics to co-design a strategy for agricultural research funding, in Bristol on the 13th March. ARC Steering Group member, Chris Maughan, was in attendance and helped facilitate part of the day, which used a ‘Three Horizons’ co-design and visioning method. Results will inform ARC’s forthcoming research funding strategy. ARC is the UK’s first practitioner-led research network, co-founded by the LWA, Pasture for Life, the Organic Growers Alliance, the Ecological Land Coop, and the CSA Network.
The Isle of Skye, the Sound of Sleat and the Scottish mainland beyond
CAWR Researcher Goes Unhinged in Skye
Iain MacKinnon was invited by the Turner Prize nominated arts project ‘Climavore’ to lead a human ecology walk in the Isle of Skye.
He organised the stroll on the afternoon of Saturday 16th March as a ‘Stations of the cross’ type walk with each ‘station’ representing a theme strongly related to the place.
One of the themes discussed ‘power’ in front of a locked gate owned by an absentee landlord. As a land reform-related act of resistance participants took the gate off its hinges so that the walk could continue on the absentee landowner’s ground.
Climavore is a collaborative social enterprise that seeks and shares new approaches to regenerative sea farming and food waste.
Doctoral research exploring the policy and practice of using homeopathy as an alternative to copper in vineyards in southern Brazil
Conducting interview on an organic farm in Rio Grande do Sul
In March, Julia Wright accompanied CAWR PhD student Charlotte Southall in exploring the perceptions of organic smallholder farmers, agronomists and other stakeholders on the use of homeopathy to build plant resilience to mildew in vineyards in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. This research complements Charlotte’s laboratory trials under Prof Pedro Boff at the University of Santa Catarina State where she is finishing the first year of her cotutelle studies.
Publication Spotlight!!
A new paper by Yitbarek Weldesemeat, who recently completed his PhD at CAWR, highlights the importance of community involvement in tree planting initiatives. Yitbarek investigated 13 tree planting schemes in Ethiopia by holding group discussions with community representatives directly involved in the schemes and by interviewing the local community members they represent. The research found that engaging communities effectively ensures sustainable ecological restoration, fosters trust and provides long-term socioeconomic benefits.
Yitbarek, TW, Wilson, JRU, Evans, A, Dehnen-Schmutz, K. (2025). Community perceptions and governance of tree planting schemes in Ethiopia: Insights for sustainable ecological and socioeconomic outcomes. People and Nature. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70022
Some of Harika's adventures with CAWR
A Month of Learning, Exploring, and Growing: My Internship at CAWR
As my one-month internship at the Centre for Agroecology,Water and Resilience(CAWR) ends, I find myself reflecting on the valuable experience gained at the Ryton gardens, Coventry. My time here has been a blend of hands-on research, exciting field visits, and personal growth. I had the opportunity to contribute to the 'Procurement for Good' project, focusing on place-based food procurement and my primary role was conducting a literature review on this subject.
My experience wasn’t just about research. I visited The Cambridge Food Hub, connecting ecological food producers with the local community and the Foleshill community centre, where the personal stories of beneficiaries brought the human side of food systems to life. I learned about both the cutting-edge research at CAWR and its collaborative, open-minded work culture. Presenting my research was a highlight and I am grateful for the thoughtful feedback I received. Of course, I can’t forget the department’s garden - an oasis of calm where everyone can take a moment to unwind and reset.
In short, this internship has been an enriching experience, expanding my knowledge and professional network. A huge thanks to everyone in Coventry, with special gratitude to Csilla Kiss and Lopa Saxena for their unwavering support.
Nbuwak Peace Yashim presents at the LSE Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa's International Women’s Day conference 2025
A collage of Nbuwak's participation
Nbuwak Peace Yashim, a fourth-year doctoral student, recently participated in the LSE Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa's International Women’s Day conference 2025 titled “Empowering Women in Agriculture: Navigating Peace, Conflict, and Food Security” at the London School of Economics. At the conference, she presented a portion of her research on "The dynamics of women's power within seed systems in rural Zimbabwe". Additionally, she took part in a panel discussion on “Policy and Advocacy for Women in Agriculture.” The conference served as a valuable platform for Nbuwak to connect with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the intersection of gender, agriculture, and food security. She engaged in meaningful exchanges and laid the groundwork for future collaborations in the areas of food security, gender, and peace in Africa.
Danny Fisher from Better Food Shed hosting Procurement for Good team in London, March 11, 2025 , Photo: CAWR
Food Hub Visits Energise Procurement for Good Team
Members of the ESRC-funded Procurement for Good (PFG) project have just returned, full of inspiration and energy, from visiting four food hubs which are keen to supply sustainably produced, healthy food to the public sector in their region.
More good news for the project is that CAWR Research Fellow Rosemary Venn and Garden Organic Research Officer Gareth Owen have joined full-time, and the CAWR team is now busy diving deep into the academic literature on place-based public food procurement, assisted by PhD students.
Follow the journey of the food hubs – including recent visits to Propagate/Galloway Food Hub in Scotland, Cambridge Food Hub and Growing Communities – Better Food Shed in England as well as Cultivate in Wales – through the PFG Food Hub Diaries. If you would like to stay informed about the project, please sign up through its website.
PhD opportunity in Technologies of care
Centre for Agroecology Water and Resilience at Coventry University is offering a new funded studentship, Technologies of care: fostering nature-relatedness and environmental practice through social-technological innovation as part of the DAISY project.
The position begins in September and the deadline for applications is 27 May.
Please share this opportunity with your networks by reposting on Bluesky LinkedIn or X
Geraldine Brown with participants of the Women in Space Leadership Programme
Invitation to contribute to the Women in Space Leadership Programme
Geraldine Brown was invited to share her leadership experiences in higher education with scientists selected to visit the UK for the Women in Space Leadership Programme, which is funded by the British Council and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Geraldine shared her unconventional journey in higher education and how her leadership experience intersects with her identity.
Impact News - 'working for change'
Native conservation grazers
Harnessing Native Pony Power takes off!!
Donna Oldbury-Thomas’ project, which promotes Welsh Mountain ponies as conservation grazers and agroecological traction providers, has received ESRC funding and was recently featured on ITVx’s Coast and Country. This initiative is especially timely given the escalating wildfire crisis in Wales.
In March alone, South Wales experienced over 100 wildfires, raising serious concerns about an even more dangerous summer ahead. Using ponies to cut fire breaks could play a crucial role in slowing fire spread, protecting biodiversity, and preventing carbon loss.
CAWR’s Impact Case Study Planning for REF 2029: Economic and Social Research Council Impact Acceleration Awards (ESRC IAA) Impact Retreat
Dr. Julie Bayley delivering impact training at the ESRC IAA Impact Retreat
As part of the preparation for the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2029), the Impact / ESRC IAA Team held their first Impact Retreat on March 20-21 at Warwick Conferences, with eight attendees from CAWR. Participants were given the time and space to develop their impact case study plans and took part in workshops on impact and evidence collection led by Prof. Hazel Barrett and consultant Dr. Julie Bayley.
CAWR team attending IPT training at Westminster Palace
CAWR Parliament Training Day: exploring how researchers can engage in policy-making processes
On March 3rd, nine colleagues from CAWR attended a training session led by the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT). IPT is an independent charity that provides tailored training to enhance understanding of how researchers can better engage with the parliamentary policy-making processes. The training included a tour of both Houses and a visit to the public gallery to listen to the Prime Minister deliver a statement on Ukraine.
A big thank you to the ESRC IAA for funding the training.
PLANET4B Making a Difference: Lessons from the UK Case study
Planet4B: UK Learning Community
On Saturday, October 22nd, the PLANET4B Coventry team, in partnership with Dadimas CIC, held their fifth in-person project workshop with the project’s UK Learning Community, which includes representatives from ethnic minority communities. The team has collaborated with the Learning Community for a year, and the workshop utilised various creative methods to document the study's impact and recorded a range of transformational change stories.
A range of trials to test different mulch materials
Alternative mulch materials
On 25th March, CAWR’s Francis Rayns and Judith Conroy spoke about their work with alternative mulch materials at a webinar hosted by the Organic Growers’ Alliance. They shared details of trials from the Organic-PLUS project, where biodegradable mulch film was tested as a plastic replacement - and also loose mulches, which many growers were more keen to explore as they can often be sourced more locally, or even on-farm. Find out more about this work with farmers in this video.
Publications
Yitbarek, TW, Wilson, JRU, Evans, A, Dehnen-Schmutz, K. (2025). Community perceptions and governance of tree planting schemes in Ethiopia: Insights for sustainable ecological and socioeconomic outcomes. People and Nature. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70022
CHUN, OCTAVIANTI, DOGULU, TYRALIS, PAPACHARALAMPOUS, ROWBERRY, FAN, EVERARD, FRANCESCH-HUIDOBRO, MIGLIARI, HANNAH, MARSHALL, CALASANZ, STADDON, ANSHARYANI, DIEPPOIS et al. (2025) Transforming Disaster Risk Reduction with AI and Big Data: Legal and Interdisciplinary Perspectives. WIREs Data Min. Knowl. Discov.
REDDY, MASSEI, JARDANI, HENRIOT, FOURNIER, DIEPPOIS (2025) Groundwater level projections for aquifers affected by annual to decadal hydroclimate variations: Example of Northern France. Earth’s Future.
BAULON, MASSEI, DIEPPOIS, FOSSA, ALLIER, BESSIERE, FOURNIER (2025) Large-scale climate drivers of groundwater level variations in northern France over the last century. J. Hydrol.
MIRGOL, DIEPPOIS, NORTHEY, JARLAN, KHABBA, LE PAGE, EDEN, EKOLU, EL HAZDOUR, MAHE (2025) Interplay Among Recent Trends in Climate Extremes, Vegetation Phenology, and Crop Production in the Southern Mediterranean Region. Int. J. Clim.
Farrell, M. and Bunting, M.J. (2025) Beyond decline: heathland and the dynamics of cultural and environmental change in Bronze Age Orkney. In Løvschal, M. and Grønneberg, K. (eds) A Place for the Heathlands? Jutland Archaeological Society. https://heathland.place/beyond-decline
Green, S., Fourel, R., Lecourt, G., Grillas, H., 'What we can learn from fruit and nut tree nurseries in the Ardeche' The Organic Grower Magazine, journal of the Organic Growers Alliance, Winter 2024, No 69.
Folorunsho O, Bogush A, Kourtchev I. (2025) Occurrence of emerging and persistent organic pollutants in the rivers Cam, Ouse and Thames, UK. Sci Total Environ. 14;962:178436. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178436.
Bautista Quispe, J. I., Campos, L. C., Trejos, B., & Bogush, A. (2024). Exploring rural school students’ perceptions, willingness, motivations, and concerns regarding greywater treatment and reuse in southern Peru. Sustainable Environment, 11 (1). doi.org/10.1080/27658511.2024.2440960
REDDY, MASSEI, JARDANI, DIEPPOIS et al. (2024) Training deep learning models with a multi-station approach and static aquifer attributes for groundwater level simulation: what’s the best way to leverage regionalised information? HESS. In-press, preprint available at https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-794
DIOP, TRAMBLAY, BODIAN, EKOLU, ROUCHE, DIEPPOIS (2024) Flood frequency analysis in West Africa. Journal of Flood Risk Management. In-press.
BAULON, FOSSA, MASSEI, FLIPO, GALLOIS, FOURNIER, DIEPPOIS, et al. (2024) Sensitivity of groundwater levels to low-frequency climate variability in a large watershed. Sci. Total Environ. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177636
MIRGOL, DIEPPOIS, et al. (2024) Future changes in agrometeorological extremes in the southern Mediterranean region: when and where will they affect croplands and wheatlands? Agric. For. Meteorol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2024.110232
YANG, FOK, DIEPPOIS, et al. (2024) Examining relations between sea-level anomalies in the Nino3.4 region and terrestrial hydroclimatic conditions in China. J. Hydrol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.131942
Yitbarek, TW, Wilson, JRU, Dehnen-Schmutz, K (2025): An assessment of tree planting schemes in Ethiopia: schemes that adhere to guidelines on good governance are more effective. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123475
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
