Sam is an ecologist interested in community assembly after woodland creation, with a particular focus on understory plant communities. His current research explores how different woodland creation strategies affect the development of these communities alongside emergent ecosystem functions. This will help to inform decision makers on the best strategy for enhancing biodiversity and its benefits. Sam’s research uses a range of tools to achieve this aim, from remote sensing to individual based modelling.

Prior to joining Forest Research Sam completed a PhD at the University of Leeds. This explored how the spatial targeting of woodland creation can enhance biodiversity at local and landscape scales.