Chris Field

Dr Chris Field is a Reader in Environmental Ecology at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on plant and ecosystem responses to nitrogen air pollution and peatland restoration for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. His research has secured over £1.5M in funding from Natural England, BBSRC, NERC, and EU Interreg programs. He leads projects like the OPENpeat initiative and the Care-Peat restoration program, emphasizing sustainable agricultural peatland use and carbon farming. Field collaborates with NGOs and government agencies, including Natural England and DEFRA, to inform policy and land management practices. He contributes to the Great Manchester Wetlands Partnership and Lancashire Peatlands Initiative. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ecology, environmental science, and restoration science. Field supervises three current PhD students and has completed four PhD supervisions. His work has influenced policy through the REF2021 Impact Case Study on habitat restoration and carbon storage.

Key projects include the Horizon Europe-funded PalusDemos (€11M) and the Natural England Paludiculture Exploration Fund (OPENpeat, £330k). He also coordinates monitoring programs using Earth Observation and leads the NERC Policy Fellowship on atmospheric pollutants. Awards include the REF2021 Impact Case Study recognition and leadership roles in major EU-funded initiatives.