Kelly Hemmings

Dr. Kelly Hemmings is an Associate Professor in Ecology and Agroecosystems at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), where she has served since 2014. Previously, she was a Lecturer in Earth Sciences at Cirencester Sixth Form College (2007–2014). Her expertise spans natural history, plant ecology, and vegetation science, with a focus on ancient woodlands and herbarium digitization. She holds a PhD from the University of Gloucestershire (2018) and teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Education:
• PhD: ‘Ancient woodland vegetation: distinctiveness and community ecology’, University of Gloucestershire (2011–2018)
• MSc (Distinction): Biodiversity Conservation, SOAS University of London (2007–2011)
• BSc (First Class Honours): Geography with Modern Languages, University of Gloucestershire (2003–2006)

Her research focuses on ecological conservation, including herbarium digitization, ancient woodland indicators, and agroecosystem dynamics. Notable projects include the Herbarium Digitisation and Research Project (2023–2025) and the Earthworm Ingestion and Arable Wildflower Germination study (2022–2024). She is also a co-supervisor for Rare Arable Wildflower Reintroduction Projects.

Awards & Memberships:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) with Distinction
• Member of British Ecological Society, Natural Sciences Collections Association, and Gloucestershire Naturalist Society

Teaching & Advising:

• Current: Co-supervisor for Amy Rowe’s MScR on earthworm-cast plant germination effects
• Completed: First supervisor for Helen King’s MScR on pollinator-plant interactions in grasslands

Her work bridges academic research and practical conservation, emphasizing field ecology and community-driven initiatives.