Matthew Dennis

Matthew Dennis is a Senior Lecturer in Geography at the University of Salford, specializing in Urban Ecology and Geographic Information Science. He holds a PhD in Urban Social-Ecological Systems and dual undergraduate degrees in Wildlife Conservation and French/English Studies. His research focuses on rewilding, biodiversity conservation, and the intersection of urban green spaces with human well-being. He also serves as an Associate Researcher at the University of Salford and leads or collaborates on projects such as CASTOR (Creative Adaptive Solutions for Treescapes of Rivers) and MEaSURE (Maximising Ecosystem Services in Urban Environments).

Key research interests include beaver ecology, urban climate dynamics, and landscape connectivity. He has published extensively on topics like floodplain modeling, habitat fragmentation, and the socio-ecological impacts of urban green infrastructure. Notable contributions include spatial analyses of beaver dam effects and frameworks for integrating ecological restoration with urban planning. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability and health equity.

Recent projects include developing national-scale models for beaver habitat assessment and evaluating urban green space interventions for older populations' physical activity and mental health. He has also contributed expert commentary on beavers' ecological benefits and limitations, emphasizing balanced perspectives on rewilding.