Peter Coles

Peter Coles is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and has served as a Visiting Fellow in the Centre for Urban and Community Research since 2007. He tutors on the MA in Photography and Urban Cultures program, integrating visual methodologies with sociological inquiry.

Education:

• BA in Psychology
• MA in Psychology
• D.Phil in Psychology

Research Focus: His work centers on the urban biosphere, examining intersections of environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and photography. Key projects explore how natural elements like historic tree species shape urban identity and community engagement, particularly through visual documentation.

Awards:

• European Heritage / Europa Nostra Heritage Award (2021) for the Morus Londinium project

Projects & Teaching: Co-founded Morus Londinium (2016) with the Conservation Foundation—funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund—to research London's historic mulberry trees. Author of "Mulberry" (2019). As a tutor on the MA Photography and Urban Cultures, he mentors students in applying photographic practice to urban sociological analysis, emphasizing community-driven conservation.