Forests in a rapidly changing world

Forests dominate most terrestrial ecosystems. We study their evolution and how their rise to dominance altered global cycles of water, carbon and nutrients. We seek to understand why tropical forests are so diverse compared with temperate ones, investigate the threats to forests in a changing world and look at how new remote sensing technologies can track changes. Finally, we consider the effectiveness of international consevation efforts to protect and restore forests. Includes a visit to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (1.7km, c.25 mins walk, c.20mins bus).