Dr Aiden Durrant (University of Aberdeen), Dr Lan Qie (University of Lincoln), Prof David Burslem (University of Aberdeen), Ian Dee (Bluesky International).

Hedgerows are a unique visual feature of the rural UK landscape and are vital for biodiversity and our Net Zero ambitions, but their ecological value depends on their biodiversity, which is defined by their species composition and structural heterogeneity. Currently, a major knowledge gap exists in the tools needed to assess this composition at a national scale, hindering effective conservation and management capabilities. This project aims to address this challenge by developing a new approach to map and understand these habitats, providing the data needed to protect and enhance this feature of the UK landscape while meeting national environmental targets. This research sits at the heart of sustainability, using data-driven methods to directly inform environmental and agricultural decisions.

This project requires a truly interdisciplinary approach, fusing deep ecological understanding with the development of a novel AI computer vision framework. As the student, you will conduct essential fieldwork, not just to gather training data, but to build the expert knowledge needed to intelligently guide the AI’s design. Working with novel high-resolution imagery from our partner Bluesky International, you will teach the model to recognise species based on ecological principles like phenology (their seasonal appearance). In turn, the AI's outputs will reveal new ecological patterns. The ultimate goal is to produce the first species-level hedgerow map of the UK and translate this into powerful ecological and carbon metrics, creating a direct link between advanced AI and on-the-ground environmental impact.

This PhD offers world-leading interdisciplinary training at the forefront of AI and biodiversity science. You will gain sought-after skills in machine learning, geospatial data analysis (GIS), and remote sensing. You will benefit from a collaborative environment, working directly with academic supervisors and industry experts at Bluesky, gaining insight into real-world applications. This project will equip you with an interdisciplinary skillset, preparing you for a high-impact career at the forefront of AI and sustainability.