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Dr Poppy Nicol

Dr Poppy Nicol

Research Associate

Overview

I am a research associate at the Sustainable Places Research Institute.

As a geographer, my research interests are in the connections between people and place.

I am particularly interested in the connections between biological and cultural diversity through agriculture.

Recently I completed a Valuing Nature/NERC placement with Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales.

The placement investigated how the Museum bio-cultural collection can support public understanding and valuing of biodiversity using co-production approaches.

My current research focuses upon communities of agro-ecological practice.

I am also interested in how co-operative ways of working can support sustainable and just food futures.

Expertise

  • Place-based research approaches
  • Co-production methodologies
  • Participatory action research
  • Co-operative ways of working

Biography

I am a post doctoral research associate working at the Sustainable Places Research Institute. My research looks at how regenerative practices can support people and environments.

My PhD thesis (2016) explored how community-based trade mechanisms can enable agro-ecological practices to find space in the urban environment.

Drawing upon this work, I am broadly interested in agribiodiversity and the challenge of scaling-out communities of agro-ecological practice.

Prior to my PhD at Cardiff University I studied Geography at Oxford University and completed a Master’s degree in Social Science Research Method. I have also worked as a community gardener.

This academic training and practical experience has informed my interest in the connections between peoples and environments.

Academic positions

Valuing Nature/NERC Placement  at Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales

Placement title ‘Sharing Stories, Sharing Collections’

Publications

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2016

2013

2010

Post-doctoral experience at the Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University has developed an understanding of place-based approaches to investigating socio-ecological systems and deepened my research interest in agro-ecology.

I am particularly interested in the question of how communities of agro-ecological practice can support agri-biodiversity.

Further research interests include bio-cultural heritage and practice-based methodological approaches.

I am also interested in how co-operative ways of working can support sustainable and just food futures.

Supervision