Thornbury Town Council are proud to announce that our Climate and Nature Officer, Sharon Gardham, has just been awarded a PhD titled 'Becoming 'Good Neighbours': How the model of English common land can inspire equitable and sustainable multi-species relationships.'
In a time of accelerating environmental breakdown, the thesis explores how English common land can inspire us to live better with our more-than-human neighbours. Using Rodborough Common in Gloucestershire as a case study, it examines how shared land, memory, and everyday encounters can shape multi-species relationships.
Through interviews, history, ecology, and lived conservation practice, the research shows that commons can thrive when care, openness, and respect for past and present commoners guide how land is used and managed.
The full text of the thesis is available here.
Congratulations Dr Gardham on this fantastic achievement!