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Andy Moffat, BSc, PhD, DSc
Head of Environmental and Human Sciences DivisionDr Andy Moffat studied for a first degree in Geography and Soil Science at the University of Reading. He then undertook a NERC CASE studentship at University College London and Rothamsted Experimental Station. He was awarded a PhD in 1980. He was employed in the Soil Survey of England and Wales between 1979 and 1985, when he took up the post as Pedologist in the Forestry Commission Research Division. He was responsible for research on land reclamation and soil sustainability and co-led the intensive forest monitoring programme (Level II). Between 1997 and 2004, he was Head of Environmental Research Branch, and is now Head of the Environmental and Human Sciences Division, based at the Forest Research Alice Holt Research Station. In 2005, he was awarded the DSc, and in 2007, he was granted the title of Visiting Professor in the School of Human and Environmental Sciences at the University of Reading. Current roleHead of Environmental and Human Sciences Division Responsible for the direction, execution and quality of the Division’s research activities. He is a member of the Forest Research Executive Board. He represents environmental and human science issues at both national and international levels. He has particular responsibilities to facilitate interaction between Forest Research research activity and the needs of the English Forestry Commission policy makers, and is a member of the FC(E) Executive Board. Current programmesIntensive long term monitoring of forest ecosystems
Chairman of the Forest Research Scientific Advisory Group which determines development of the UK facilities and scientific research in this field. UK delegate in the EU Standing Forestry Committee which influenced the development of the “Forest Focus” and LIFE+ Regulations. Co-author of EU Forest Focus Review (PDF-1612K). Wildfires in Wales
Project leader of study which examines the physical and social drivers behind wildfire occurrence in the South Wales Valleys, evaluates existing mechanisms to reduce arson and seeks to identify new ways to mitigate this problem. Affiliations and achievements- Member of the EPSRC Peer Review College
- Head of the UK National Focal Centre for forest monitoring
- Member of the DEFRA Soil Action Plan Advisory Forum
- Member of the Editorial Board for ‘Forestry’
- Associate Editor ‘Soil Use and Management’
- Member of the British Society of Soil Science
- Member of the ICP Forests Soil Expert Panel
- Member of the British Geomorphological Research Group
- Member of the Sustainable Organic Resources Partnership Expert Advisory Group
Research areas- Forest ecosystem monitoring and evaluation
- Soil sustainability
- Land regeneration and urban greenspace
- Forest fires
Publications
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