About the lecture

In this lecture, we introduce the course by discussing the significance and characteristics of grasslands. Ecosystems dominated by grasses cover a significant portion of the Earth’s surface and are found on every continent except Antarctica. We explore the different names for grasslands, their formation, and their roles in biodiversity, climate regulation and agriculture. We then see the diverse range of species within grasslands, influenced by soil type and management practices.

About the lecturer

Bethan Stagg works four days/week on RENEW (Renewing biodiversity through a people-in-nature approach) and one day/week on ACCESS (Advancing Capacity for Climate and Environmental Science). Her research focuses on learning and perceptions about biodiversity. She is particularly interested in plants and invertebrates, as easily accessible forms of nature in urban environments. Her ACCESS Flex Fund project focuses on coproducing knowledge about urban biodiversity renewal with families in an area of multiple disadvantage in Plymouth.