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Dr Rebekka Artz

Staff picture: Dr Rebekka Artz
Ecological Sciences
Ecological Sciences
Senior Research Scientist
rebekka.artz@hutton.ac.uk
+44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

The James Hutton Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen AB15 8QH
Scotland UK

 

Twitter: @ArtzRebekka

 

I have more than 17 years of research experience in the ecology and ecosystem functions of peatland ecosystems and more than a decade of experience of providing links between science and policy, delivering land management decision support tools, policy briefings and expert opinions on Soils and Climate Change mitigation policy matters to Scottish and UK Governments. I have been an expert reviewer on the carbon benefits of peatland management to the UK and Scottish Governments as well as for various nature conservation agencies in the UK.

My publication metrics can be found here and you can read a case study of work on peatland restoration in the current RESAS 2016-2021 programme here. This includes findings from a wider team of colleagues at James Hutton Institute and SRUC (former and current staff).

 

Current research interests

Current research includes assessing remote sensing as a means to estimate the effectiveness of peatland restoration and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands in relation to climate change impacts and emissions mitigation potential.

One of my projects involves instrumenting and running peatland sites with eddy covariance equipment (CO2/H2O and CH4) in order to better understand the impact of regional climatic difference on GHG emissions. I currently manage a peatland eddy covariance tower at the highest elevation in the UK, and co-supervise a PhD studentship (with University of Western England) that will elucidate the hydrological effects of restoring eroded peatlands on this site. I am investigating the effects of various methods of peatland restoration on soil fungal community, vegetation structure, site hydrology and carbon dynamics in various field sites in one of the largest landscape scale restoration areas on blanket bog in Europe (Forsinard Flows). This research also aims to determine whether these methods are effective in areas that are likely to experience significantly lower rainfall in future decades. This will broaden our understanding of the (limits to) resilience of peatlands and the effect that drought/restoration management can have on this ecosystem’s capacity for carbon sequestration. A linked PhD project is investigating the impacts of climatic variability on peatlands, with University of Reading. Finally, I also currently lead a NERC Urgency project that seeks to understand the drivers of post-fire recovery of GHG fluxes in peatland.

 

CURRENT PROJECTS (in addition to RESAS 2016-2021 Strategic Research Programme)
2020-2021. Scottish Natural Heritage. Peatland Action equipment grant for new eddy covariance equipment. Principal Investigator, Value £453k.
2019-2020. Commercial confidential research contract, Principal Investigator. Value £49k.
2019-2020. NERC FIRE-RECOVER (Urgency Grant; 2019-2020) Assessing the greenhouse gas emissions post wildfire on restored peatland. Principal Investigator, with partners at University of Glasgow; University of the Highlands and Islands, RSPB Scotland, and University of Edinburgh. Value £67.3k


CURRENT PhD STUDENTS
- Gillian Donaldson-Selby (University of Western England) 2018 – present. Understanding and evaluating peatland degradation and restoration dynamics through hydrological monitoring and modelling

- Linda Toca (University of Reading) 2019- present. Analysis of peatland carbon dynamics using combined optical and microwave satellite data

- Will Pallier, starting October 2020 (University of Aberdeen & Universty of Highlands and Islands)

Past research

Previous PhD students:

Helen Gordon (2007); Clare Trinder (2007), Hannah Toberman (2008), Pauline Currey (2008); Sam Quin (2012); Mike Whitfield (2012), Ully Kritzler (2013); Ainoa Pravia (2018); Kirsten Lees (2019)

Bibliography

  • Artz, R.R.E.; Semple, K.T.; Killham, K.; Prosser, J.I.; Paton, G.I. (2002) The potential for anaerobic mineralisation of hydrocarbon constituents of oily drill cuttings from the North Sea seabed., Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 4, 553-557.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Killham, K. (2002) Survival of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 in private drinking water wells: influences of protozoan grazing and elevated copper concentrations., FEMS Microbiology Letters, 216, 117-122.
  • van der Maarel, M.J.E.C., Artz, R.R.E., Haanstra, R., and Forney, L.J. (1998) Association of marine archaea with the digestive tracts of two marine fish species., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 64, 2894-2898.
  • van der Giezen, M.; Sjollema, K.A.; Artz, R.R.E.; Alkema, W.; Prins, R.A. (1997) Hydrogenosomes in the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix frontalis have a double membrane but lack an associated organelle genome., FEBS Letters, 408, 147-150.

  • Grelet, G.; Martino, E.; Dickie, I.A.; Tajuddin, R.; Artz, R.R.E. (2016) Ecology of Ericoid Mycorrhizal fungi: what insight have we gained with molecular tools and what?s missing?, In: Martin, F. (ed.). Molecular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Wiley-Blackwell, Chapter 22, pp405-420.
  • Artz, R.R.E. (2009) Microbial community structure and carbon substrate use in Northern peatlands., In: Northern Peatlands and Carbon Cycling (eds. A. Baird, L. Belyea, X. Comas, A. Reeve and L. Slater). American Geophysical Union, pp111-129.

  • Artz, R.R.E.; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and contributors (2020) Peatland mapping and monitoring - Recommendations and technical overview., Report to FAO.
  • Rivington, M.; Spencer, M.; Gimona, A.; Artz, R.R.E.; Wardell-Johnson, D.; Ball, J. (2019) Snow cover and climate change in the Cairngorms National Park: Summary assessment., ClimateXChange Website, December 2019, 31pp.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Ball, J.; Gimona, A.; Blake, D.; McBride, A. (2019) Access to peatland for restoration - physical limitations., ClimateXChange Report, 8pp.
  • Coyle, M.; Khomik, M.; Artz, R.R.E.; Yelaputri, J. (2019) Carbon storage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from restored peatlands., Project Progress Report, April 2019.
  • Evans, C.; Artz, R.R.E.; Moxley, J.; Smyth, M.A.; Taylor, E.; Archer, N.; Burden, A.; Williamson, J.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.; Thomson, A.; Buys, G.; Malcolm, H.; Wilson, D.; Renou-Wilson, F. (2019) Implementation of an emissions inventory for UK peatlands., Report to the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bangor, 88pp.
  • Eastwood, A.; Juarez Bourke, A.; Lorenzo-Arribas, A.; Fischer, A.; Herrett, S.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Hague, A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Hester, A.J.; Artz, R.R.E. (2018) Glen Creran Woods: Exploring the perceived impacts of different management interventions on woodland benefits., Workshop Report, Appin Village Hall, Port Appin, Argyll, 23 April 2018, 18pp.
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.H.; Artz, R.R.E. (2018) Visualisation of peatland restoration., Report for RESAS 1.1.2., James Hutton Institute, 3pp.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Faccioli, M.; Roberts, M.; Anderson, R. (2018) Peatland restoration - a comparative analysis of the costs and merits of different restoration methods., Report for ClimateXChange Scotland Website, Final report, March 2018, 48pp.
  • Williamson, J.; Morton, D.; Artz, R.R.E.; Burden, A.; Rowland, C.; Tornero, L.; O?Neill, A.; Poggio, L.; Khomik, M.; Donnelly, D.; Evans, C.D. (2018) The role of earth observation in an integrated framework for assessing peatland habitat condition and its impact on greenhouse gas accounting., Final Report to Defra, Project number MI07.
  • Blackstock, K.L.; Brooker, R.; Pakeman, R.J.; Ellis, C.; George, T.; Iason, G.; Gilbert, L.; Artz, R,.R.E.; Irvine, R.J.; McVittie, A.; Newey, S.; Mitchell, R.; Gimona, A.; Fischer, A.; Begg, G.; Maxwell, J. (2017) Ecosystems and Land Use Stakeholders Engagement Group (ELSEG) Workshop Report., Workshop, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, 20 November 2017.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Poggio, L.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.J. (2017) Comparison of remote sensing approaches for detection of peatland drainage in Scotland., Report for CxC website.
  • Taylor, E.; Smyth, M-A.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.; Evans, C.; Moxley, J.; Archer, N.J. (2017) Activity data for drainage and rewetting of organic soils 1990-2013., Report to the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Work package 4 Project report, not for external publication), 37pp.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Evans, C.; Williamson, J.; Moxley, J.; Smyth, M-A.; Taylor, E.; Archer, N. (2017) Sourcing and compilation of baseline activity data., Report to the UK Government Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 102pp. (Project report, Task 4.1, not for external publication).
  • Taylor, E.; Smyth, M.A.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.; Evans, C.; Moxley, J.; Archer, N. (2016) Activity data for drainage and rewetting of organic soils 1990-2013., Workpackage Report to the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
  • Irvine, R.J.; Miller, D.R.; Artz, R.R.E.; Brooker, R.; Chapman, S.J.; Newey, S.; Hester, A.J.; Pakeman, R.J. (2016) Scoping a strategic vision for the uplands: A response from the James Hutton Institute., Response to a Consultation for Scottish Natural Heritage.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Potts, J.; Chapman, S.; Wilson, D.; Heinemeyer, A.; Evans, C.; Renou-Wilson, F. (2016) Emission factors applicable to UK peatlands., Workpackage Report to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
  • Aitkenhead, M.; Poggio, L.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Gimona, A.; Artz, R.R.E. (2016) Detection of peatland drainage with remote sensing - a scoping study., Technical Report to CxC Directorate.
  • Towers, W.; Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Miller, D.R. (2015) Carbon-rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitats map., Consultation response to Scottish Natural Heritage from the James Hutton Institute.
  • Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Poggio, L. (2015) Determination of organic carbon stocks in blanket peat soils in different condition - assessment of peat condition., Final Project Report to SEPA (TT1401).
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.; Balana, B.; Chapman, S. (2014) WISE Peatland Choices - A decision support tool for peatland restoration in Scotland., Version 2- September 2014, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, 16pp.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.; Balana, B.; Chapman, S.J. (2013) WISE peatland choices - a decision support tool for peatland restoration in Scotland., ClimateXChange Scotland, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen.
  • Reed, M.S.; Bonn, A.; Evans, C.; Josten, H.; Bain, B.; Farmer, J.; Emmer, I.; Couwenberg, J.; Moxey, A.; Artz, R.R.E.; Tannerberger, F.; Von Unger, M.; Smyth, M.; Birnie, R.V.; Inman, I.; Smith, S.; Quick, T.; Cowap, C.; Prior, S. (2013) Towards the development of a UK peatland code. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot research project., Defra PES Pilot Code Final Report.
  • Eastwood, A.; Nijnik, M.; Brooker, R.; Pakeman, R.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Norton, L.; Ross, L.; Bullock, J.; Albon, S.; Vellinga, N.; Fielding, D.; Irvine, R.J.; Ramsay, S.; Cooksley, S. (2013) Nature conservation and ecosystem service delivery., Joint Nature Conservancy Council, Contract C12-0170-0635.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Cuthbert, A.; Evans, C.; Smart, S.; Reed, M.; Kenter, J.; Clark, J. (2013) Restoration of lowland raised bogs in Scotland: emissions savings and the implications of a changing climate on lowland raised bog condition., Final report. Commissioned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Artz, R.R.E.; Birch, A.N.E.; Blackstock, K.L.; Brooker, R.; Brown, I.; Cummins, R.; Flanigan, S.; Hallet, P.; Irvine, R.J.; Kenyon, W.; Pakeman, R.J., Prager, K.; Slee, B.; Squire, G.; Stutter, M.; Sutherland, L.; Thomson, K.; Towers, W.; Vinten, A.J.A. (2012) Developing agri-environmental measures for the next Scottish Rural Development Programme: a summary of relevant research findings from the James Hutton Institute., Report to the Scottish Government, Natural Resources Division, SRDP Technical Working Group (Agri-Environment), 11pp, 25 June 2012.
  • Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D. (2012) Carbon savings from peat restoration., Climate XChange Enquiry Number 1205-02, Edinburgh, ClimateXChange.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Chapman, S.J.; Donnelly, D.; Matthews, R. (2012) Potential abatement from peatland restoration., Briefing Note to Scottish Government.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Andersen, R.; Mitchell, R.; Chapman, S.J.; Smith, J.; Smith, P.; Cummins, R.; Balana, B.; Cuthbert, A. (2012) Managing and restoring blanket bog to benefit biodiversity and carbon balance - a scoping study., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report.
  • Worrall, F.; Chapman, P.; Holden, J.; Evans, C.; Artz, R.R.E.; Smith, P.; Grayson, R. (2011) Climate change mitigations and adaptation potential., IUCN UK Peatland Programme Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
  • Evans, C.; Worrall, F.; Holden, J.; Chapman, P.; Smith, P.; Artz, R.R.E. (2011) A programme to address evidence gaps in the greenhouse gas and carbon fluxes from UK peatlands., JNCC Report 443, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, June 2011.

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The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.