“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Complex socio-ecological interactions are at the centre of current environmental debates including; biodiversity loss and human resilience to environmental change highlighting the need for greater trans-disciplinary research. Ecological restoration is gaining greater prominence due to its integrative approach to landscape management and improving biodiversity through restoring damaged/degraded landscapes to ecological health and emphasising integration between scientists and practitioners. However, as yet there has been little research on restoration projects that are being undertaken and whether they are being truly trans-disciplinary and integrative. Has it overcome the human-nature dichotomy that has plagued conservation in the past? Or is the human population being seen as part of the landscape ecosystem?
The upland areas of Scotland provides a good place to research these socio-environmental issues with restoration projects being undertaken, particularly of native woodland, alongside a rejuvenation of communities and culture within the area. The research will examine the current restoration methods being implemented and the impacts of artistic heritage and contemporary cultural practice on landscape perceptions within upland areas. The study will investigate whether the current 'renaissance' of Highland art and culture could potentially create a new 'positive aesthetic-moral relationship' between nature and humans. The overall aims of the study is to explore the idea that through artistic practice it will be possible to create a common language within ecological restoration amongst all the landscape stakeholders and a human-nature synergy that puts humans firmly within the landscape ecosystem.
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