Evolving Landscapes

The focus of this research cluster is the ‘landscape’ in its broadest sense as a multifaceted, dynamic arena at the interface of the human and natural world. It incorporates research spanning heritage and historical landscape evolution to contemporary cultural landscape challenges relating to biodiversity, climate change, material metabolism, tourism and (rural) development. A cross-cutting theme is the resilience of evolving landscapes; how the physical landscape shapes and is shaped by society.  Our research draws on theoretical perspectives from historical and cultural geography, hazards research and a social-ecological systems perspective.  The core members of the cluster are John Crowley, Eileen O’Rourke, Kieran Hickey, Karen Ray, Don Lyons, Richard Scriven and Ray O’Connor