The value of protected landscapes to contemporary society – readings, responses, associated meaning, and the iconography of the wye valley area of outstanding natural beauty (aonb).

Birmingham City University and The Wye Valley AONB Management Team are pleased to announce the availability of an AHRC funded Collaborative Doctoral Award for an October 2013 start.

This proposal concerns collaboration between Birmingham Institute of Art &Design, Birmingham City University and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit, drawing upon a range of academic and practical issues surrounding the importance of recognising and protecting landscapes in responding to the needs of society. It draws upon the context of the Wye Valley as an outstanding internationally recognised ‘protected’ landscape of high scenic value and understanding the relationships between people and place. Research aims to consider a modern day iconography of the AONB and its definition through the collection of visual and verbal narratives, to explore our understanding of and relationship with such landscapes, associated meanings and special qualities. The outcomes of the project are expected to advance understanding of the role of protected landscapes regarding the needs of society, to inform strategies for maintaining protected landscapes for current and future generations, detail and analyse the relationships between landscape, society, community and individual, help underpin and advance the strategic management objectives and actions of the AONB Management Plan.

The project will be jointly supervised by Richard Coles, Professor of Urban Landscape and Environmental Interaction at Birmingham City University, and Andrew Nixon, Development Officer for the Wye Valley AONB (based at Monmouth).

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates from a range of disciplines including, geography, landscape studies, environment, visual and cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, or a related area where candidates are able to demonstrate the application of their existing knowledge and discipline to the research aims.

For further information about eligibility and the application process please click ‘Apply’ below.

Further details of the Wye Valley AONB and the work of the AONB team can be found at: http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

Collaborative Doctoral Awards provide support for three years of full-time study leading to a doctoral degree. A full award includes tuition fees and a maintenance grant. The maintenance grant will meet the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend level set by the UK Research Councils, for 2013/14 this is £13,726.

Enquiries should be directed to Richard.Coles@bcu.ac.uk

The deadline for applications is: Monday 1^st July 2013

Interviews for those shortlisted will take place on Friday 12^th July 2013