Determining woodland antiquity through assessment of historical map and documentary evidence

Fully Funded PhD Studentship, Humanities Research Group, Dundalk, Ireland

Key areas; History, Historical Geography, Cartography, Maps, Archives, Woodland

This Ph.D. forms part of the Ancient Woodlands Ireland project, which involves Dundalk Institute of Technology, Maynooth University, and Teagasc. It aims to provide a detailed inventory of all Ireland’s Ancient Woodlands with a view to their preservation and restoration. You will be working as part of a wider team of bio scientists, data scientists, historians, and paleoecologists across DKIT, MU and Teagasc. The Supervision team will be Dr, Annaleigh Margey, DkIT and Dr Eamon Darcy, Maynooth University.

The candidate will assess the archival and cartographic record to determine evidence of woodland in Ireland from 1500 to 1800. The purpose of this research will be to build upon previous work on Ireland’s environmental history to provide a broad, working survey of the available historical sources and an all-island analysis of the course of Irish forestry from 1500 until 1800.

The objectives of this research area:

To complete a rapid assessment of cartographic and other material relating to woodland antiquity

To complete a catalogue of material found as part of objective 1.

Undertake a detailed analysis of the archival and map material identified to explore the evidence of woodland extent in Ireland between 1500 and 1800

Produce a narrative account of woodland history, exploring the underlying processes of change, maintenance and development of woodland across the early modern period in Ireland.

Informal enquires relating to this project, please contact Dr. Annaleigh Margey Annaleigh.Margey@dkit.ie

Please note, canvassing will render a candidate ineligible.

Eligibility Criteria:

Essential:

2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in History, Geography, Irish Studies or other cognate disciplines’ . Demonstrable organisational skills

Desirable:

Qualifications to contain element of academic research at either undergraduate/postgraduate level

Participation in an academic research project.

Experience with map materials

Database construction and management.

Creation/management of digital objects.

Archival research.

Access to or own transport.

How to Apply

Applicants please create an account HERE.

Select Academic term 2024/25, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and Programme is Ancient Woodlands

As part of the application you will be required to upload a copy of your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. These will be requested after you submit your application.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Thursday June 6th 2024.

DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline