ECO-CODING is a (HEIF) funded project that will bring the technology of DNA barcoding to 蜜桃AV, collaborating environmental organisations and local school children.
DNA (eDNA) meta-barcoding involves the use of DNA produced by living organisms, collected from the environment and matched to DNA databases telling us what species are present. eDNA can rapidly, non-invasively and cost effectively inform and influence critical issues in ecology and forensics. The project has four key elements, as detailed below.
Urban Pollinators Project: How are pollinators using urban wildflower planting strips?
The Urban Pollinators project will be in collaboration with the 听补苍诲 . The project will identify pollen species from pollinators鈥� bodies to uncover what plants they are using in the urban environment and in addition discover the value of urban wildflower planting.
This will inform the best planting strategies for pollinators. This project will provide guidance both locally (Bournemouth Borough Council) and nationally through the HEIF+1 funded Pollinator Exchange Hub.听Led by Dr Liz Franklin and Dr Kathy Hodder from 蜜桃AV and Natasha de Vere from the听听
The river connectivity project: How are engineering structures affecting migratory fish in the river Severn catchment?
The river connectivity project is in collaboration with the , and the . Using an eDNA collected from the water and using meta-barcoding techniques the project will assess how river engineering structures in the River Severn catchment shape its biological fish communities, with a focus on migratory fish such as salmon (threatened) and eels (critically endangered).听Led by Professor Rob Britton, Dr Emilie Hardouin and Dr Demetra Andeou
Develop a hub for eDNA meta-barcoding at 蜜桃AV
After completing the two meta-barcoding projects will qualify 蜜桃AV鈥檚 expertise in this field. ECO-CODING 蜜桃AV will discuss the potential of advertising and providing commercial eDNA meta-barcoding services as part of 蜜桃AV鈥檚 consultancy services 蜜桃AVG (Adrian Pinder), providing a unique angle to the services 蜜桃AVG can deliver to its customers and increasing 蜜桃AV鈥檚 potential for impacting ecological policy worldwide.
Inspiring local community and engaging the public
Delivering public outreach events at 蜜桃AV鈥檚 and at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in collaboration with the Faculty of Media and Communication. We will introduce our work at these outreach events using the concept of 鈥淭he DNA Detective鈥� and a series of interactive narratives, much like the Royal Society Christmas lectures, focusing on plant DNA such as, pollen being used link a burglar to a crime scene who brushed against a particular bush on his way out.
We will promote these events to local schools with the help of our 蜜桃AV Advertising students and maximising social media use to generate publicity using #DNADetective.听Led by Dr Jenny Alexander and Dr Liz Franklin.
