What is your role and what does it entail?
Alongside my colleagues, I identify and carry out social science research to help the RSPB, and the wider conservation sector, address conservation problems more effectively. I work to understand people’s values, needs and motivations around conservation, and I test the success of people-focused interventions in encouraging support for species and habitats. By working with different audiences, our science helps direct RSPB actions towards the best outcomes for nature and communities.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have the pleasure of being involved in a wide range of research with other scientists. Right now, I’m working with a psychologist to increase compliance with signs requesting dogs are on leads. Free-roaming dogs can disturb ground-nesting birds such as Little Terns and Ringed Plovers, and signs are often ignored.
Learn more about RSPB work to help Little Terns, and how volunteers play a vital role.
By researching dog-owner values and motivations, we’re testing whether behaviourally informed signs are better at catching attention and persuading walkers to use leads near nesting birds.
Dr Joelene Hughes, RSPB Principal Conservation Scientist
Why are social sciences important for nature conservation?
I’d encourage any budding conservationist to study social sciences. Conservation is about understanding people, communities and cultures so we can make the changes nature needs to thrive. For example, learning what outcomes farmers, teachers, house builders, doctors and patients need has helped us develop actions that support nature while matching their goals. Expertise in anthropology, psychology and economics, plus many more, helps turn conservation into effective action.
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