Dr Holly Blincow, PhD

Biography

I am a biogeochemical researcher specialising in forest methane dynamics, with a particular focus on tropical forest ecosystems. My research examines the role of forests in the global methane cycle, combining field measurements, isotopic techniques, and process-based approaches to better understand greenhouse gas fluxes across contrasting forest environments.

I completed my PhD at Lancaster University, where I investigated tree-mediated methane emissions in Amazonian floodplain forests. My work integrated chamber-based flux measurements, stable and radiocarbon isotope analyses, and the development of novel wood decay methodologies to link methane emissions to decomposition processes.

Following my PhD, I undertook a postdoctoral research position at University of Birmingham as part of the DefMet project. This research explored the capacity of tropical terra firme forests to act as atmospheric methane sinks, advancing understanding of forest-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange in upland tropical systems.

In 2026, I joined University of Cumbria as a Lecturer in Forest Ecology, where I teach and supervise across forest and woodland ecology, climate science and forest-atmosphere interactions.

Qualifications and memberships

• PhD in Environmental Science (Lancaster University, 2026)
• MSc in Environmental Science (University of Liverpool, 2017)
• BA Geography (University of Liverpool, 2016)

Memberships:

• British Ecological Society

Funding grants: 

• NERC National Environmental Isotope Facility Grant, to conduct radiocarbon sampling for 'Source contribution to tree stem emissions in the Amazon'. Co-wrote with N. McNamara, M. Garnett and A. Hoyt - £28,950

Academic and research interests

My research focuses on greenhouse gas exchange in forest ecosystems, with particular emphasis on methane dynamics in wetland and tropical systems. I am interested in understanding the mechanisms that regulate methane fluxes at both tree and ecosystem scales, including how wood anatomy and physiological traits influence emissions. This includes examining spatial variation in methane fluxes along the stem, within and among species, and across contrasting forest types and biomes.

Publications

BiFOR Annual Conference, University of Birmingham, April 2025 "Tree stem emissions and internal cycling in Amazonian flooded forests"

Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Group, Stanford University, March 2024 "Tree stem methane emission variability across regions of the Amazon rainforest"

EGU General Assembly, Vienna, 2024: Variability of tree methane emissions across regions of the Amazon rainforest

Gas Phase in Plants Conference, Finland, September 2023 "Variability and Sources of tree methane emissions across the Amazon"

EGU General Assembly, Vienna, 2023: Tree methane: Getting to the root of it.

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