Clemency Cooper
Research project
Research title: Informing evidence-based perspectives and scenarios on past, present and future landscapes in North Yorkshire
Supervisors: Professor Jonathan Finch, Dr Alison Dyke, Professor Lindsey Gillson, Dr Andreas Heinemeyer
Funding: The Leverhulme Trust, via the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity
Summary of research project:
My research aims to understand how the character of North Yorkshire’s moorlands have been shaped by human use and associated social-ecological systems. There are conflicting perceptions of what the landscape should deliver and how it is valued, meaning that participatory, evidence-based information is urgently needed to inform decisions about the future character of the landscape. I will be consulting stakeholders using participatory scenario planning to explore what the landscape could look like and its ecological functions, cultural significance, and economic benefits to future generations. I aim to understand how knowledge about the past environment shapes present perceptions of the landscape and how this, in turn, influences decisions about the character of upland areas.
Profile
I have a BA in Geography from the University of Cambridge and a MSc in Applied Landscape Archaeology from the University of Oxford. I have extensive experience as a public engagement practitioner in the heritage sector and continue to promote opportunities for community participation as a trustee of the Council for British Archaeology and Young Volunteer Assistant for the North York Moors National Park Authority.
Publications & Awards
Publications:
Cooper, C. (2025) ‘Adapting to Changing Environments: Popping up in and listening to our local community’, MuseumNext Green Museums Summit. 26 February. Online.
Cooper, C. and Elleray, J. (2023) ‘Archaeology Legacy: Designing a digitally innovative educational resource’, European Archaeological Association Annual Conference. 1 September. Belfast: Queen’s University, Belfast.
Cooper, C. and O’Hare, N. (2021) ‘Seeing is believing: a call for public engagement in our everyday work’, The Archaeologist 112, p3-6.
Cooper, C. (2019) ‘Community Archaeology Guidance Resource Review’, Oxford Archaeology, Report No. 2271.
Cooper, C. (2018) ‘Lessons from the Past: The Cambourne Village College Young Roots Project’, CIfA Annual Conference. 25 April. Leeds: The Royal Armouries Museum.
Costin, C. and Cooper, C. (2015). 'The Development and Delivery of the PASt Explorers Project’, PAS Annual Conference. 20 November. London: The British Museum.
Ranson, C. and Cooper, C. (2017) ‘Archaeological Test Pit Excavations in Chediston, Suffolk in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011’, Access Cambridge Archaeology.
Academic Awards:
The Geographical Tripos Part II William Vaughan Lewis Prize from the University of Cambridge (2008)
The Stephen Hinchliffe Dissertation Prize for Geography from St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge (2008)
Teaching & Impact
I have worked professionally as a public engagement practitioner in the heritage sector at the following organisations, specialising in community participation, youth engagement and stakeholder consultation.
- Young Volunteer Assistant (2025-present) at the North York Moors National Park Authority
- Community Participation Coordinator (2023-25) at the University of Cambridge Museums
- Community Archaeology Manager (2016-2023) at Oxford Archaeology
- Outreach Officer (2014-2016) at the Portable Antiquities Scheme
- Administrative Assistant (2010-2014) at Access Cambridge Archaeology
