Georgina Mitchell
PhD
Profile
Biography
My research investigates perceptions of urban rewilding across a range of contexts using participatory methods and mapping techniques. A key aim is to produce fundamental research insights and an urban rewilding framework, to inform the public and guide practitioners, policymakers and rewilding advocates worldwide.
Trained as an architect, I have spent several years working across architectural practice, community engagement, interdisciplinary research and university teaching. Key roles include producing action plans and analysing geospatial data for the Manchester Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods and Story of Stockport research teams at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) (2018, 2019); tutoring postgraduate students in the MArch Infrastructure Space atelier at MSA (2020-21); and tutoring undergraduate students at Sheffield School of Architecture and Landscape (2022-24).
Research
Overview
Exemplified by wetland restoration projects, de-paving domestic gardens or allowing species to thrive on disused sites, rewilding in urban areas has become increasingly recognised in recent years. It can provide multifaceted benefits to communities facing biodiversity loss and urbanisation, yet is frequently subject to controversy in research communities and the public sphere.
I am interested in how perceptions of urban rewilding are shaped by stakeholder networks, processes of knowledge exchange and sociocultural variables. My research methodology involves literature review, Participatory GIS mapping and case study analysis employing focus groups, interviews and ethnography.
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