Threshold Ecologies, research in progress
Threshold Ecologies [2026-27]
Engaging with threatened species at the edge of their environmental range, Threshold Ecologies connects Dartmoor National Park, Moor House Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve and Cairngorms National Park. These high-altitude upland landscapes share a unique link: climate modelling using tools produced by the Forestry Commission shows these locations reflect the past, present and future climate of Upper Teesdale.
While unique, with distinct environmental challenges, these significant landscapes all house critically endangered species under threat as climates warm: from arctic-alpine flora to upland temperate forests. They represent threshold ecologies: sites at a tipping point where further climate change will trigger irreversible decline due to the ‘extinction escalator’, where cold-adapted plants climb upwards until there is nowhere to go.
Though significant, these landscapes are remote: isolated from both wider publics and other communities working in similar contexts. Threshold Ecologies explores how immersive technology can provide meaningful encounters and create conditions for empathy with the inhabitants of remote places. Using immersive virtual reality and 3D modelling technologies, and informed through ongoing conversations with National Trust Scotland, Plantlife, Natural England and local farmers, the project asks how can immersive artwork reveal emotional, sensory and scientific links between threshold landscapes.
This research has been made possible through the genorosity of individuals and organisations who have contributed their time and expertise including: Margaret Bradshaw (Botanist), Donna Cox (Moor Meadows), Martin Furness (Moor House Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve and Natural England), Sam Jones (Plantlife Scotland), Naomi Oakley (Farmer, Challacombe Farm), Dan Watson (National Trust Scotland) and Sarah Watts (Researcher).
While unique, with distinct environmental challenges, these significant landscapes all house critically endangered species under threat as climates warm: from arctic-alpine flora to upland temperate forests. They represent threshold ecologies: sites at a tipping point where further climate change will trigger irreversible decline due to the ‘extinction escalator’, where cold-adapted plants climb upwards until there is nowhere to go.
Though significant, these landscapes are remote: isolated from both wider publics and other communities working in similar contexts. Threshold Ecologies explores how immersive technology can provide meaningful encounters and create conditions for empathy with the inhabitants of remote places. Using immersive virtual reality and 3D modelling technologies, and informed through ongoing conversations with National Trust Scotland, Plantlife, Natural England and local farmers, the project asks how can immersive artwork reveal emotional, sensory and scientific links between threshold landscapes.
This research has been made possible through the genorosity of individuals and organisations who have contributed their time and expertise including: Margaret Bradshaw (Botanist), Donna Cox (Moor Meadows), Martin Furness (Moor House Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve and Natural England), Sam Jones (Plantlife Scotland), Naomi Oakley (Farmer, Challacombe Farm), Dan Watson (National Trust Scotland) and Sarah Watts (Researcher).
With thanks to project funder:
