Dr Ashley Lyons

Profile

Biography

I joined the Biology department as a Senior Lecturer in Ecology in 2023. I completed my PhD titled The Impacts of Contrasting Grazing Management on Biodiversity in Upland Calcareous Grasslands at Edge Hill University in 2017. Following this I completed a postdoc where I produced the first ever management recommendations document to consider spider and carabid beetle conservation in upland calcareous grasslands. During this time I also spent a month as a visiting scientist at Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany, where I worked with the Agroecology group examining management of lowland calcareous grasslands.   

In 2019 I joined Liverpool Hope University as a Lecturer in Ecology teaching on a range of MSc and BSc modules.

In 2021 I took up the role of Conservation Scientist within the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, being the only reserve based scientist in the organisation. During this time I led the establishment of a long term grazing experiment and developed the science work packages for a successful $4.1 million grant bid to the Endangered Landscapes Programme. During the role I led a team of research assistants and trained a flock of sheep to use the NoFence collar system.

I rejoined EHU in 2023 as a Senior Lecturer in Ecology, maintaining strong research links with RSPB. 

Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding how habitat management influences ecological restoration and biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on grassland ecosystems. I specialise in plant and invertebrate ecology, investigating how management interventions affect species diversity, community composition and the ecological processes that underpin resilient ecosystems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, I work closely with soil scientists to evaluate the impacts of restoration and management techniques on both above- and below-ground biodiversity, recognising the critical role that soil health plays in ecosystem recovery and long-term sustainability.

A central theme of my research is the conservation and restoration of grasslands, which support a rich diversity of species while delivering important ecosystem functions and services. I explore how different management practices, including grazing regimes and restoration strategies, influence biodiversity and ecosystem processes across a range of grassland systems. My work examines the responses of plants, invertebrates and soil communities to management interventions, providing a holistic understanding of ecological change and restoration outcomes.

I have particular expertise in grazing ecology and the role of herbivores in shaping vegetation structure, species interactions, and habitat quality. By investigating how grazing can be used as a conservation and restoration tool, I aim to identify management approaches that balance biodiversity conservation with practical land-use objectives. This research contributes to our understanding of how grazing can promote ecosystem resilience, enhance habitat quality and support the recovery of species, communities and ecological functioning.

The overarching goal of my research is to generate evidence-based recommendations that inform conservation management and ecological restoration. By combining ecological monitoring with applied management studies, I seek to provide practical guidance for land managers, conservation organisations, and policymakers working to restore and protect grassland ecosystems. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the long term conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of restored and semi-natural landscapes.

Teaching

My teaching spans all levels of higher education, from first-year undergraduate students to Master’s programmes, and includes the training and supervision of postgraduate research students. I contribute to a broad range of subjects within ecology and conservation, including conservation management, plant and invertebrate identification, species monitoring, statistics and research methods. My teaching philosophy emphasises the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping students with the scientific understanding and applied experience needed for careers in ecology, conservation, and environmental management.

I have a particular specialism in field-based teaching and extensive experience in designing and delivering both day and residential field courses in the UK and overseas. These field experiences provide students with opportunities to develop essential ecological skills, including species identification, survey design, data collection, and ecological monitoring, while fostering a deeper understanding of ecological systems and conservation challenges. My approach to field education prioritises experiential learning, enabling students to build confidence in applying ecological concepts in real-world settings.

My international teaching experience includes delivering undergraduate biology modules at Chongqing Normal University in China, where I worked with students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. This experience has strengthened my commitment to inclusive teaching practices and enhanced my ability to communicate complex ecological concepts to a wide range of learners.

Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I currently serve as Programme Leader for the MSc Conservation Management. In this role, I provide academic leadership for the programme, supporting curriculum development and ensuring that students receive a high-quality learning experience that reflects current research, industry needs and contemporary conservation challenges. Through both teaching and programme leadership, I am committed to developing skilled, thoughtful and employable graduates who are equipped to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.