Research in the Hill lab examines the effects of habitat degradation and climate change on biodiversity, with particular emphasis on temperate and tropical insects. We study climate-driven range shifts of species at their leading-edge boundaries, and the factors affecting species' ability to respond to climate and habitat changes. We are exploring potential methods for promoting the adaptation of biodiversity to climate change, for example by examining whether improving habitat connectivity will aid species' range shifts, and the role of Protected Areas. We are also investigating methods for conserving biodiversity in tropical rainforest habitats, including the conservation value of selectively logged rainforest. We are examining the impacts of certification for the sustainable production of oil palm, and exploring how to optimise oil palm yields whilst reducuing biodiversity losses.

Pararge aegeria - the speckled wood butterfly is expanding its range in the UK about twice as fast as other British butterflies, but range expansion is slower where there is less woodland habitat for it. 

We are testing the environmental impacts of sustainability certifcation criteria for oil palm in SE Asia, and advising the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) on ways to improve their Principles & Criteria for sustainability.