Dr Martin Coombes

Martin is a biogeomorphologist with broad interests in the two-way interactions between organisms and the physical environment. Much of his research is interdisciplinary, with specific interests in the following:

• Rock and stone breakdown processes, controls and laboratory simulation. This includes the interactive effects of temperature, moisture, salt and organisms in the weathering and bioprotection of rock coast landscapes and building stone, increasingly in a context of climate change.
• Nature-based approaches to built heritage conservation and coastal engineering. This includes the role of biogeomorphological processes in shaping colonisation and biodiversity patterns on coastal rocks and sea defence structures and, more recently, how nature can best be integrated with the conservation of historic buildings and their wider settings.
• Biogeomorphology theory and application, including traits-based thinking and the parallel concept of ecosystem engineering. 

As well as broader interests in the application of environmental science to heritage conservation, Martin has a particular interest in the specific challenges and opportunities that climate change presents for historic gardens, including the conservation of their fabric, plant collections and heritage value.

Martin is a member of the Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL) and the Landscape Dynamics research cluster.  

1. Build Heritage Research Initiative

   In partnership with the Getty Conservation Institute, Martin is leading work under the ‘learning from nature’ strand, currently focusing on bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts). Martin is applying conceptual and experimental approaches to better understand the mechanisms through which these organisms influence stone and how traits-based thinking can be applied to support decision-making for the conservation of built heritage.

2. Climate Change Research Agenda for Heritage

   Led by Historic England and in partnership with the National Trust and the University of Oxford, Martin is supporting the delivery of this ambitious AHRC-funded project to create a joint UK-Ireland research agenda for climate change and heritage (JRACCH). Through engagement with a diverse range of partners including heritage bodies, government agencies, land and estate mangers and cultural organisations, Martin is helping produce a practical, shared agenda to guide future research, funding, policy and practice in support of a more coordinated response to climate change across the heritage sector.

3. Sonic Heritage

   Martin is involved in the ‘Sonic Heritage and Environmental Change on England’s East Cost’ project led by Dr Joanna Bullivant at Birmingham City University and in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University. As the project’s Specialist in environmental change and geomorphology, Martin works on Work Stream 1 (Sounds and Spaces), exploring how geographical approaches can better integrate sound and soundscape thinking in the characterisation, experience and conservation of landscapes. Martin’s work focuses on Orford Ness in Suffolk, where dynamic physical, ecological and human influences give rise to unique landscape qualities.

Recent Graduate Research Students

Previously, Martin was a Departmental Lecturer in Physical Geography here in Oxford and a Lecturer at Worcester College and St Hilda's College. He supervises undergraduate students undertaking their dissertation projects and has supervised doctoral research as part of the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA).