
Dr Jo Garrett
I am interested in the relationships between people and nature. This includes the effects people have on the environment, the ways people interact and the effects nature has on people.
I have a background in marine sciences, so am particularly passionate about the connections between society and the sea. I currently work on the REGREEN and RECONET projects valuing the benefits of Nature Based Solutions. Most recently, I researched the links between aquatic environments and human wellbeing on the BlueHealth project.
In 2016 I was awarded a PhD on the effect of marine renewable energy on the environment, focusing on underwater sound. I now make use of this knowledge working with FoAM Kernow on the Sonic Kayak project.
CURRENT RESEARCH
European Centre for Environment and Human Health
University of Exeter, Truro, Cornwall
Postdoctoral research associate in coastal environments and human well-being. More info here.
Environment and Sustainability Institute
University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall
Provided data analysis support on a variety of topics including ecosystem services, light pollution and urban environments.
Sonic Kayak project
Collaboration with FoAM Kernow, Penryn
Developing a recording system on a kayak to map underwater sound. Awarded funding from Smartline to develop them for people with visual impairments to enable independent kayaking. More info here.
PAPERS & PUBLICATIONS
Research Papers
Garrett et al 2020 Environmental Research
Urban nature and physical activity: Investigating associations using self-reported and accelerometer data and the role of household income
Elliott et al 2020 Landscape and Urban Planning
Research Note: Residential distance and recreational visits to coastal and inland blue spaces in eighteen countries
Garrett et al 2019 Health and Place
Coastal proximity and mental health among urban adults in England: The moderating effect of household income
Pasanen et al 2019 Environment International
Neighbourhood blue space, health and wellbeing: The mediating role of different types of physical activity
Elliott et al 2019 Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
The effects of meteorological conditions and daylight on nature-based recreational physical activity in England
Garrett et al 2019 Animal Conservation
Skyglow extends into the world's Key Biodiversity Areas
Garrett et al 2019 Health & Place
Urban blue space and health and wellbeing in Hong Kong: Results from a survey of older adults
Gaston et al 2018 Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Personalised Ecology
Griffiths et al 2017 PLoS Biology
Sonic Kayaks: Environmental monitoring and experimental music by citizens
Walsh et al 2017 Renewable Energy
Monitoring the condition of Marine Renewable Energy Devices through underwater Acoustic Emissions: Case study of a Wave Energy Converter in Falmouth Bay, UK
Garrett et al 2016 Marine Pollution Bulletin
Long-term underwater sound measurements in the shipping noise indicator bands 63 Hz and 125 Hz from the port of Falmouth Bay, UK
Conference Papers
Underwater Acoustics Conference and Exhibition 2017
Statistical assessment of the effect of a wave energy converter in Falmouth Bay, UK
Fine-scale mapping of marine sound pollution using Sonic Kayaks and citizen science
PhD Thesis
Interdisciplinary study into the effect of a marine renewable energy testing facility on the underwater sound in Falmouth Bay
Evidence brief
Hall et al 2020
Using urban blue spaces to benefit health and wellbeing
BLOG
The BlueHealth Project – Linking Blue Spaces with Human Well-being
Does physical activity link blue spaces and health?
Edited by Alex Smalley
BlueHealth at the IAPS conference
Edited by Em Squire and Alex Smalley
Sonic Kayaks featured on The Naked Scientists
Edited by Jenny Chapman
Sonic Kayak residency at FoAM
The Great Winter Nurdle Hunt
Responsible Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
INTERESTS
• Human-nature interactions
• Oceans and Human Health
• Inequality
• Wellbeing
• GIS
• Anthropogenic environmental impacts
• Citizen science
• Underwater sound
QUALIFICATIONS