John's research is mainly concerned with developing, assessing and encouraging on-farm implementation of agri-environmental policy. It is funded by a wide range of different organisations from European and national government bodies, industry and NGO's. Recent activities include development of tools for calculating biodiversity and ecosystem service benefits of individual landscape features and whole landscapes; developing pesticide load indicators; evaluating the environmental impacts of the Nitrates Directive; assessing the impact of rural development programmes of climate change mitigation and adaptation, reviewing the potential environmental impact of livestock feed additives, developing carbon footprinting tools, developing a framework for practical and effective environmental labelling, and evaluating the environmental benefits of different farming systems. His work has included the development of software applications for farmers and growers, and the development of best practice / knowledge transfer web sites in the UK and across Europe. He has also been involved in the development of methods for environmental impact assessment, auditing and risk assessments. He also undertakes sustainability assessments which involves integrating environmental, economic and social assessments to provide an holistic perspective.

Many of the research projects John has undertaken have involved knowledge transfer including the development of software and websites. This has included tools and services for European and UK governments, the agricultural industry (including farmers and farm advisors) and commercial companies (e.g. supermarkets). John has also been an invited speaker and a number of public and commercial events including conferences, policy committees, seminars and workshops.