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Writer and campaigner Amy-Jane Beer on river restoration, nature connections and the power of storytelling
Anna Hastings explains how East Sussex’s Blue Heart initiative is predicting and mitigating flooding in Eastbourne and southern Wealden
Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, on how the new government and the environmental sector can work together to unlock nature-based solutions
Celebrating Brazilian journalist Marcel Gomes, one of the winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize 2024
Paludiculture potential: how wet farming could save the UK’s lowland peat soils, help us meet climate targets and protect food security
Organisations across the environmental sector share their aspirations for the new government’s first year in power
AECOM’s Hannah Howe on the role of blue-green initiatives in addressing the root causes of flood risk
The Thames Barrier has been keeping London safe for 40 years – Jo Caird takes a tour and learns about the next phase for London’s flood defences
Ruben Rocha and Foivos A. Mouchlianitis of the World Fish Migration Foundation on the environmental impacts of a record year for dam removals in Europe
Member news round-up
Director of policy Alastair Chisholm calls on the new government to put nature recovery and resilience at the heart of its growth agenda
Dr Michael Image of AtkinsRéalis shares his route to chartership
Natural capital implementation manager Rebecca Speed tells us about a typical day
New president Hannah Burgess and junior president Peter Rook set out their vision for this year
Publications manager Vicky Harris on how CIWEM’s journals facilitate knowledge sharing across the sector
CPD spotlight: Urban Wellbeing course
Last word: Our new chief executive Anna Daroy reflects on Flood & Coast and shares her ambitions for CIWEM
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ART EDITOR
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Working with nature
AT THE END of October, representatives from more than 190 countries will come together in Colombia at COP16. The first UN biodiversity summit since the creation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15 in Montreal in 2022, it will be a key moment on the journey to translating this plan into national action.
With that in mind, this issue of The Environment explores some of the ways in which the water and environmental sector is working with and for nature. We speak to Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, about overcoming the barriers to implementing large-scale nature-based solutions (NBS) to flood and coastal erosion risk management (p. 10), and to experts on paludiculture – farming on wetted peatland soil – about the potential of this new approach to water management in British landscapes (p. 14).
Across the Channel, Ruben Rocha and Foivos A. Mouchlianitis of the World Fish Migration Foundation reflect on the impact of dam removals on biodiversity in Europe (p. 32).
The arrival of a new Labour government this past summer has put fire in the bellies of those campaigning for a better deal for the environment in this country.
On p. 20 we showcase the aspirations for Sir Keir Starmer’s first year in power of 13 organisations from across the water and environmental sector, while on p. 35, CIWEM’s director of policy Alastair Chisholm offers his take on how nature recovery and resilience should play into the government’s growth agenda.
We’ve got all the usual member news too, keeping you up-to-date of goings on at CIWEM and inspiring you to get more involved in the community. When it comes to working with nature, we’re stronger together.
Jo Caird Editor, The Environment @jocaird
My environment: AMY-JANE BEER
The Wainwright Prize-winning nature writer and Right to Roam campaigner on river restoration, nature connections and the power of storytelling to bring about change
Amy-Jane Beer is a naturalist and writer. Her most recent book,
The Flow – Rivers, Water and Wildness, won the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2023, praised for its “elegant and beautifully poetic language”. The book sees Beer reflecting on Britain’s waterways as she seeks closure following the death of a close friend in a kayaking accident many years previously. Taking in the science, stories and sociology of rivers and streams across the UK, it’s essential reading for those working in the water and environment sector as well as those outside our field.
Beer is also a campaigner for improved access to nature. It was
through kayaking that she first encountered the idea of ‘trespass’: “I thought that this natural artery of the land surely belongs to everybody. But the law says otherwise. Realising that our uncontested right of access to rivers only extends to less than 4 per cent of them in England was a shock.”
So when, in 2020, Nick Hayes and Guy Shrubsole started talking on social media about the #RighttoRoam, Beer got involved right away. Today she’s a member of the core organising team, and has two essays in Wild Service, a new book edited by Hayes and fellow campaigner Jon Moses that calls for mass reconnection to the land and a commitment to its restoration.
YOU WRITE IN THE FLOW ABOUT THE WAYS THAT HUMANS HAVE CHANGED RIVERS TO SUIT OUR NEEDS. FROM YOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH LANDOWNERS, HOW MUCH APPETITE IS THERE FOR MORE NATUREFRIENDLY MANAGEMENT?
Once you let nature do its thing, the pace of change can be astonishingly quick. The work takes days, the planning takes weeks or months, but the trust building to get to the point where you can even start to make plans takes years, decades. In some cases, maybe it’s a generational thing. As younger people are taking on management they often have new ideas and have possibly broader experiences – they may have been away from the land and seen other things. We’re much more connected now and it’s easier to know what’s going on beyond the boundaries of your own land – our horizons are so much wider.
So younger generations of landowners and land managers have got more examples to pick what might suit them. Because it’s not one size fits all. Initially there was this very stern idea about what wilding should be and now there’s a much broader, looser church around it.
AMY-JANE BEER
WHAT IS YOUR FEELING ABOUT THE PACE OF TRANSITION WHEN IT COMES TO RESTORING SOME OF THOSE NATURAL PROCESSES?
A river is a self-restoring entity in a way and so while it’s deeply depressing the state that we’ve put them into, the ability of rivers to restore themselves –within reason – is quite astonishing.
Once you’ve got wiggle, you’ve got eddies, you’ve got fast and slow moving water and you’ve got deposition of gravels and sediments in some places and scouring of banks in others.
“Let nature do its thing and the change can be astonishingly quick”
Just as soon as we stop meddling, it can be astonishing. It’s when we try and micromanage and decide what we think a habitat should look like, then it’s difficult; and then you’re constantly wondering why you haven’t got the species or why something you’ve introduced is struggling.
If you just stand back and don’t have a preconceived idea of what should be there, you just let nature decide, things change really quickly. Not always in the direction you might expect, which is hard because we like to know what we’re getting. And particularly in the context of agriculture or trying to extract some kind of ecosystem service from a system. It’s hard from a management perspective for us to sit on our hands and just see what comes – certainly for the readers of this magazine, a lot of whom are engaged in that. But it can also be hugely enriching and enlightening to see.
YOU WRITE ABOUT THE SYSTEMIC FAILURES THAT HAVE LED TO THE POOR CONDITION OF RIVERS IN THE UK – WHAT CAN WE DO?
You let people know that the land and all that’s in it – the non-human nature –is ours to care for. You let them see that it is the web that supports us all from cradle to grave.
We’ve made it a very scientific thing and there’s a sort of gatekeeping around conservation and the environment – we’ve got all these NGOs and academics and consultants that have gotten the right degree and so they’re the people to do it.
But that’s plainly not working. Even though we’re making small gains in some
places – we’re managing to keep a few species back from the brink of extinction, to rewiggle the odd watercourse – but still, the overall trajectory is down. How long do we let it continue?
There are amazing people who are doing amazing science – they’re recording this decline so we know it’s happening. But what’s got to change? It’s got to be something deeper. It can’t just be about regulation, it can’t just be about data. There’s got to be heart in it.
“There’s a sort of gatekeeping around conservation”
WHAT DOES THAT INVOLVE?
Storytelling. The internet and emails have been around for 30 years, books have been around for a few hundred years but some of the oldest stories and songs are thousands of years old. We need to harness that because we instinctively latch on to stories.
Science is very wary of them because they seem like making stuff up but actually the original stories were the exact opposite. They were about transmitting really important information
like where the animals will come at certain times of the year.
HOW DOES THE RIGHT TO ROAM CAMPAIGN PLAY INTO THIS?
We need to reconnect with nature. But it’s about connecting with other people as well, it’s about community. There’s a Swedish Academy of Sciences paper from a couple of years ago that ranks European countries according to nature connection: we came bottom, and we also came bottom on biodiversity loss. Those things are all connected.
Right to Roam is about giving people the opportunity to reconnect with nature and with each other and with the land.
Yes, we want to see fewer fences and gates, and the same applies to rivers –taking down barriers, allowing rivers to reconnect with their floodplain. The connections are physical, hydrological and ecological, but also social. o
The Flow: Rivers, Water and Wildness
Amy-Jane Beer Bloomsbury (400pp, £10.99)
ROY HALPIN
ROY HALPIN
AMY-JANE BEER
WEM INNOVATORS: ANNA HASTINGS
The winner of the Early Career Professional award at the Flood & Coast Excellence Awards 2024 explains how Eastbourne’s Blue Heart initiative is using tech to work with nature
There are more than 4,400 properties at risk from flooding in Eastbourne. You’ve got the sewer system operated by Southern Water, the highway drainage system, high groundwater levels, fluvial risk from main rivers and ordinary watercourses. And because Eastbourne is on the coast, you’ve also got the impact of the sea and tides of course. If you have a rainfall event during a high tide and you’re trying to discharge the whole system, there’s tidal locking and the water has nowhere to go, particularly because much of Eastbourne is situated at or below sea level.
Yet most of Eastbourne’s home and business owners wouldn’t receive a flood warning from the Environment Agency (EA) because that service only covers fluvial and coastal flooding, not risk from ordinary watercourses, groundwater, surface water or sewer flooding. With the Blue Heart project, we’re hoping to change that.
I moved from a consultancy to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) in October 2020, just when the funding for the EA’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP) was announced. My
first task in my new role at the lead local flood authority (LLFA) was to gather partners and write the expression of interest. We knew that Eastbourne was where we needed to focus our attention. The first step was to better understand how the system currently operates. There were a lot of data gaps to address and a poor understanding of how water moves around. The infrastructure exists: there’s a lot of complicated water courses, drainage systems and human-made assets, but they’ve been there for decades. What it needed was investment and smarter thinking to utilise what’s already there, so we could work with nature, not against it.
“A model is only as good as the data you put into it”
The area wasn’t served by a detailed surface water model so we started with that and then incorporated the fluvial and drainage systems. We’ve now got an integrated model for the first time. But a model is only as good as the data you put in and the area is not really served by a lot of gauge information. That’s how we ended up going down the technology
route: having sensors and measuring devices in all kinds of water bodies, bore holes and drainage systems. Prior to Blue Heart, there were about five EA gauges in the area. We’ve just finished phase 2 of installations and have 85 new sensors installed. By the end of the project we will have more than 100 new sensors.
For the first time in the UK we’ll have a live understanding with data from all partners on the same system. That’s ESCC, the EA and the internal drainage board plus our water company, Southern Water, who quite handily have had their own network digitisation programme running in parallel. They’ve installed 466 sensors in Eastbourne alone on their foul and surface water network. For the first time, they’re going to open up that data for us.
In total we’re going to have over 500 sensors, all within one catchment. As well as helping to build a flood warning system for surface water, the data we get from the sensors could help in identifying misconnections and improving water quality and water quantity.
The main driver for Eastbourne’s risk is the complex interactions between rainfall, fluvial and tidal events. All those systems are managed by different authorities –there isn’t a single overarching body responsible. What we’re trying to do through Blue Heart is remove those administrative boundaries. If you look at surface water or ordinary water courses separately, it becomes a blame game, which is a waste of time and resources. By looking at it as one big picture, you’re able to get to the nub of the problem much quicker and more efficiently.
The general public, our customers, also don’t care where the problem originates, they just want it resolving as quickly as possible.
Because we’re still creating the system, it’s difficult to know the full resources required to maintain and run it beyond 2027, when our FCRIP funding finishes. But my hope would be that it’s a joined-up approach where everyone is chipping into a single system with joint ownership and responsibility. We would then be able to pool resources and teams to be able to manage and maintain it. o
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LEADING VOICES: BECCY SPEIGHT
The CEO of the RSPB talks to Jo Caird about her hopes for COP16 and how the new government and the environmental sector can work together to unlock nature-based solutions
This year’s UN biodiversity summit, COP16, which takes place in Colombia in October, could be a key moment for the UK to show global leadership, says Beccy Speight, the chief executive of the RSPB. Heartened to learn that Ed Miliband MP, the new secretary of state for energy security and net zero, will be attending COP29, the UN’s climate summit in Azerbaijan this November, Speight is very much hoping that senior ministers will be leading the UK delegation at COP16 too.
“We’re two years on from the creation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and this year marks the fact that we’ve got five years left to meet the goal of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity,” she says.
“The UK played quite a leading role in 2022 in getting that framework
over the line. It was a real global leadership moment.”
Speight would like to be able to say the same after COP16. “One of the things that came from the last climate COP was a recognition of the need to tackle the nature crisis and the climate crisis together. Pushing on from that and having a really powerful COP16 that recognises and joins up with the climate COP is really important.”
“We’ve got five years left to meet the goal of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity”
The level of ambition within the UK’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the yet-to-be-published document that will detail how the
country will deliver on the framework’s goals, will be key. “We want to see a really ambitious NBSAP from the UK,” Speight says.
She is also calling for the UK to bid to host COP17 in 2026. Such a move would enable us to showcase nature-based solutions (NBS) such as the East Atlantic Flyway (which was added to the tentative World Heritage Site list in 2023) as an “amazing case study to look at in terms of what could be done and is being done already for nature and flood risk”.
DOMESTIC AGENDA
It’s not just at UN conferences where Speight wants to see joined-up thinking. She is encouraged that Steve Reed MP, the new secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, included nature recovery as one of five key priorities for Defra when he came into office.
But, “the proof of the pudding will be in the eating”, she says. “I think there’s an understanding of how nature underpins some of the other
Defra missions – food security, dealing with flooding, etc – so that’s all really positive. Can they join up successfully in order to achieve these missions in a nature-positive way?”
When it comes to planning reform, for example, “clearly what we want to see is nature at the heart of how that planning system changes; achieving more for nature as well as speeding up the system”, says Speight (see ‘Policy commentary’, p. 36).
That will require greater collaboration between government departments than we’ve seen in recent times, she goes on, with joint roundtable meetings bringing together a wider range of stakeholders. Only by doing so will we achieve “those wider societal benefits that NBS make possible. Without that join-up, you’re going to carry on thinking and working in silos, following the paths that are already in place”.
Speight is hopeful about the direction of travel since Labour took over: “There’s definitely a tone being set by this government around collaboration, co-creation and join-up.” On a policy level too, the early signs are positive: “I was delighted to hear when I met the secretary of state for the environment last week that he was talking about wanting to take a more catchment-based approach to rivers: “You’re clearly then into a more complicated approach, because you’re talking about multiple ownership and crossing jurisdictions. But that would make an enormous difference in terms of freeing up thinking around NBS, because they become a more obvious solution.”
With 71 per cent of land in the UK managed for agriculture, working with farmers will be an important piece of the puzzle. “It unlocks all sorts of things, if you get that right”, Speight says. For that to happen, in England at least, the government needs to address problems with the environmental land management schemes (ELMS) through which farmers and land managers are paid to provide environmental goods and services.
“It’s not clear how ELMS ladders up to really deliver around the Environment Improvement Plan targets,” she explains.
“Farmers who are currently in high level stewardship schemes feel lost and I really worry that we might go backwards around nature.
BECCY SPEIGHT CV
career in local government in Scotland before moving into management consultancy. She has worked in the environmental sector since 2000, including as director for the East Midlands and Midlands regions of the National Trust. She became CEO of the Woodland Trust in 2014, leading the expansion of the woodland creation charity and a review of its priorities. In 2019 Speight took over as CEO of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation organisation. She holds a degree in English language and literature from Durham University.
“There’s a general appetite in farming to step into this space, but those schemes have to be right and have to be ambitious if we’re going to do that successfully.”
‘Public money for public good’, however, won’t be enough by itself, argues Speight. Large-scale NBS will require “blended finance solutions that mean putting in place the frameworks that only government can put in place, to ensure standards are set at the right level, to remove the barriers.”
LESSONS FOR THE WATER SECTOR
Those barriers removed, it’s down to the sector to embrace greater flexibility – in both its thinking and in the frameworks through which work is undertaken, says Speight. That includes “finding different methods of evaluation that can take into account the wider benefits you get from a nature-based approach”, which might take much longer to deliver than traditional grey interventions.
She was encouraged by conversations she had with delegates at CIWEM’s Flood & Coast conference in June: “There is an
opening up and a willingness to consider more of this kind of blended response.
Engineers are very smart people, in my experience, and I think they get that.”
Speight remains frustrated by the slow pace of change, however, given the massive scale of the challenge we face.
“We know how to do this now,” she says, pointing to successful large-scale NBS such as RSPB St Aidan’s, outside Leeds, an old open cast mine transformed into a water storage area and nature reserve; and RPSB Medmerry in West Sussex, a collaboration with the Environment Agency that created 183ha of new habitat and protected inland communities.
“It’s just about doing more of it.”
CIWEM and its members will have an important role to play in creating the culture change required to enable the roll-out of large-scale NBS: “In my experience it still tends to be the odd individual who springs forward and is prepared to put their life and soul into finding this kind of solution. If we can get more knowledge sharing going on and build that confidence, it will become more seen as a normal way of thinking.”
“There’s a tone being set by this new government around collaboration, co-creation and join-up”
Creating the conditions for blended finance, meanwhile, will mean governments, NGOs and private sector organisations working together in new ways. “It’s CIWEM members being willing to lean into that space and help build these collaborations,” Speight says.
Mainstreaming NBS and responding with the required urgency to the biodiversity and climate crises won’t be easy, she admits.
“There’s a lot of work to do. If this was straightforward, it would have happened. But there are ways in which we can move away from that very narrow focus and absolutely open up the opportunities.
“I long to get the Environment Agency in the room with us and other players as well. Let’s just start agreeing where some of these opportunities are and starting to make progress – because they do take longer to deliver. But once you have delivered them, you’ve got these win-win-win situations.” o
BECCY SPEIGHT BEGAN her
ROSIE DUTTON
THE BIG PICTURE
EACH YEAR THE Goldman Environmental Prize celebrates the achievements of grassroots environmental activists around the world. Brazilian journalist Marcel Gomes of non-profit media outlet Repórter Brasil was one of those selected in 2024 for his work coordinating a complex, international campaign that directly linked beef from JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company, to illegal deforestation in Brazil’s most threatened ecosystems. Brazil’s beef export industry is responsible for 90 per cent of deforestation of the Amazon. Forests are cleared and burned, as on this farm on the banks of the Juruena River in Mato Grosso, before being grazed by cattle which is then sold on with no record of the illegal deforestation that took place.
Photo by Fernando Martinho of Repórter Brasil.
WET WET WET
With the UK’s lowland peat under threat, Jo Caird reports on the potential of wet farming – so-called paludiculture – as part of a new approach to water management in our landscapes
“People get scared of the word ‘paludiculture’, so we use ‘wet farming’ interchangeably as a more user-friendly handle,” says Lorna Parker. As restoration manager for the Great Fen, a 36 sq km area of Cambridgeshire fenland run by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (WTBCN), she leads a team that since 2020 has been trialling the cultivation of a range of UK native wetland plant species on lowland peat soils.
The initial three-year trials included small plots of sphagnum mosses, bulrush (Typha latifoli), common reed
(Phragmites australis), floating sweet grass (Glyceria fluitans), and 11 different herbs and wildflowers. Typha, sweet grass and sphagnum cultivation have now been taken forward into a farmscale project, with Parker overseeing the trial’s second commercial typha harvest this summer. The crop’s fluffy seed heads are bound for the Bristol-based puffer jacket company Ponda.
“It’s been a complete mixture of successes and lessons learned,” she says. “We have to keep reminding ourselves that the things which didn’t work are as important as the things which do.”
That’s because finding an alternative way to farm on lowland peat could be
an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to restoring and protecting degraded soils, meeting our climate targets, maintaining food security and mitigating flood risk.
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
The UK’s lowland peat, you see, is in trouble. This soil, which covers around 465,000ha, mainly in the East Anglian Fens, Somerset Levels and in the lowlands of Northern England, is hugely productive: approximately 40 per cent of vegetables grown in the UK are produced on lowland peat, according to the NFU. As such, it’s crucial for our food security. But by draining this land for agriculture, we expose it to oxygen, causing degradation of the soil and the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases – more than for any other type of land use. Draining lowland peat also leads to soil loss and subsidence. In the immediate term, this has serious consequences for flood risk. Looking further out, it poses an existential threat to lowland peat
Typha seed ready for harvest at the Great Fen
farming as we know it – you can’t farm on peat if there’s no peat left to farm.
The good news is that there is a growing awareness – within government and the agricultural and land management sectors – that action must be taken. As the Chair’s Report of Defra’s Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force (LAPTF) puts it: “To protect our climate and ensure that our peat soils can continue to provide for future generations, we must transition to more sustainable management regimes.” And paludiculture – the practice of farming on wet and rewetted peat soils – is very much part of the solution.
MAKING THE SUMS ADD UP
The WTBCN’s work at the Great Fen is just one of multiple projects exploring in this space in areas of lowland peat across the UK. As well as typha (for insulation or as a novel building material), sphagnum (as a growing medium and for carbon storage) and reed (for roofing), crops being investigated include willow (for biochar), miscanthus grass (for animal bedding) and celery and Chinese leaf cabbage, both commercial food crops.
“To ensure that peat soils continue to provide for future generations, we must transition to more sustainable management regimes”
For Robert Caudwell, LAPTF chair and an arable farmer in Lincolnshire, it’s been encouraging to see the “progress that people are making” since his task force’s report was published in summer 2023.
“Most of the trials that were happening during the report were quite small-scale,” he says. The sector is now grappling with the challenge of proving that paludiculture can work at field-scale too.
“We need paludiculture to be a commercially viable operation if it’s going to be one that’s adopted more widely,” explains Megan Hudson, general manager at Fenland SOIL, a members’ organisation developing ‘whole farm’ land use policies aimed at achieving climate change mitigation and biodiversity enhancement in the Fens. To that end, Fenland SOIL has a 3ha trial site investigating two major barriers to
ALL ABOUT PEAT
PEATLAND COVERS AROUND
12 per cent of the UK’s land, and around 3 per cent of land globally. It is formed extremely slowly when waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from decomposing fully, with each 1m of peat taking around 1,000 years to build up. Because the plant material is not broken down, it does not release carbon into the atmosphere, making peatlands an extraordinary carbon sink – UK peatlands alone are estimated to hold around 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon.
Of the 3 million ha of peat in the UK, around 22 per cent remains in “near-natural condition” according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), as undrained bog and fens, while 15 per cent is agricultural cropland or grassland, mainly in lowland areas of England.
A study by the UKCEH found that greenhouse gas emissions from UK peatlands could be more than the equivalent of around 20 million tonnes of CO2 each year.
Raising water tables on peatland could reduce these emissions, but it is only by planting carbon sequestering crops such as sphagnum that we will be able to take carbon out of the atmosphere.
wet farming: the high level of monitoring and management required to keep water levels where they need to be for the crops in question; and how to do the harvest economically if the soil structure is no longer strong enough to support the sorts of heavy farm machinery usually employed for the purpose.
Both, Hudson says, while challenging right now, are ultimately “just engineering problems, and we’ve probably solved worse engineering problems than how we get a piece of kit
onto a field”. Automation is likely to play a key role in the solutions eventually found nationally, from remote monitoring of water levels and automated raising and lowering of dams, to robotic pickers capable of hopping or flying over fields.
A NEW APPROACH TO WATER MANAGEMENT
Once we’ve got those fine details worked out (plus the small matter of building the demand side of the market for wetland crops), the idea will be for farmers and land managers to roll out paludiculture as part of a “21st-century approach to water management in these lowland peat landscapes”. So says Elizabeth Stockdale, head of farming systems research at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), and engagement lead for the Paludiculture Exploration Fund, a £5 million grant scheme established by Natural England in 2023 to tackle the barriers to developing commercially viable paludiculture.
Such an approach, one akin to the way we managed the land before largescale drainage in the 16th century, would “deliver a range of ecosystem goods and services”, Stockdale goes on, from food, animal feed and building materials to carbon sequestration, flood storage and nutrient removal.
“Traditionally we’ve thought, ‘what can we do to change our land through drainage, but also through fertilizer and everything else, to fit the crops that we want?’ This change requires us to say, ‘we’ve got this kind of land, what crops and management situation should we choose?’”
Paludiculture won’t be the right approach in all lowland peat landscapes, given that holding the water table within a very particular set of parameters requires intensive management that will only be viable in certain circumstances. Rather, says Hudson, “paludiculture will have its place as one of a whole mosaic of options. It’s going to be a really careful catchment-by-catchment, farm-by-farm analysis of what’s possible. It will vary a lot, depending on where you are and how deep your peat is, how much you can do.”
Caudwell believes that farmers will be open to changing the way they manage their land in the future to include paludiculture, but only if it makes economic sense to do so. That will depend on a number of factors all
Peat wetland on the island of Bressay, Shetland
falling into place: not just a market for these novel crops but also payments for carbon storage and financial support from environmental land management schemes (ELMS).
Getting the financials in order is important, says Will Barnard of the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Southwest, but there’s also “a really strong identity piece in all of this”. Barnard is currently running large-scale paludiculture trials on his Somerset farm and sees wet farming as an “economic stepping stone that allows transition without alienation”.
He explains: “If you speak to most farmers, they want to produce food. Paludiculture helps them on that journey because they can then have a crop to send on the back of a lorry. It might not be the food they or their grandparents used to produce, but it’s still a saleable product. Pure ecosystem service delivery is so alien. Paludi gives us something to talk to them about that is within their comfort zone.”
REFORM REQUIRED
Alongside all this, farmers will need assurance that there will be sufficient water available to maintain water tables high all year round, regardless of rainfall levels, Caudwell says. Such
assurances will only be possible following a wholescale rethink of water management, he argues. Our current system of pumping excess water off the land in the winter and irrigating in the summer is no longer fit for purpose (if it ever was) and its shortfalls are being exacerbated by the impacts – both flood and drought-related – of climate change.
The solution, says Caudwell, “isn’t just about drainage or flood risk management, it’s about managing water. Looking at that in a holistic way, there are great opportunities. It really could mitigate a lot of the problems that we’ve got.”
He would like to make it easier, for example, for farmers to use flood water
THE FOOD SECURITY DILEMMA
INTRODUCING PALUDICULTURE INTO the land management mix in areas of lowland peat will inevitably mean reducing traditional horticultural output, as wet farming is not suitable for many of the vegetables beloved of UK consumers. How to maintain food security in this context is a live issue, with some arguing for a shift in our national thinking about what we eat and when, as well as the potential of developing new centres of horticulture on non-peat soils elsewhere in the country. This issue plays into a wider discussion about agriculture and the climate crisis, with the sector responsible for up to 8.5 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and countries like Spain, a key supplier of vegetables to the UK, experiencing increasing water scarcity as a result of global heating.
stored on their land and also for drainage boards to be able to store water without being charged by the Environment Agency (EA) for doing so. “Let’s be proactive. It isn’t going to happen overnight, but let’s at least start to think about a system that could enable that,” he says.
“Paludiculture gives us something to talk to farmers about that is within their comfort zone”
In the meantime, schemes like the EA’s lowland agricultural peat water discovery pilot (LAPWDP) and lowland agricultural peat small infrastructure pilot (LAPSIP are supporting internal drainage boards (IDBs) and groups of farmers to better understand how to manage water for peat.
Get it right, says John Rowlands, a water management specialist working with FWAG Southwest, and it’s win-win, with nature, farmers, consumers and those at risk of flooding all reaping the rewards: “Good water control and good environment are mutually beneficial.”
It’s hard to predict when we might see paludiculture being rolling out across our lowland peat. But if we’re going to meet our national target of net zero emissions by 2050, and find a sustainable way of meeting our food security needs in the long-term, there’s really no time to lose.
For CIWEM members, Stockdale says, this urgency offers opportunity: “There will be more funding – it’s about the public/private sector finding ways forward. All your engineers and water managers, particularly the academic ones, if you’ve got a great idea for doing this, find someone to talk to about it.” o
Typha harvest, Great Fen
Fenland SOIL’s paludiculture trials
ADAPTING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT: FIVERIVERS’ EXPERTISE
Transforming urban landscapes with river restoration, ecological mitigation and wet civil engineering
In today’s rapidly urbanising world, creating sustainable and resilient environments is more critical than ever. FiveRivers stands at the forefront of this mission, leveraging expertise in river restoration, ecological mitigation including biodiversity net gain (BNG), nutrient neutrality and wet civil engineering to transform urban landscapes across the UK.
At FiveRivers, we are dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of the UK’s rivers, wetlands and habitats. Our team of experts specialises in delivering innovative solutions that balance ecological needs with urban development. With a proven track record in complex, multi-disciplinary projects, we are committed to creating environments where both nature and people thrive. Whether you are looking to revitalise an urban river, create resilient wetland ecosystems or incorporate sustainable flood defences, FiveRivers is here to help. Below are some of our successful projects that took place within urban areas such as south-east London, Hemel Hampstead and Salisbury.
CASE STUDY 1: REVITALISING THE RIVER RAVENSBOURNE IN LEWISHAM, SOUTH-EAST LONDON
FiveRivers embarked on a project to restore the River Ravensbourne. This urban waterway was suffering from poor water quality and fragmented habitats.
● Channel re-naturalisation: Reprofiling the river to create a more natural, meandering course.
● Habitat enhancement: Installing
in-stream structures such as additional scour protection and stabilising the berm front edge with pre-established coir rolls to improve habitat complexity.
● Ecological mitigation: Ensuring minimal disruption to existing wildlife and enhancing biodiversity.
The results have been transformative, with the restored river now supporting improved ecological health and a more stable and biodiverse habitat.
2:
FiveRivers tackled the challenge of integrating urban development with the channel remediation at Nash Mills Wharf, Hemel Hempstead.
● Channel remediation: Removal of the lower fish pass, bank re-grading and modifications to the upper fish pass for improved structural integrity and ecological health of the bypass channel.
● Fish rescue: A meticulous fish rescue operation was conducted, utilising backpack electric fishing equipment to safely capture and relocate fish upstream, ensuring their protection throughout the works on the open housing development site.
● Vegetation management: Vegetation clearance and landscaping have not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the area but have also contributed to greater biodiversity.
Residents now benefit from a revitalised natural area that reduces bank erosion and supports a diverse range of species.
CASE STUDY 3: SALISBURY RIVER PARK FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
FiveRivers played a key role in the ambitious Salisbury River Park Scheme.
● Flood Management: Installation of two marginal gravel berms along the Mill Stream section of the River Avon successfully narrowed the channel, which reduced the risk of flooding in the area and increased flow diversity.
● Ecological mitigation: Protecting existing species during construction and creating new habitats, this has promoted a more naturalised river form and function, benefiting the local ecosystem.
● Boardwalk construction: The construction of a 350m boardwalk further enhanced the project’s impact, providing an improved experience for visitors and ensuring sustainable access to the river.
The project has made significant improvements to flood management and enhanced the ecological health of the River Avon, providing long-term benefits for both wildlife and the local community. o
Contact us: www.five-rivers.com
Email: sales@five-rivers.com
Phone: 01722 783041 East Farm, Codford, Wiltshire, BA12 0PG
CASE STUDY
NASH MILLS CHANNEL REMEDIATION
THE KEY ROLE OF GREY INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE GREEN VISION
By Martin Lambley, global product manager for urban climate resilience at Wavin
It’s time we look for positive change when it comes to our relationship with water, particularly in urban environments, where outdated systems drainage systems are quickly becoming overwhelmed by extreme rainfall events. These catastrophic events are being made more commonplace by climate change and our surface water infrastructure is reaching breaking point. Driving impactful change remains the goal for surface water management experts Wavin, as the company recently brought together some of the brightest minds in the sector for its See Water Differently event. This unique panel discussion was held in the heart of London – a city built on water.
The event, held at the prestigious Sky Garden, was hosted by meteorologist and weather presenter Laura Tobin,
and included voices from key industry names such as Thames Water and Jacobs, as well as experts from the world of academia. The wide-ranging conversation laid bare the challenge of redefining our relationship with water on such a large scale, including the need to retrofit sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) across dense urban environments.
Discussions on the scale of the challenge were matched by enthusiasm for the need to find solutions for each individual project, a vast and complex challenge. Green infrastructure was recognised as the gold standard when it comes to closing the water loop. However, there was also a strong consensus that grey infrastructure still has a huge and essential role to play in taking a green step towards real-world urban climate resilience.
THE GREEN VISION
We need to be thinking nature-first to close the water loop. Restoring natural elements previously removed by urbanisation is the most significant step we can take to protect our communities for the long term. London serves as a compelling example as the city relies on a Victorian-era sewage system that is no longer fit for its population of 8.9 million. To address this, an ambitious re-greening programme is being implemented by Thames Water to integrate SuDS to mitigate the risk of flooding and enhance urban resilience. One way to enhance a green strategy and make it more efficient at handling large volumes of water in instances of flash flooding is to also incorporate a blue element. A blue-green strategy combines green elements such as trees, plants and soil with an attenuation or infiltration solution.
While these elements are huge assets when considered separately, in the natural environment they work best together, and this is the same when used in urban settings and on new developments. Blue-green roofs are a key example of how this works in practice: urban roofs are a huge untapped resource for stormwater management, and by combining open water surfaces with planters and beds allow architects to make this unused space into an area that
looks good, keeps cool and ultimately helps close the water loop. Smart technology such as artificial intelligence can make short and medium-term weather forecasts, using them to decide to store or release the water on blue-green roofs. This can lead to around 90 per cent rainwater retention and utilisation.
But there are many more benefits to restoring the natural environment than sustainable stormwater management. Biodiversity is one important consideration. Recent legislation mandates that new developments must deliver a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain (BNG) in order to be awarded planning permission. For developers, a blue-green approach represents an opportunity to protect their projects from the increasing rainfall caused by climate change, as well as meeting BNG obligations.
SHADES OF GREY
One crucial role of green infrastructure is to take the pressure off our grey systems. For example, our ageing sewer network, through a hybrid approach, could add an extra layer of protection that slows surface water down before it overwhelms drainage infrastructure. But there’s also the opportunity for the relationship to work the other way. Grey elements can be used to feed green interventions – surface water is the perfect resource for keeping humanmade natural SuDS such as raingardens, wetlands and ponds healthy.
The See Water Differently panel discussed one key example from Denmark of how innovative grey infrastructure has a place in the green vision. Following floods in 2011, the city of Copenhagen pioneered the Copenhagen Cloudburst Formula, a model for cities that includes green and grey solutions working together in an urban environment. In practice, the approach uses innovative systems such as V-shaped roads designed to channel water down the middle rather than towards buildings and cars, eventually connecting to other drainage systems.
“Green systems are not a panacea to solve all problems; it’s unreasonable to expect adding green infrastructure to take all the load of extreme rainfall events,” said Dr James Webber of the University of Exeter, at the event. “But we know that green solutions should play an important role in managing our everyday rainfall, and can really complement grey systems by accommodating some of the pressures created by the climate, growing populations and an ageing asset base.”
It’s crucial that success stories which show grey infrastructure enabling green have the biggest possible impact in the industry, and that’s why Wavin is working to educate architects, engineers and developers on the power of grey to create progress on green. ‘How grey enables green’ is the title of the CPD webinar that has emerged from Wavin’s ongoing partnership with CIWEM – it explores how these elements can be made to work together on real projects.
SUPER SUDS
Interventions don’t all have to be largescale, however, and they don’t all need to be implemented in conjunction with local authorities. SuDS allow architects and developers to ensure that their developments remain resilient no matter where they’re building them or the local infrastructure they’re working with. SuDS are humanmade interventions that store surface water and then release it back into the environment at a controlled rate – with attenuation tanks being one of the most common examples.
“Green infrastructure was recognised as the gold standard for closing the water loop. However, there was also a strong consensus that grey infrastructure still has a huge and essential role to play”
The added value of the latest solutions in SuDS is that they’re not limited to new developments. Systems such as Wavin’s Aquacell NG attenuation tanks can be retrofitted to existing buildings and are optimised for easy installation on site. The tank can be fitted without tools and stored easily, making it a faster and safer upgrade that won’t cause problems for the local community. Crucially, we can start making SuDS the norm now, rather than having to wait for long-term upgrades to public infrastructure.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
An area where the See Water Differently panel came to an emphatic consensus was the need for shared responsibility for surface water management. A surface water responsibility model developed following the 2021 floods in London was discussed at length. This model brings together the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, the Environment Agency and Thames Water, giving them
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WAVIN IS AN innovative solution provider for the building and infrastructure industry across multiple continents. Backed up by more than 60 years of expertise, we are geared up to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges around water supply, sanitation, climate-resilient cities and building performance.
At Wavin, we focus on creating positive change in the world and our passion is building liveable and loveable places. We engage and collaborate with city leaders, engineers, planners and installers to help make cities future-proof and buildings comfortable and energy-efficient.
Wavin is part of Orbia, a community of companies bound together by a shared purpose: to advance life around the world. Wavin has more than 12,000 employees in more than 40 countries worldwide and operates under brands including Wavin, Amanco and Pavco.
all the responsibility and agency they need to work towards circular surface water management.
This collaboration is the foundation of where progress will come from. The implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, requiring all new developments over 100 sqm to be equipped with SuDS, represents an important step, but it’s only through collaboration that it will fulfil its potential to transform our relationship with water.
Green and grey elements both have crucial roles to play, and they can each make the other more effective, but we need everyone in the industry to push the envelope when it comes to making it happen. o
To read Wavin’s entire whitepaper, visit: https://blog.wavin.com/en-gb/ see-water-differently-incorporatingsuds-to-create-future-proofed-cities
THE TIME IS NOW
Organisations across the environmental sector share their aspirations for the new government’s first year in power
AMANDA BISHOP
PARTNERSHIPS CAMPAIGNER, ZERO HOUR
We’re calling on the new government to tackle the interconnected climate-nature crisis in line with the latest science by enacting the crossparty Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. It is the only proposed legislation that ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to these emergencies by setting out a whole-of-government plan to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels and reverse the destruction of nature.
The bill is focused on (1) tackling the climate and nature crises together; (2) doing our fair share to cut UK emissions and stay below 1.5°C of global warming; (3) halting and reversing UK biodiversity loss by 2030; (4) taking responsibility for the entirety of our global carbon and ecological footprints; and (5) involving the public in a fair way forward.
In previous parliamentary sessions the CAN Bill was introduced by Labour MPs Olivia Blake and Alex Sobel, and Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy security and net zero, has said that Labour supports the “ambition and objectives” laid out in the bill. Zero Hour now calls on the UK Labour government to back the science and lock the climate and nature targets which the UK has agreed to at an international level, into UK law.
MARTIN LINES CEO, NATURE FRIENDLY FARMING NETWORK
The new government urgently needs to bring in a package of measures that will significantly up farming’s environmental game while making the sector resilient to climate change, which is already having a major impact.
We’ve seen our weather patterns changing, with devastating flooding at the start of 2024 and record summer temperatures in recent years. Farmers need a holistic plan for water management, so water which falls in deluges can then be stored for use during lengthy drought periods. Farmers also need to be paid properly for ecosystem services such as holding water on their land to protect communities downstream.
We also need robust and well-enforced regulations to address key issues such as water quality and pollution, ensuring nature-friendly farmers are not disadvantaged. At the same time the agriculture budget needs to be significantly increased, while agrienvironmental schemes need to be designed so nature-friendly farming is the obvious, easy and profitable choice for all farmers in the UK, regardless of the type of farming they do or how much land they have. Government investment in regenerative agriculture will help make farm businesses resilient for the future, ensure food production and security, and restore nature and biodiversity.
ELLIE WARD SENIOR POLICY OFFICER, WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK
We cannot create a better state of nature without a healthy water environment.
The new parliament is legally bound to halt the decline of nature by 2030. Yet latest assessments show that just 21 per cent of surface waters are expected to be in a good ecological state by 2027. Regulators are struggling to monitor and enforce regulations, the performance of regulated sectors is not improving, and noncompliance is commonplace.
The new government must deliver a stronger, clearer regulatory framework for
the water environment. This must set out the long-term vision for regulated sectors, including the water industry, and how this will contribute towards the achievement of environmental targets and outcomes.
This should include introducing a strong new ‘Green Duty’ for regulators, such as Ofwat, to contribute wherever possible to the delivery of environmental targets under the Environment Act 2021 and Climate Change Act 2008. This would ensure that nature’s recovery is at the heart of key regulatory and investment decisions, and would enable delivery of low carbon, multi-benefit infrastructure by default. This would also drive regulators to facilitate working with nature at catchment scale to tackle pollution and build resilient water supplies, unlocking the multiple benefits that green solutions can bring.
TRACEY GARRET
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NATIONAL FLOOD FORUM
We were pleased to see that the new minister for Defra, Steve Reed MP, has made flooding and its impact on communities one of his top five priorities. While this has not yet been expanded upon it is clear that flooded people need more support. As climate change impacts are felt more and more, we need bigger, bolder and more joined up thinking on flooding. We need an overhaul of the funding system which currently discriminates against those from rural and smaller urban communities who cannot match the flood defence grant-in-aid criteria.
The new government has announced the desire to change the planning system to build more houses – while we welcome new homes, building needs to happen in the right places. Any new builds must consider the impact on existing homes and include schemes which mitigate flooding risk both on and off site. To support building ambitions the implementation of Schedule 3 and the
automatic right to connect to the sewer system must be accelerated. We have previously seen a bias towards property flood resilience measures. We would like to see expansion of interventions to include all solutions and mitigations, leading to the right intervention in the right place. We welcome a wider catchment-based approach to flood risk management.
DR ROB BOOTH SENIOR POLICY OFFICER, BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Recent announcements on housebuilding and onshore wind show the new government’s welcome intent to tackle two significant challenges facing the country. Yet making progress in these areas cannot come at the expense of cleaning up our rivers, promoting nature-friendly farming and reaching our legally binding targets on biodiversity and conservation. Ecology and nature conservation must be factored into these necessary national projects. We believe this is possible with further ambition. As the British Ecological Society and the Zoological Society of London made clear in a report published in June, it is possible to achieve seemingly conflicting goals through multi-functional land use. However, to do so will require a systemic perspective and long-term thinking about what a sustainable economy looks like in the 21st century. To achieve this, processes that are already being developed, like local nature recovery strategies, environmental land management schemes and a land use framework, must be evidence-led, enhanced and empowered.
TESSA WARDLEY
DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY, THE RIVERS TRUST
The Rivers Trust looks forward to working with the new Labour government and Defra ministers on
long-term strategic approaches to river and nature restoration. As a priority, The Rivers Trust urges ministers to increase the funding and mandate for catchment partnerships, as recommended by the Office for Environmental Protection. Empowered catchment partnerships will help the government deliver cost-effective solutions for nature and people, delivering impactful nature-based solutions and robust monitoring networks.
“The next five years are critical, with many climate and nature goals coming to term”
The Rivers Trust will keep the government’s feet to the fire on water company business planning in PR24 to ensure that environmental ambitions remain high, and we support the call in the Fresh Water Future report for an independent review of water management and regulation.
The next five years are critical, with many climate and nature goals coming to term. Our sector has the expertise to change course and accelerate action for the environment, but we need the government to enable our solutions.
ELLIOT CHAPMAN-JONES
HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS
The new government will have five and a half years to meet its nature targets – it will have to hit the ground running and act decisively. It’s welcome to see the new environment secretary recognise that nature is in crisis. The government now has a mandate to take the bold and ambitious action required to reverse nature’s decline. That means fulfilling past promises like banning peat sales and reintroducing beavers; reviewing the Environmental Improvement Plan; stopping river pollution; and properly supporting wildlife-friendly farming to improve food security. Restoring nature is vital for growing our economy and tackling climate change, and voters demand ambitious action.
HILARY MCGRADY DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL TRUST
The UK remains one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. By addressing, prioritising and accelerating action to reverse the nature crisis, the government can also address issues like river pollution, food security and climate change.
This has to involve more support to farmers so they play a full part in helping nature and restoring the health of our rivers; ensuring 30 per cent of our land and seas are well managed and protected for nature by 2030; and investing in large-scale, nature-based solutions like peatland recovery, which will also help tackle climate change.
The quality of our cities, towns and countryside matters to people. We want to see more investment into our planning system to boost skills and capacity within local planning authorities, and we are keen to work with the new government to get the balance right. That means seeking multiple benefits from new infrastructure, safeguarding and restoring nature, protecting and making the most of our heritage and creating places people can be proud of, giving them hope for the future.
TOM BRADSHAW PRESIDENT, NFU
With the Labour Party’s recent election victory, British agriculture stands at a pivotal moment. As NFU president, I urge the new government to prioritise farmers’ invaluable environmental work and invest in the sector so they can continue their role in protecting and enhancing our countryside while producing more great British food.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in environmental stewardship. With the right investment, farmers can significantly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, while also promoting practices that enhance energy
efficiency. These efforts not only combat climate change but also ensure long-term food security and sustainability.
By securing a multi-year agricultural budget of £5.5bn for England and Wales, including £2.7bn for initiatives like habitat restoration and sustainable land management, the government can help farmers continue adopting and delivering practices that balance food production and environmental delivery. It is also imperative to ensure environmental land management schemes are accessible and effective for all farmers.
Labour’s manifesto acknowledged the importance of food security but did not commit to a dedicated agricultural budget, which is essential to meet their environmental goals and ensure sector confidence and growth. Securing this budget would drive forward our shared mission of food security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience –with this government’s investment British farmers are ready to lead the way.
TIM WAINWRIGHT CHIEF EXECUTIVE, WATERAID UK
A new government marks a pivotal moment to reform the way the UK aid budget is prioritised and spent. Globally, one in ten people lack access to clean water and one in five do not have decent toilets – a reality exacerbated exponentially by climate change. Increasingly, severe flooding and intense droughts are striking nations daily, polluting and depleting vital water sources. This is leaving communities vulnerable to disease, unable to sustain a job or remain in education, ultimately locking millions into the poverty cycle.
Despite the knowledge that water underpins so many international challenges, global action on water security remains poor. Years of successive aid cuts have meant that the world’s most vulnerable are left paying the price for a crisis they’ve done the least to cause. It is my hope that after an extended period of weakened UK global leadership, the newly elected Labour government reclaims the country’s position as
a global leader on international development and ramps up investment into universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Millions of lives depend on the new government’s next step. Our vote is a vote for all – for water.
TOM FEWINS
HEAD OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY, WWT
WWT is urging the new government to prioritise people and wildlife by protecting and restoring UK wetlands. Wetlands can help us repair economic security, enhance climate resilience and revive local communities, and the time to unlock their powers is now.
With the climate and biodiversity crises we face, WWT are calling for bold solutions. We hope to see a new commitment to restore 100,000ha of wetlands across the UK, which aligns with Labour’s manifesto commitment to restore nature-rich habitats. This commitment would be a crucial step towards enhancing biodiversity, tackling and adapting to climate change, improving wellbeing and cleaning our water.
A national wetlands strategy (recommended by the Convention for Wetlands, the Ramsar Convention) would also ensure cohesive, nationwide efforts to protect, restore and manage wetlands. While many countries have done so, the UK is yet to follow suit, despite being a contracting party of the Ramsar Convention.
We look forward to working with the new government to help nature burst back to life. Together, we can restore wetlands like our lives depend on it –because they do.
KIRSTY GIRVAN POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADVISOR,
UK GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
We would like to see the new government reform the planning system to put nature and climate at its core. This will help deliver new developments that are resilient to the impacts of climate
change. The Labour party repeatedly voted to align planning with the Climate Change Act last year, and we hope they will enact this change now they are in government. We would also like to see them align planning with the Environment Act to help them navigate the complex issues of the green, brown and grey belts.
Integrating nature and nature-based solutions is also crucial to reversing biodiversity loss, mitigating against climate risks, and improving quality of life. For example, increases in urban tree cover to a minimum of 25 per cent by 2030 would improve wellbeing, microclimate, air quality and health, as well as mitigating flood and heat risk.
JAMES WALLACE CEO, RIVER ACTION
The newly elected Labour government has a thumping mandate to clean up our rivers, which it made as a manifesto priority. This promise included putting failing water companies under special measures; banning bonuses for polluting water company bosses; and bringing criminal charges against persistent polluters who put profit before the health of rivers and river users.
The government must also reform Ofwat to ensure that people and the environment are prioritised over investors; and the Environment Agency (EA) to ensure increased water quality monitoring and more meaningful fines for polluters. Regulators have allowed our water companies to be assetstripped to the extent that the country’s sewage infrastructure is failing due to woeful under investment.
As the new secretary of state for the environment gets to grips with the UK’s freshwater emergency, we will be watching for action on our five-point plan to save the UK’s rivers. This includes prosecuting those responsible for the muck in our waterways, refinancing failing water companies, incentivising sustainable agriculture, taking a duty of care for public health, and properly resourcing and reforming the environmental regulators which have allowed the desecration of nature and put public health at risk. o
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A BLUE-GREEN FUTURE
CWhen it comes to addressing the root causes of flood risk, blue-green initiatives will be essential, argues Hannah Howe, principal consultant at AECOM
limate change is happening now.
Last year was the warmest calendar year in global temperature data records. It was the first year where every day exceeded 1°C above pre-industrial levels, with close to 50 per cent of days more than 1.5°C warmer. Current predictions indicate that 2024 may break this record. The significance of the 1.5°C increase brings into focus the agreements made in 2015 at COP21 in Paris.
Autumn 2023 through to spring 2024 was one of the wettest periods on record in the UK. Storms Babet and Henk sadly
saw houses and livelihoods ruined, and people displaced for months. Climate change has significant implications for management of surface water in our urban communities. We have flooding now, but it will only get worse with ‘onein-a-hundred-year storms’ occurring more frequently than their return period would suggest.
Without a doubt, we can and should continue to take steps to curb our carbon emissions to limit further impact on our climate. However, it seems inevitable now that as well as cutting emissions, we must adapt too. We now need to be preparing
for an uncertain future, where extreme weather events are the new normal, and infrastructure and people need to recover more efficiently from these events than is the case at the moment.
To tackle this, we need to remember that there are three components that combine to create flood risk: hazard, exposure and vulnerability. The hazard is a flood event in a particular location. Then there’s the exposure of people and property to the flood hazard. The vulnerability is the potential for damage. The same flooding event can therefore impact groups differently based on their vulnerability or level of resilience. Vulnerability can be influenced by many socio-economic and individual factors. Varying resilience means that some poorer urban communities are impacted by these flooding events disproportionately.
FAY BULL, AECOM
A bioswale in Mansfield
THE WAY FORWARD
With climate change causing an increase in flood hazard frequency, building resilience requires modifying the vulnerability and exposure of a community. These are factors that we can influence more readily than turning the tide on climate change.
There needs to be a focus on both short and long-term resilience. In the short term, vulnerability and exposure may be reduced by the effective deployment of property level resilience (PLR) measures, accurate flood forecasting and timely flood alerts, as well as community flood wardens and ensuring that information on flood response is communicated effectively. Community education is essential to enable individuals to be confident in how to manage their individual risk of flooding.
Long-term plans require equitable investment to ensure that schemes which reduce exposure to a flood hazard are planned in a way to prioritise the vulnerable.
A BLUE-GREEN FUTURE
There is a tried and tested approach in flood risk management, which still holds true, known as the ‘source-pathwayreceptor’ approach. A flood risk is not necessarily realised if the link between source (rainfall), pathway (overland flow) and receptor (people) is broken.
Some argue that the most effective way to deal with flooding risk is at source, then along the pathway, then at the receptor. PLR schemes that seek to protect the receptor, for example, certainly have their place in the flood risk management hierarchy. However, these schemes are often rated up to a flood depth of 600mm, which can be overtopped if water is above knee height. If possible, therefore, it would be more sustainable to reduce flood risk at source or divert it along its pathway.
With the challenge of climate change, we need to address the root causes of flood risk rather than treating the symptoms of poor surface water management.
Implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act would help manage surface water for new development through sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS). But we need to be thinking of flooding on the catchment
MANSFIELD SUSTAINABLE FLOOD RESILIENCE
SEVERN TRENT IS investing an unprecedented £76 million in naturebased solutions in Mansfield, UK.
The Mansfield Sustainable Flood Resilience Green Recovery project is a ground-breaking urban flood risk management scheme which will deliver hundreds of storm water storage interventions by spring 2025. This additional storage targets the predicted increase in storm flows by 2050. This increase is largely due to climate change for the 10-year storm
event, and also includes additional flows as a result of development growth and urban creep.
The delivery of this storage will be through individual retrofit sustainable drainage features (SuDS) such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable paving and detention basins. The combined impact of these interventions will be a significant greening of community spaces, biodiversity net gain and reductions in surface water flooding and storm water discharges.
scale to effectively manage it at source, then pathway, then receptor. This catchment-scale approach allows for blue-green thinking and holistic surface water management.
Blue-green infrastructure (BGI) tends to focus on managing flood risk at source, or along the pathway. This means a more strategic view of flood risk, and allows solutions to be developed at multiple sites which are designed to work together. This joined-up thinking is essential if we are to build infrastructure which will reduce exposure of vulnerable communities to flood risk.
BGI schemes combine the water component with an eco-system approach using a stormwater management model that seeks to minimise impacts on the natural environment. This approach protects, restores or mimics the natural water cycle and allows a way of
managing surface water as close as possible to where it falls. Often there is a focus on reconnecting individuals and communities with their local environments.
Blue-green infrastructure encourages sustainable approaches to water and environmental management, and often delivers multiple benefits such as flood risk management; river water quality and pollution reduction; biodiversity net gain; carbon reduction and capture; and community, wellbeing and amenity.
We are seeing more schemes where wider blue-green benefits are being realised, highlighting that they are a viable alternative to more traditional ‘grey’ solutions.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Thinking differently about how we manage flood risk sustainably should
JAMES GUNN & MARY WASTIE, AECOM
Rain garden in Mansfield
extend beyond the final design to consider the long-term impact on the communities that these infrastructure schemes will become part of. To be truly sustainable, these schemes need to provide social benefits such as increased amenity and improved access to green spaces.
There is an enormous opportunity for communities to be engaged in the design process, which encourages a sense of ownership and understanding of the benefits to their local area. This engagement can lead on to green job creation for the delivery of these schemes, enabling the development of green skills in the local community. The impact of this growth in green skills and personal employability goes far beyond what can be easily counted as a scheme benefit, but the impact of this on individual lives can be transformative.
As engineers and scientists, we have a responsibility to develop infrastructure which is sustainable economically, environmentally and socially, whilst tackling the issues around vulnerability to flood risk. Blue-green approaches offer part of the answer for surface water management and are a step change in the way we think about water sensitive design and sustainable development for our communities and urban spaces.
“To be truly sustainable, blue-green schemes need to provide social benefits too”
CHALLENGES
Long term monitoring and evaluation of blue-green schemes is hugely important in demonstrating them as a proven solution for flooding and river water quality. As a profession, we should take this opportunity and share knowledge.
I was truly encouraged in attending CIWEM’s Urban Drainage Group conference last December, and again at the Flood & Coast conference in June, to see entire sessions of the programme focusing on blue-green and naturebased solutions. As I listened to the various speakers, there seemed to be an awakening in the industry, with a flurry of catchment-based projects focusing on SuDS, natural flood management and blue-green approaches. This type
of industry knowledge sharing is vital to the embedding of blue-green and sustainable solutions as ‘the new normal’. When learning is not shared publicly, or monitoring of interventions post-construction is cut, we all lose out. The adjustment to widely adopting bluegreen approaches will only happen as we share what has worked, and what hasn’t. Additionally, there are obstacles around misplaced perceptions that blue-green solutions are more expensive than their grey equivalents. Given that solutions which are not sustainable are by definition finite, we need to be challenging how we quantify the multiple benefits of blue-green schemes. This will enable a clearer view of the true cost-benefit of a scheme.
While on the surface a sustainable solution may seem more expensive to construct, when this is balanced against the social and environmental benefits, they generally return more on investment than we currently account for. Until we can quantify these benefits more consistently and widen our gaze, grey solutions will inevitably be favoured over sustainable ones.
Finally, responsibility for flood risk management can be a divisive subject, as different bodies are responsible for different parts of the water cycle. Given that flooding mechanisms can be complex and integrated between different systems, it is not always clear where the responsibility lies for flood risk management. Throw into this mix concerns around resource constraints, ownership and maintenance, and it becomes clear just how essential close partnerships between risk management authorities are to the development of successful holistic blue-green schemes.
A NOTE OF HOPE
The multiple benefits of blue-green infrastructure are becoming clearer as we share our learnings across the industry. With climate change biting, we should be thinking about BGI schemes as viable alternatives to traditional grey solutions as tools for building resilience to flood risk.
Despite the many challenges to navigating change, I remain hopeful of our success, buoyed by the industry’s progress so far. o
BUILDING BLUEGREEN SKILLS IN NEW ZEALAND
NGĀ PUNA PŪKENGA – Skills for Industry is a partnership between Auckland Council and New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The programme was established to create sustainable, full-time employment opportunities for those who find it challenging to get into meaningful work, using the leverage of the combined procurement of the organisations.
The programme sources prequalified candidates through MSD providers and local communities, who are then profiled to Auckland Council suppliers. MSD funding is released to suppliers by Auckland Council to provide employment, training and individual mentoring and coaching aligned to social outcomes. Job placements are targeted towards residents of Auckland region, including creating opportunities for Māori, rangatahi, Pasifika, long-term unemployed, and people not in education, employment or training.
The partnership was originally piloted in 2019 with 42 candidates but has significantly expanded. It has created over 900 quality employment outcomes to date with Auckland Council suppliers and other construction sector employers across the region, to deliver infrastructure projects including blue-green and flood management schemes.
AUCKLAND COUNCIL
STEMMING THE TIDE
The Thames Barrier has been keeping London safe for 40 years – Jo Caird takes a tour and learns about the next phase for London’s flood defences
“Climate change, as a concept, wasn’t around when the Thames Barrier was built,” says Dave Cuthbertson. Its designers factored in sea level rises based on predictions associated with the melting of ice sheets following the last ice age, explains the climate adaptation manager for the Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 (TE2100) Plan. But that work was a world away from the complex long-term planning taking place today to decide on an eventual replacement for the now 40-year-old flood defence system for London. While the Thames Barrier was commissioned in direct response to the North Sea flood of 31 January 1953, which devastated the east coast of the UK and took 307 lives, what replaces
it will be informed by very different thinking. “TE2100 was designed to take us from being reactive to events to being proactive”, says Cuthbertson, speaking on a press tour of the Thames Barrier to mark 40 years since its formal opening by Queen Elizabeth II on 8 May 1984.
“Our strategy looks to the year 2100, and beyond, to try and understand how this system – not just the barrier, but all the walls, embankments and other barriers as well – are going to perform at that lifetime, how they need to be maintained, improved, upgraded.”
It’s relatively early days for TE2100, having only been published in 2012. As such, much is still undecided about the future of flood defence in the Thames Estuary. But that’s as it should be, says Cuthbertson, given the uncertainties around the impacts of the climate crisis
on sea level rises and the frequency and intensity of storm surges.
“We want to build a strategy that’s adaptable to that, so we’re constantly reviewing the evidence – updates that are coming out from the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] and other groups as well, like the Met Office – trying to understand what that could mean for us,” he says.
FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE
This so-called “adaptation pathways approach” has already resulted in changes being made to the plan. Following the first 10-year review of TE2100, for example, the deadline for deciding on end-of-century flood defences for the estuary was moved from 2050 to 2040. Such a time scale, the thinking goes, should enable a long-term solution to be up and running
THAMES BARRIER EXPLAINER
GATHERING DATA ON the tides, potential storm surges and river flow, from weather satellites, oil rigs, weather ships, coastal stations and river gauges, the Environment Agency is able to forecast conditions at the Thames Barrier up to 36 hours in advance. If the tide is forecast to get to within 450mm of the top of London’s embankments, the duty controller will order the closure of the barrier. Closure takes place shortly after low tide –this ensures that there is sufficient capacity in the reservoir upstream of the raised barrier that risk of fluvial flooding is avoided. The barrier is then opened following the next low tide.
by 2070, which is the projected end of life of the current barrier.
Various options for that solution include upgrading or converting the existing barrier, possibly in combination with the creation of flood storage areas in the estuary, and building a new barrier
at either Long Reach or Gravesend Reach in Kent. “When we’ve got enough certainty, we can lock in a plan, turn that into a package, commission and deliver it,” says Cuthbertson.
In the more immediate term, TE2100 calls for other flood defences up and
downstream of the Thames Barrier to be upgraded by 2050 and 2040 respectively. Raising embankments by around half a metre will enable the Environment Agency (EA) to prolong the life of the barrier by reducing the number of occasions on which it will need to be closed in the future, explains Cuthbertson: “It’s the more cost-efficient way of managing flood risk to London.”
LOOKING BACK
The Thames Barrier has been raised 221 times since it became operational in late 1982. “It’s always been the expectation that we would start with one or two closures and by about 2030 we’d be aiming for 30 closures per year,” says Andy Batchelor, who is stepping down as operations manager at the barrier after 25 years in the role.
“We’re guardians of the public purse and making sure that we do the maintenance appropriately”
That forecasting proved pretty accurate until the winter of 2013-2014, when seemingly endless rainfall caused river levels to go so high that Batchelor’s team had to close the barrier 50 times in 13 weeks, including for a period of 20 consecutive tides. He considers it one of the proudest moments of his career: “We always expected to do one or two consecutively but never that magnitude. To do that, the equipment was without fault and so was the team. We might have been very tired at the end of it, but it was a real accolade.”
Key to the barrier’s unblemished record over the past four decades, according to Batchelor, has been a monitoring and maintenance regime that leaves no room for failure: “We can’t be in the business of saying, ‘Sorry, we can’t do it’. The consequences are too great.”
Every process at the barrier has multiple back-up plans, and Batchelor has a team of around 100 in-house electricians and mechanical and civil engineers with specialist knowledge of this unique asset. Importantly, he notes, maintenance and operations staff are one and the same: “They change their hat and are best placed to know how to do things, if there was a little tweak that was needed.”
Looking downriver through the Thames Barrier
Each gate can be operated locally and remotely
JO CAIRD
HONING THE PLAN
It was Batchelor’s job to design the maintenance plan when he first joined the team at the barrier, the day the late Queen formally opened it. “It was brilliant,” he remembers. “There weren’t any manuals, we used the expertise of the engineers. And then over the years you hone your maintenance frequencies according to how you’re using the barrier. We’re guardians of the public purse and making sure that we do the maintenance appropriately.”
Batchelor is full of praise for the barrier’s original designers and engineers and their policy of only using parts and plant that had proven their reliability in other contexts. To illustrate his point, he shows us one of the motors that power the retractable flood gates – before being installed at the barrier, this model had been used successfully for many years in paper mills.
It’s an approach Batchelor has stuck with: the original relays that controlled the barrier were those used in old telephone exchanges; when that technology became obsolete, it was replaced by programmable logic controllers that had proven themselves in the North Sea oil industry.
“It’s not saying that my team don’t look at innovation, because we do,” Batchelor is quick to add. “You need to think of the latest technology, but we’ll look to trial it in a safe way, because we can’t run the risk of it affecting reliability.”
THAMES BARRIER IN NUMBERS
● 520m wide
● Protects 125 sq km of central London from flooding
● Comprises 10 steel gates, each measuring 61m across and weighing 3,300 tonnes
● Construction began: 1974
● 13,000 pen and ink design and engineering drawings
● 330km of walls and embankments
● Eight barriers in the Thames Estuary flood defence system as a whole
● Closed 221 times
● First closure: 1 February 1983
● Formally opened: 8 May 1984
● Projected end of life: 2070
Knowledge sharing and peer review is also crucial to the running of the barrier.
In 2006 Batchelor and barrier managers from the Netherlands and Russia cofounded what would become I-STORM, the international network for storm surge barriers. They’ve since been joined by colleagues from the United States and Italy, plus Suffolk and Somerset here in the UK, all places where retractable flood barriers already exist or are planned.
“How can we work towards our net zero targets and keep making London a great place to live and work?”
“With respect to other engineering colleagues, there’s quite a number of power stations or railways or dams,” explains Batchelor. “There are very few barriers, and some of their operations and requirements are unique. What this network does is put like-minded people who own, operate and manage structures together to learn from each other.”
Batchelor is looking forward to stepping up his involvement with I-STORM after his retirement from the Thames Barrier.
WORKING WITH NATURE
In-case-of-emergency flood defence schemes are inevitably reliant on large quantities of concrete and steel, and the Thames Barrier is no different. But when it comes to the next iteration of London’s flood defences, nature is an important part of the conversation too – as it should be with all major infrastructure projects that take place today.
Cuthbertson describes some of the nature-based solutions (NBS) being implemented in the Thames catchment,
from tree planting upriver to slow the flow, to floodable intertidal river wall terracing that attenuates wave action to reduce pressure on the defences.
“It’s not just thinking about the flood risk management solution and pouring concrete,” he says. “It would be an engineer’s dream, but it wouldn’t deliver the wider benefits that we know that the Thames Estuary brings to lots of people: improved access, recreation, habitat, wildlife, carbon storage. How can we work towards our net zero targets and keep making London a great place to live and work?”
Downstream of the capital, the EA has targets to hit around replacing habitat projected to be lost to coastal squeeze due to TE2100. Working with partners including the RSPB it has so far delivered 58ha of intertidal habitat in Wallasea Island in Essex and Salt Fleet Flats in Kent (see Leading voices, p. 10). At current projections, another 540ha will be required by 2105, delivered in stages over this period.
On top of this, further environmental mitigation measures will need to be taken as the TE2100 Plan develops, in line with all the usual assessment schemes for infrastructure projects. Cuthberton is looking forward to some of the opportunities for large-scale NBS that TE2100 could bring.
Batchelor, for his part, leaves the Thames Barrier proud of what he and his team have achieved, and excited for what’s to come: “We’ve built a good asset. We’ve looked after the asset for 40 years and the plans are there for the future. Whatever life throws at us, hopefully we can put in, turn the handle and see what comes out as a solution going forward.” o
Queen Elizbath II opening the barrier, 1984
BUILD BACK BETTER
Join Flood Re for series 2 of our Build Back Better (BBB) and Property Flood Resilience (PFR) lunch and learns launching Autumn 2024.
These sessions will cover:
• BBB principles
• The role of outdoor spaces in �ood mitigation
• Real-life PFR case studies
• PRF installation practices
• Industry support e�orts
• Firsthand installation experiences
Content will be updated with insights from the 2023 winter storms which we are excited to share with the market.
BREAKING BARRIERS
TEuropean rivers are fragmented by more than 1.2 million barriers – removing them has benefits for wildlife, water stress and safety, say Ruben Rocha and Foivos A. Mouchlianitis of the World Fish Migration Foundation
he Hiitolanjoki River in southeast Finland is home to the Nordic country’s last remaining population of original and fully natural lake salmon. Yet for decades the species was prevented from reaching its historic spawning grounds upstream by a series of hydropower plants damming the rapids at Kangaskoski, Lahnasenkoski and Ritakoski.
That all changed between 2021 and 2023 when the South Karelian Recreation Area Foundation (SKRA) dismantled the dams as part of the largest river restoration project ever undertaken in Finland. The work was years in the
planning – the SKRA acquired the first of the plants back in 2017 – but the ecological improvement was instant. Just a few weeks after the demolitions, salmon spawning nests were spotted upriver of where the work took place.
In time, it’s hoped that populations of young salmon and trout could be double what they were while the dams were in place – up to 11,000 migratory fish a year.
European rivers are fragmented by more than 1.2 million barriers. Barriers come in various forms and serve multiple purposes, including dams, weirs, culverts, sluices and fords. But any built structure that interrupts or modifies the
flow of water, the transport of sediments or the movement of organisms and can cause longitudinal and lateral discontinuity, is a river barrier.
Of those 1.2 million, over 150,000 are considered obsolete and therefore ripe for removal. In recent years, the conversation around the removal of river barriers in Europe has gained significant traction, influenced by the success of the movement in the US. There is growing recognition of the benefits that this river restoration tool brings at ecological, social and economic levels, including restoring river connectivity and revitalising ecosystems. As the founder of the Dam Removal
Removal of Ritakoski Dam, Finland
Europe (DRE) coalition, the World Fish Migration Foundation, along with its partners, is one of the key organisations actively promoting obsolete river barrier removals in Europe. Annual reports from DRE show more unnecessary and obsolete river barriers being removed each year. In 2023 alone, almost 500 barriers were removed in 15 European countries (a 50 per cent increase from the previous year), reconnecting over 4,300km of river network.
THE FRAGMENTATION PROBLEM
River barriers block fish migration, preventing access to vital feeding and reproduction grounds, causing significant biodiversity and economic losses. The Living Planet Index for Freshwater Migratory Fishes revealed an average 81 per cent collapse in monitored population sizes between 1970 and 2020, with catastrophic declines of 91 per cent
in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 75 per cent in Europe. Almost one in three of all freshwater species and 25 per cent of freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction, and migratory fishes are disproportionately threatened compared to non-migratory fishes.
The declining trend has been attributed to a combination of factors including the destruction of habitat and building of dams and barriers. European eel populations have been reduced by approximately 90 per cent since the 1980s, for example, and the species is now considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
“Just a few weeks after the dam demolitions, salmon spawning nests were spotted upriver”
Affecting not only biodiversity, but also the livelihoods of many, climate change is worsening water stress in dry areas, with water availability declining in many parts of Europe. River barriers intensify the effects of drought, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean, where water management is complex due to the high seasonal and interannual variability in the flow regime. River barriers create reservoirs, which can put further pressure on water availability through losses from evaporation in the reservoir and distribution canals. In areas with high temperatures, evaporation rates are even higher.
When the Alcántara Dam was built in 1969 on the River Tagus where it runs along the border between central Spain and Portugal, it created the second largest reservoir in Europe. The exploitation of this reservoir has resulted in a significant decrease in water releases during winter and spring, particularly in times of scarcity, coupled with a slight increase in the intensity and duration of summer low flows. Additionally, considerable alterations in drought patterns along the Tagus river basin downstream of the dam have occurred since its construction.
In-river structures also alter water temperature, flow and quality, as well as natural sedimentation. Artificial reservoirs behind large barriers can be hotspots for greenhouse gas emissions,
such as methane, which has a high global warming potential, as observed in the impounded River Saar in Germany.
DROWNING MACHINES
The 2023 DRE report also warns of safety risks associated with aging infrastructure. Many barriers constructed in the mid-20th century were not designed to cope with the current variability and frequency of extreme weather events, such as intense storms and floods. This, combined with the lack of regular maintenance, increases the risk of failure and collapse, as evidenced by the collapse of at least three river barriers last year in Norway, Northern Ireland, and Slovenia, due to heavy rain. Some barriers, particularly weirs (lowhead dams), have also been identified as potential “drowning machines”, due to the formation of strong subsurface currents which become unescapable for swimmers, kayakers and other recreational river users. DRE’s 2023 report made the first attempt to collect information about risks that river barriers may pose to river users. It found that, since the 1800s, 82 incidents, which resulted in 129 fatalities, were reported in 16 countries.
With tens of thousands of obsolete river barriers across European rivers, the potential for catastrophic failures is high, posing significant risks to downstream communities and potentially costing human lives. Modernising these aging structures to meet updated engineering and environmental standards is often expensive, so removing old structures is the most cost-effective solution to reduce the risk of property damage, loss of life and environmental degradation. Removal costs vary widely, depending on the barrier type and country where it’s located. Barrier removals in Europe in recent years have cost anywhere between €2,000 and €700,000.
THE PACE OF CHANGE
The commitment to removing obsolete barriers and enhancing biodiversity moves ahead strongly in Europe. Following policy change at EU level (see box), several countries have crafted their own legislative mechanisms to facilitate barrier removals, with some emerging as pioneers in this regard.
MIKKONIKKINEN
The newly modified Lithuanian Water Law, for example, explicitly states that all obsolete barriers must be removed, while fishways must be built on all functional dams.
Finland has in place legislation that protects the remaining 53 freeflowing rivers and rapids nationwide and prevents the development of new hydropower plants on those waterways. The country is also revising its Water Act to put environmental requirements in place at hydropower plants where none had existed previously. Furthermore, dam removal is explicitly featured in the national plan for Finland, with a multi-million-euro budget. Dam removals are widely covered in the country’s river basin management plans.
“Of 1.2 million river barriers in Europe, over 150,000 are considered obsolete and therefore ripe for removal”
Sweden is currently reviewing its licensing system for river water usage to align with the EU Water Framework Directive. Moreover, in most facilities, unlimited water permits for water use for hydropower purposes will be modified, with licences reviewed continuously in the future. To that end, in 2019 the nine largest Swedish hydropower companies created the Hydroelectric Environmental Fund. Over its 20-year lifespan, the approximately €1 billion fund will assist the process of acquiring modern permits that might include fish passage requirements or, in some cases, the decommission of small hydropower facilities. It will cover up to 85 per cent of the cost of the removal or construction works, including the permit acquiring process cost as well as the loss of income above five per cent in case of decommission or larger modifications of the water usage in the facilities. Luxembourg is also stepping up its ambition to implement river restoration by mapping the remaining free-flowing rivers nationwide and subsidising barrier removal projects through the Water Management Fund (Fonds pour la gestion d’eau). All water permits for mills and hydropower plants have been suspended in the principality since 2012.
EU POLICY EXPLAINER
By Julia Boverhoff, Europe freshwater policy associate at The Nature Conservancy
THE NATURE RESTORATION
Law was adopted in June by the EU Environmental Council after a tumultuous journey and represents the first Europe-wide law to set legally binding targets to restore nature. Among others, it sets the target to make at least 25,000km of rivers free flowing again by 2030, by removing obsolete barriers and restoring floodplains and wetlands. Additionally, it aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20 per cent of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, covering a range of terrestrial, coastal, marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The European Union has long demonstrated strong leadership in international environmental policy by developing and implementing policies and strategies to safeguard nature. Strategic policies at the EU level promote the protection of rivers and the restoration of rivers to free-flowing status and provide a robust framework supporting river barrier removal.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD), adopted in 2000, set out
THE FUTURE
The drive towards river barrier removal in Europe is more than an environmental campaign. It is a necessary evolution towards building sustainable and resilient ecosystems in the face of an ever-changing climate. Looking ahead, DRE aims to mainstream and scale up barrier removal in Europe by enabling knowledge exchange,
obligations to halt deterioration in the status of EU water bodies and achieve good status for Europe’s rivers, lakes and groundwater by 2027 and beyond. Although the WFD does not explicitly require river barriers to be removed, removals have been implemented as a measure to improve the hydromorphological dynamics of a river, which are fundamental to meet standards for ecology, quality and quantity of waters to achieve ‘good ecological status’.
Adopted in May 2020, the EU Biodiversity Strategy proposes actions and commitments to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Europe and worldwide, by 2030. This strategy is effectively the European implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. One of the objectives is the restoration of freshwater ecosystems. The strategy calls for greater efforts to restore these ecosystems and the natural functions of rivers. In addition, the strategy also asks for the development of a new “Nature Restoration Law”.
connecting practitioners and celebrating successful projects through courses, seminars, webinars, workshops and dissemination activities.
Europe has seen river barrier removals going from strength to strength in the past few years and DRE wants to continue this trajectory so that the removal of obsolete river barriers becomes “business as usual” in all European countries. o
Salmon migrating upriver, Finland
PETTERI HAUTAMAA/WWF FINLAND
YOUR NEW MEMBER PORTAL
MEMBERS VISITING the CIWEM website in recent weeks will have noticed some exciting changes to the user experience. These include updated CPD recording tools, a streamlined application system, access to member news and updates, a member directory that you can opt into, and improved digital access to our publications, including the archives of The Environment. In addition you’ll find a new member portal which provides a hugely improved experience to managing your membership, paying subscriptions and keeping us updated of your details and preferences.
SUSTAINABLE CIWEM
WE ARE THRILLED to have achieved Planet Mark certification for 2023. It recognises the organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability in its business operations by measuring and reducing its carbon footprint and engaging its stakeholders.
NEWS
Edited by Chloe Goode
OBITUARY: ALAN BRUCE
Dedicated CIWEM member whose roles included serving as chair of the Metropolitan Branch has passed away at the age of 90
ALAN BRUCE STARTED his professional career at the Water Pollution Research Laboratory in Stevenage in 1956. Initially, he was a member of Tony Downing’s team but soon moved to work with Dr Doug Swanwick on anaerobic treatment processes, where he quickly established a worldwide reputation.
Bruce was a prolific presenter, author and publisher. As well as numerous technical publications, he edited Sewage Sludge Stabilisation and Disinfection, published by Ellis Horwood in 1984, and wrote the CIWEM manual on sewage sludge utilisation and disposal in 1995.
Bruce also researched the microbial mechanisms of biological filters, including plastic media used in sewage treatment.
He was very well known in Europe, and became the head of Working Party 1 (Processes) of the EU COST 681 programme, dealing with treatment and disposal of sewage sludge and animal wastes. This involved meetings in each of the then 12 EU member states with local experts. For many years, Bruce was a member of the CIWEM editorial board and chair of the Metropolitan Branch of CIWEM. He was well known in the US and Japan for his scientific work on anaerobic treatment processes. His contribution to the UK water industry was recognised when he was invited to join the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovellers (the 5S Society), where he served as dean for a year.
Bruce published more than 100 scientific papers, co-authored several books and wrote many technical reports.
He died peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by his four lovely and talented daughters. He will be missed by so many loyal friends and colleagues for his kindness, humour and patience.
PAST PRESIDENT PUBLISHES THIRD BOOK TOP 50 WOMEN IN ENGINEERING LIST
BRUCE KEITH, a former trustee of CIWEM who served as president 2016-2017, has published a third book about his native Scotland. Scotland Beneath the Surface explores the natural and man-made heritage under our feet, including groundwater resource and hydro-electric power generation, and discusses the management of natural resources. Copies can be obtained from the author direct at dunproductions@yahoo.co.uk for £22, inclusive of p&p.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CIWEM members Amy Shaw of the Environment Agency (pictured), Melanie Thrush of Arup and Claire Watson of Binnies, all of whom are among the winners of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) annual Top 50 Women in Engineering awards. Shaw said: “This award represents the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work in a field that I am deeply passionate about.”
GREEN GROWTH
The new government’s growth-driven legislative agenda must embrace a foundation of nature recovery and resilience, argues Alastair Chisolm, CIWEM’s director of policy
THE KING’S SPEECH that unveiled the new Labour government’s legislative agenda in July was pitched as a programme to “unlock growth and take the brakes off Britain”. But with bills designed to “turbocharge building of houses and infrastructure” (which includes water infrastructure) there must be a firm parallel steer towards nature recovery and climate resilience.
Labour hasn’t shied away from bold language on its housebuilding, infrastructure and planning reform ambitions. It sees these as the foundations of its growth agenda – on which any future spending ambitions are built.
Sir Keir Starmer’s proclamation that a Labour government would “bulldoze” nimby planning blockers to
1.5 million homes showed the intent. There’s been little to indicate so far that the environment is integral to the government’s planning reform thinking.
But it has to be. And it’s entirely possible. Measures instigated by the last Labour government, including important components of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Code for Sustainable Homes, were frustrated or cancelled by subsequent governments. These regulations, had they been implemented and endured, would have by now embedded sustainable housing and enabled the housing industry to mainstream sustainable approaches and technologies. Instead, we are barely any further on than we were in 2010, whilst housing demand has grown,
climate change advanced considerably and nature is in crisis.
FLOOD AND DROUGHT RISK TO GROWTH
Insured losses from major flooding and storms in any given winter are estimated at between £500 million and more than £1.5 billion. Lenders are beginning to restrict accessibility of mortgages to a growing number of properties defined as at flood risk.
“Infrastructure schemes should incorporate nature-based solutions where practicable”
Meanwhile, daily costs of severe drought on London’s economy were estimated at £330 million per day in 2018; the London Climate Resilience Review is providing valuable evidence on the importance of proactive measures to address wider impacts. The nation will need approaching 5 billion litres of additional water per day by 2050 to meet water demand resulting from both climate change and growth.
Property-level interventions, including water efficiency, rainwater harvesting,
New homes should should incorporate sustainability
sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and property flood resilience can all help unlock economic growth (and minimise negative impacts on growth) as well as making new housing climate-resilient.
New water infrastructure schemes –which the Planning and Infrastructure Bill may help to usher faster through the consenting process – should incorporate nature-based solutions (NBS) where practicable and be delivered in line with strategic planning to avoid harm to biodiversity. However quickly they are delivered though, these reservoirs and transfers will not feasibly come online quickly enough to fill the gap between available water supplies and demand.
New water minister Emma Hardy MP has apparently said that she doesn’t want this to be the government under which the taps run dry. Whatever the likelihood of that, mitigating the risk will need a concerted approach to driving water efficiency and reuse in new buildings.
WATER EFFICIENCY AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
The last government had instigated the process of updating Part G of the Building Regulations. This would enable more ambitious water efficiency through a fixtures and fittings-based approach in line with the proposed mandatory water efficiency label scheme.
This is now widely considered to be far more impactful in achieving water efficiency results than the ineffectual per capita consumption approach. The government must re-commence this process and set ambition levels high to achieve efficiency levels in new homes equivalent to 80 or 90 litres per person per day.
The technologies are available and this approach of mandatory standards linked to water-using fixtures and fittings represents a far simpler mechanism which will enable water-efficient products to become the norm in the marketplace –including for after-market products.
BULLDOZE THE BLOCKERS TO WATER RE-USE
The commitment to removing blockers must work across many fronts. The Water Industry Act 1991 and/or the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 together are preventing the ability to install dual water supply pipe systems in homes and deliver water reuse for non-
potable purposes (see box). Either the definition of ‘wholesome water’ within these regulations needs to be changed or an amendment made that provides alternative water quality parameters for specified uses such as toilet flushing, washing machines, gardening and car washing. These changes must be implemented quickly to enable lower home water efficiency standards to be brought forward in good time.
In parallel, other policies to support water reuse in new developments should be brought forward, with a view to their being made mandatory in Building Regulations in the future. For example, the development of a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) or British Standard for dual system pipework layouts.
This should be supported by requirements for non-household water users over an agreed volume to incorporate water reuse into their new developments.
IMPLEMENT SCHEDULE 3
Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 needs no introduction to CIWEM members. As climate change advances, resulting in increasingly intense downpours, urban areas covered in hard, impermeable surfaces become particularly prone to flood risk. This can be very hard to forecast and predict, unlike flood risk associated with rivers or the coast. This puts a growing number of communities at risk of flooding.
“Policies to support water reuse in new developments should be brought forward”
The concept of ‘sponge cities’ – where semi-natural water storage features are incorporated into the urban fabric – is becoming widely recognised and adopted internationally. A sponge cities principle should be embedded within planning reforms to mainstream SuDS in new development as well as retrofitting them into existing urban spaces of all sizes.
Mandating SuDS in new developments (as Schedule 3 would do) has been positioned by many developers as burdensome and costly. The reality is that this can be the case if poorlyplanned and designed, but it need not
WATER RE-USE LEGISLATION EXPLAINER
SECTION 68 OF the Water Industry Act 1991 states that all water suppliers are to provide ‘wholesome quality water’ to residential properties. Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 states that ‘wholesome quality’ is effectively potable water. This means that only potable water can be supplied by water companies to homes.
be so. There is significant evidence to show that if well-planned and designed, they can be cheaper than traditional piped drains and sewers. And we know they unlock widespread ancillary benefits and value for placemaking, health and wellbeing, water quality, reducing sewage overflows, biodiversity net gain, urban heat island mitigation, nature and more.
A lack of clear regulatory direction and leadership on SuDS has fostered a development climate where developer conventional wisdoms prevail unduly. As a result, SuDS are often resisted on the grounds of viability – both within the industry and recently by ministers and the housing department. The ‘planningled’ approach since 2015 has created ambiguity and drift, meaning those SuDS that were delivered were often of poor quality and not adopted or maintained, whilst sewers became overloaded.
Fully implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 – frustrated by governments since that date – at the earliest opportunity would be a welcome first step to ensure future development has a slightly lighter environmental footprint.
Working for nature and resilience alongside housing and growth can’t always be achieved through use of NBS. They can – and should – be a growing part of the solutions mix. However, alongside them, the fixtures, fittings and plumbing – as well as new major water infrastructure – will be the hardengineered counterparts which mean the up and downstream impacts on nature are managed. o
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MY ROUTE TO CHARTERSHIP
DR MICHAEL IMAGE
An associate in natural capital with AtkinsRéalis, Dr Michael Image MCIWEM C.WEM CEnv shares his route to becoming a chartered water and environmental manager
MY MAIN JOB is at AtkinsRéalis, where I work four to five days a week as an associate in natural capital. I also spend one day a week at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) as a researcher investigating the impacts of future land cover change on crop pollination services.
My specialist areas are natural capital/ environmental economics, nature-based solutions, environmental land management, environmental policy appraisal, nature markets and green finance.
Before my current role, I worked as an environmental consultant in the policy and economics team at ADAS UK. I joined them in 2014 after completing my MSc in environmental management.
This is my second career – I worked in financial services between 1998 and 2012.
CHOOSING A CHARTERSHIP
I had been involved with CIWEM for a couple of years on the Natural Capital Panel and becoming chartered was an expectation for my job grade and promotion prospects at Atkins. I decided not to go with IEMA (even though I was already a practitioner) as my experience in the land management and water sector aligned better with CIWEM.
Ideally I would have been chartered earlier in my career. I could probably have applied in 2018 but chose not to as I wanted to focus on my PhD. Plus, there was less pressure at ADAS UK to achieve the status in the context of the job that I was doing (environmental policy appraisal).
Being chartered is a recognition of professional competence that assures current and prospective clients that I will work at a certain standard. It also meant I was able to be promoted.
PREPARING MY APPLICATION
I reviewed the competencies and realised that I already met them all and had enough project experience to answer
each question with a different project example – an advantage perhaps of being a somewhat late applier.
The main challenge was framing my professional experience appropriately to demonstrate that I met the competencies without being too repetitive. This can be challenging when applying for C.WEM and CEnv as there is some overlap in the competencies.
My mentors were useful in reviewing my application and ensuring I had used good and appropriate examples.
“Being chartered is a recognition of professional competence that assures current and prospective clients that I will work at a certain standard”
PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW
For my project presentation, I referred to work that I did for Southern Water to support options development for catchment management schemes in their PR24 WINEP submission. It succinctly demonstrated a good range of skills and competencies and was policy relevant. I practised my presentation to ensure I could deliver it within the 10-minute limit.
I re-read my application to ensure I was familiar with the responses I gave to each competency. I made sure I was up-to-date with news and developments in the industry by reading CIWEM literature alongside material produced by The ENDS Report.
On the day, I felt relaxed. I had done a fair amount of public speaking and interview-related work in the previous few weeks, including presenting my academic work at conferences and my PhD, so I didn’t feel nervous.
I was however challenged by the interviewers who asked me about international work and ethical
considerations when working with governments of countries with different values to the UK. I haven’t had to deal with that in my environmental work so that was a surprise. I needed to think on my feet to answer the question diplomatically.
MY TOP TIPS FOR GETTING CHARTERED
1. Build up a wide portfolio of project experience. This ensures you have a lot of examples to draw on when demonstrating competencies without being repetitive. It also broadens you.
2. Make sure you demonstrate what you did as an individual.
3. Pick a diligent mentor who will carefully review your application to ensure it is of the highest quality.
4. Prepare for the interview – either do a mock or time your presentation until you can deliver it in 10 minutes.
NEXT STEPS
I enjoy the technical aspects of my current roles and the fact that I can combine consultancy and academia in the natural capital and environmental land management space. I would like to aim for a technical director level role in natural capital consultancy.
However, I am also keen to develop a research grant to develop and apply process-based models to better understand how land cover changes affect a wider range of ecosystem services provided by other mobile species (eg pest control and seed dispersal).
I would also like to get a fellowship at some point. o
Want to become a chartered water and environmental manager? Find out more at: ciwem.org/membership/ chartered-member
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
A NATURAL CAPITAL IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
Rebecca Speed tells us about a typical day as a natural capital implementation manager at United Utilities
REBECCA SPEED HAS worked for United Utilities for seven years. She started her career as a business analyst before specialising in natural capital in the water sector.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR ROLE?
My main driver is working to embed natural capital in decision making. I do this through internal engagement by working with my colleagues to help educate them on how their role impacts and depends on nature. This also includes evaluating the benefits of the ecosystem services that our nature-based solutions (NBS) provide.
External engagement also key. I’m a member of several natural capital working groups within the company and externally across the region. These sessions are excellent for sharing information beyond the water sector.
WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
An appreciation of the complexity of nature and a background in finance and analytics would benefit anyone wanting to move into the natural capital field.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
As a hybrid worker, I split my time
between our head office in Warrington and working from home. I typically start my day by catching up on emails and setting out tasks for the day. Much of my work is ongoing so it helps to break down large projects into smaller objectives to keep track of progress.
I also like to keep updated with advancements in natural capital and naturerelated reporting by attending webinars and occasionally speaking as a panel member to contribute to the conversation. An important part of my role is maintaining industry contacts and sharing experiences with colleagues to ensure I can bring best practices to my activities.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEAM
I’m part of the ESG team that works to embed value-based decision making and maximise the value to United Utilities of participation in ESG ratings. It’s a great advantage to be surrounded by sustainability, ESG and water industry experts as we can discuss and resolve our challenges.
TELL US ABOUT A RECENT PROJECT
I led the delivery of our Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures
(TNFD) report within our Integrated Annual Report. This involves reporting how nature-related matters are considered in our governance structure; short to long-term environment planning and land management strategies; risk and impact management; and metrics and targets.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I love building relationships with internal and external colleagues who are passionate about protecting the environment. These relationships keep me up-to-date with new developments in the sector and build on my knowledge of the field. I also love how varied my role is – no two days are the same and there is plenty to get involved with.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH NATURE?
I drive colleagues to consider natural capital and wider environmental outcomes, assisting with the behavioural shift towards value-based decision making.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE?
Public perception of the water industry is currently a challenge everyone is facing. My role specifically highlights the good work that my colleagues are doing to protect and enhance the environment. I see and value the benefits directly when an NBS is completed in place of a more traditionally engineered solution, but it is a challenge when the water industry faces negative publicity.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO DO YOUR ROLE?
Build your network, make connections at events, or reach out to people in the field who you can learn from, and create your own opportunities.
HOW DOES CIWEM BENEFIT YOU?
I have been an environmental partner at CIWEM for the past two years. I also sit as an early-career professional on CIWEM’s Natural Capital Panel and help develop policy documents.
I receive regular professional guidance from a CIWEM chartered environmentalist (CEnv) within United Utilities and value the experience I’ve gained from this relationship as I work towards becoming chartered (C.WEM) myself. o
INCOMING PRESIDENTS
BUILDING RESILIENCE
New president Hannah Burgess and junior president Peter Rook set out their vision for CIWEM’s new presidential theme
THIS YEAR’S PRESIDENTIAL theme – ‘Scaling up resilience towards and adapting at pace to climate change’ –engages with vital concepts across the diverse sectors in which our members work, including the water industry, flood risk management and environmental management. CIWEM’s president has an ambassadorial role representing all CIWEM members, with the junior president specifically advocating for early career professionals. They are supported by the immediate past and future presidents, providing continuity. Many of us frequently encounter the term ‘resilience’ in our professional lives, but what does it actually mean? At its most basic level, ‘resilience’ is the ability of a system to absorb and recover from a shock, such as the challenges posed by the climate and ecological emergency. This is increasingly critical as the year from 2023 to 2024 marked the first time that global temperatures consistently exceeded the 1.5°C warming limit, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Additionally, the fourth State of Nature Report presents bleak statistics, noting that
since 1970, UK species have declined by 19 per cent on average.
Adapting to meet these challenges as a society is becoming ever more urgent and one of the most important ways we can do this is through placemaking. With the housing crisis in the UK, development pressures have continued to increase – there is a clear need for development but this must be achieved in a way that does not adversely impact the environment. The announcement of reforms to the planning system is welcome, as appropriate development is an opportunity to design sustainable places that can enhance the environment, deliver economic growth and improve our quality of life.
In our journey to becoming more resilient, we should not forget the central role that communities play in taking ownership and collective responsibility. BeFloodReady, CIWEM’s community of practice for property flood resilience, exemplifies this approach through equipping communities with essential knowledge and tools to assess risks, implement practical solutions and better
HANNAH BURGESS
I am a fellow of CIWEM and a chartered water and environmental manager. I’ve worked in flood and coastal management for 21 years and I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impacts of flooding and coastal change. I am a regional delivery director for the Binnies flood, coast and maritime business.
I’ve volunteered for CIWEM since 2005 and am a past chair of the Rivers and Coastal Group and the West Midlands Branch. Back in 2008, I won the CIWEM Young Members Award. CIWEM has supported me throughout my career and given me the opportunity to support others, who all work for the benefit of communities and the environment.
Being president is a huge privilege and it will be an honour to serve you over the next 12 months. It’s our role as an industry to support communities on the front line of environmental change to adapt and enhance their resilience – that’s why our theme is very important to me.
plan for and respond to flooding. This initiative empowers communities to take proactive measures, showcasing the power of collective action in enhancing resilience. The demand on increasingly stressed water resources is a global challenge exacerbated by the climate crisis, with longer and more extreme droughts disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable communities. For example, in Somalia, 1.2 million people were displaced in 2022 due to drought alone.
Whilst this paints a sobering picture, as professionals there are also success stories we can learn from, such as the community work that organisations such as Frank Water are doing with communities in India, Nepal and Kenya.
PROFESSIONAL RESILIENCE
In the UK, wastewater management has recently moved up the agenda, with water companies coming under increasing scrutiny from the public, media and politicians, and anger at sewage spills and privatisation. This has resulted in staff sometimes facing abuse from members of the public despite the vital role they play in our day-today lives and the complex challenges of managing wastewater, with historic underinvestment and antiquated infrastructure. Over the coming year we
hope to explore the role of personal and professional resilience, particularly for our members in public-facing roles. With the complex challenges we face, our industry needs to be resilient and able to adapt when needed. The past year has also seen rapid technological changes such as the wide-scale rollout of artificial intelligence technologies which have the potential to transform ways of working. These present both challenges and opportunities.
Our ambition for the new presidential year is to provide an opportunity to showcase some of the innovative solutions that our CIWEM members are developing to increase society’s resilience and adapt to the challenges of the climate and ecological emergency. These complex issues require a multi-disciplinary approach, which is why we aim to hold several joint events over the coming year, partnering with organisations such as the British Hydrological Society, and drawing upon the talents of a broad range of disciplines. Highlighting the importance of the work we do and inspiring people to build a career in industry is vital, and we will work closely with early careers groups to exhibit the stories and achievements of early career professionals.
PETER ROOK
I am a chartered water and environmental manager and I’ve worked in flood and coastal management for seven years. Day-to-day, I’m a chartered senior analyst and team leader in flood resilience at JBA Consulting, and I previously worked at a lead local flood authority.
As junior president it will be a great honour to champion the role of early career professionals in our industry over the coming year. From my experience across both the private and public sector, I know that our ability to adapt to the climate challenges we’re facing and improve our resilience will be crucial, extending to our personal and professional development.
We are your presidents for the year 2024 to 2025. It is a great honour for us to represent CIWEM and you, our members. Please do get in contact if you’d like to discuss our plans for our presidential year. o
CIWEM’s journals are one of the key ways that we facilitate knowledge sharing across the water and environmental management sectors – publications manager Vicky Harris explains how you can get involved
‘WORKING WITH NATURE’ is a theme that cuts across everything we do at CIWEM, including our two peer-reviewed journals. The Water and Environment Journal (WEJ) and Journal of Flood Risk Management (JFRM) have been collectively publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers for over 50 years in partnership with Wiley, the global leader in society publishing. Both journals invite submissions on the theme of
‘working with nature’, be that innovation in off-grid water treatment, natural flood management, broader nature-based solutions or climate change adaptation. JFRM has a specific focus on knowledge sharing in all areas related to managing flood risk. WEJ has a broader scope, covering all aspects of water management and wastewater treatment. Both journals cover the interfaces between industry, policy and academia.
Publishing advancements in water and environmental management for the public benefit has been at the heart of CIWEM’s royal charter since 1995, and our journals are reaching a global audience in the rapidly evolving world of digital open publishing. In 2023 articles published in JFRM and WEJ were viewed 497,000 times across all 195 countries recognised by the UN (see map for a snapshot of our reach).
As a CIWEM member you get access to the latest issues of both journals, as well as a searchable digital back catalogue of hundreds of papers accessed through MyCIWEM and the Wiley Online Library. In addition to quarterly issues, the journals publish a range of special issues with geographical or technical themes, or linked to industry events.
Whatever your career stage or step on the CIWEM membership journey, publishing in or reviewing for journals can help you to further your personal and professional development and counts towards your 90-hour, three-year CPD requirement.
WHY SUBMIT A PAPER TO A PEER REVIEW JOURNAL?
Publication in a journal increases your professional visibility, demonstrates thought leadership, develops communication skills and is great addition to your CV when considering career progression.
There is no doubt that submitting to a journal requires an investment of time, usually above and beyond your day job, and can feel daunting. But it is a great opportunity for showcasing your professional achievements, sharing good practice and inviting feedback.
In 2023 we received over 700 submissions to our journals, and on average 30 per cent
of those will be accepted for publication. Submission to a journal is a journey and success is not always measured in a final decision from an editor-in-chief. Peer review is a unique opportunity to receive feedback from outside your usual network, exchange ideas and further your technical understanding.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS?
Submission is online and all papers receive input from at least two external reviewers who have relevant academic or industry experience, as well as comments from one of our associate editor team and an editor-in-chief. Most
papers will go through revisions before a final decision is reached and you’ll receive considered and constructive feedback at each stage, including ways to improve and build on your work. Some rejected papers will go on to find a home with other journals where scope, and therefore reviewer expertise, is a better fit. A significant percentage also go through a more fundamental edit before being re-submitted as a new paper. The editorial office will support you through the process, and there are a wide range of resources to help authors at all stages, including finding the best journal for your needs, preparing an article, submission and licensing, assistance with publishing fees and promotion of your published work.
WHY REVIEW FOR A JOURNAL?
In 2023 WEJ and JFRM relied on around 800 voluntary reviewers who gave their time and expertise to help further scientific knowledge in our sector. Reviewing helps further your knowledge and expands your horizons in terms of new technical learning across geographical regions. It’s also a great voluntary activity to list on your CV. You can receive recognition for any reviews you complete for JFRM
2023 views of WEJ and JFRM articles by country
or WEJ via Clarivate, a metrics firm that runs a LinkedIn-style platform for academics. By reviewing for a journal you also become part of an international community with a common interest and focus. This opens the door to networking and collaborating with peers you may not otherwise have had access to.
It’s a common misconception that you need decades of experience to review a paper for a journal. In reality, the only requirements are sufficient experience to have built up an area (or areas) of expertise in industry or academia, and a desire to learn more about the peer review process. If you’d like to review for CIWEM’s journals please send a short CV to journals@ciwem.org. We are particularly keen to engage with earlier career professionals and CIWEM members working in industry.
Once you are registered as a reviewer you’ll receive invitations relevant to your expertise from one of our associate editors, which will include details of the papers’ authors, title and abstract. If you choose to accept the invitation, reviews are completed via an online portal, offering you flexibility to review at a time that suits you. We offer a range of resources to help you at the start of your reviewer journey, including understanding the peer review process, how to perform a peer review and receiving recognition.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
I’ve witnessed nearly a decade of evolution in JFRM and WEJ and we have many more exciting changes coming in 2025. We will be launching a new submission and peer review system which will streamline the process, offer better flexibility and
JOURNALS WHO’S WHO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The name you’ll see on the cover of a journal, and the person who makes the final decision on publication of all papers. They will have significant experience that aligns with the technical scope of the journal, experience of publishing as an author and reviewing for journals, as well as a day job in either industry or academia. They rely on input from reviewers and associate editors to help them make fair decisions and provide constructive feedback to authors.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS They oversee the peer review process with support from editorial office staff. This includes initial screening of papers, selecting appropriate external reviewers and completing their own review before making a recommendation to the editor-in-chief to either accept the paper for publication, reject it or ask the authors to revise and resubmit. They need previous experience of publishing and reviewing, and complete the role alongside a day job.
increase transparency. We’re also anticipating growth across open-access funding and Wiley’s philanthropic initiatives, ensuring our journals are accessible to all. Currently, under the Jisc agreement (for details search ‘Jisc’ on authorservices.wiley.com), authors from 162 UK institutions can publish at no cost to the author; there are similar agreements in place for 47 countries. Waivers and discounts are also available for authors in 85 developing
PLANET POSSIBLE
EDITORIAL OFFICE STAFF This team oversees the process of papers from submission through to publication and act as the main point of contact for authors and reviews. They will be the first people to read your paper and complete initial checks for novelty, quality, word count and plagiarism. They provide advice and support to the team of associate editors and editor-in-chief, and work closely with the publisher to produce each issue of the journal.
EDITORIAL BOARD Once you become experienced at completing reviews for a journal the next step is to apply to become part of the editorial board. Members are ambassadors for the journal who we can rely on to complete high quality reviews and contribute to the strategic management of the title. They often assist with special issues or promotion at events and meetings. The editorial board, editors, editorial office staff and the publisher meet to discuss the dayto-day and strategic management of the journal several times a year.
and low income countries through the Research4Life initiative.
I’d like to thank our authors, reviewers, board members and editors for their superb contributions, without which we would not be able to publish JFRM and WEJ o
If you’d like to discuss any aspect of CIWEM’s journals please contact Vicky on Journals@ciwem.org or visit https://www.ciwem.org/publications/
EACH MONTH ON CIWEM’s Planet Possible podcast, host Niki Roach tells the stories of the people paving the way for positive planetary and societal change. Upcoming episodes will explore housing and nature, and regenerative farming, featuring practitioners and visionaries from across the water and environmental management sector. The newly launched MiniPod is an extra once-a-month episode that reacts to current events in water, climate and nature. At just 15 minutes long, it’s a great way to stay up-to-date with goings on in the sector. Find Planet Possible and the MiniPod in all the usual places, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe so as not to miss an episode: planetpossible.eco
URBAN WELLBEING
Tutors Andy Dunn and Magda Flores tell us about how the course they lead will get you thinking about the nature and human impacts of urban environments
AS THE WORLD becomes more urban, environmental issues have become ever more critical. CIWEM’s Urban Wellbeing course is one of a wide range of courses available at multiple educational institutions across the UK. It focuses on how urban environments can support good mental health alongside positive environmental impacts, making urban communities more sustainable in the process.
Here, tutors Andy Dunn and Magda Flores of Urban Wellbeing Solutions explain how CIWEM’s Urban Wellbeing course, using creative urban design and leadership, invites participants to re-imagine the relationship between the urban environment and wellbeing.
TELL US ABOUT THE COURSE
The course is for those who want to understand how urban environments can be improved to promote human wellbeing and environmental sustainability in an integrated approach. It’s a self-learning course that teaches professionals about physical attributes and behavioural interactions within communities. We guide people through best practices and experiences to improve our urban environments.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
It’s particularly relevant for
infrastructure developers, including town planners and architects or those promoting natural capital or delivering net positive carbon schemes, across any sector. It would also benefit professionals developing approaches to promote urban wellbeing or those promoting wellbeing in feasibility studies.
TELL US ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND WELLBEING
Spending time in nature improves our mental wellbeing. In this course, we look at how you can apply the CLANG approach (communicate, learn, be active, notice your surroundings and give back), which is used by the NHS to promote wellbeing.
You could socialise in a park, learn about the local environment, exercise in green areas, notice the seasons pass or volunteer your time to improve green spaces. It is recommended you engage in at least three of these activities per week to improve your wellbeing; having accessible natural spaces in urban environments makes it easier to do that.
WORKING WITH NATURE IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
It is now standard practice in urban design to integrate nature with grey infrastructure. Whether that’s tree-lined roads to reduce excessive summer heat or
parks designed to slow the runoff of rainwater, most new and upgraded urban environments consider nature. This course demonstrates how valuable green and blue spaces are to community wellbeing. It focuses on simple solutions for enhancing nature in urban environments, ranging in scale from not mowing in parks to the development of new natural spaces. Working with nature should no longer be an add-on, it should be integrated into the solutions we develop.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE COURSE?
The course details an innovative framework, the Urban Wellbeing Index, that looks at the physical characteristics of an urban environment and the interactions between people and those characteristics, including parks, buildings and transport. The framework allows the comparison of different types of projects (physical infrastructure and behavioural support projects) to ensure the option selected will provide the best possible improvement to a community.
REQUIREMENTS TO TAKE PART
No advance work or knowledge is required. However, having a desire to improve the wellbeing of a community in an innovative and focused manner is essential.
NEXT STEPS
After the course, there is a forum for discussion and further coaching if required. We recommend utilising the tools and techniques offered through the course upon completion to embed your learnings. o
Want to find out more about this and other CIWEM courses? Register at: ciwem.org/training/urban-wellbeing
PURSUING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Our new chief executive, Anna Daroy, on working to support CIWEM members to enable them to do their best for nature
OUR THEME OF ‘working with nature’ is as important to me personally as much as it is to us all here at CIWEM. I was lucky enough to grow up in the heart of the Lake District Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a childhood surrounded by woodland and lakes and other glorious habitats. If we want remarkable places like these to exist for future generations, it’s down to us all to play our part in seeking out solutions that benefit the environment around us.
As an adult, I have long had serious concerns about the UK’s water quality, potable water supply, flood and coastal risk management, and wastewater management. To have more influence on these important issues as part of CIWEM was a fantastic opportunity. Becoming more invested in how we can put forward solutions on behalf of the profession is a real privilege. I come to CIWEM with more than 30 years’ experience transforming and leading businesses to achieve international growth through collaboration and partnership. Expertise picked up working across government and with the private and charity sectors puts me in a strong position to take CIWEM into a new era.
My focus is growth, among both our
UK and international memberships. The first step is building a stable foundation from which we can blossom. Under my leadership CIWEM will be engaging more with our members, both at home and abroad. We will be strengthening the networks that already exist and creating new ones, ensuring that we make the most of the global nature of the water sector to learn from each other.
The role of new technologies will be key – as AI and automation transform the way we work, CIWEM will be there to lead the way.
COMING TOGETHER
My first large-scale event as chief executive was CIWEM’s Flood & Coast conference, back in June. It was a resounding success, bringing together the brightest minds in flood risk management and coastal protection. I was honored to open the event, which took on even greater significance with a general election and possible change of government looming.
CIWEM stands for people, planet, possibility. Flood & Coast is the annual embodiment of this mission, a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This year, the urgency was
palpable. Recent flooding disasters, like Storm Babet, are stark reminders of the growing threats posed by climate change.
The conference fostered a spirit of unity. We listened, learned and shared innovative solutions. From established experts to the next generation of talent showcased in the Early Career Zone, the energy was truly inspiring.
My personal highlights included the launch of CIWEM’s Postcards from the Edge report, which explores future challenges in coastal management; celebrating excellence at the awards dinner; and the Women in FCERM networking event, a burgeoning movement for gender parity.
“It’s down to us all to seek out solutions that benefit the environment around us”
It was also fantastic to see the workshops so full and engaged. As one of CIWEM’s key focuses is to equip its members with the resources and connections to excel in their careers, this is an area we will be looking to grow at future Flood & Coast conferences.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners, sponsors, speakers and especially the incredible CIWEM team who made this event possible. We look forward to bringing you more exciting opportunities to connect and shape a more resilient future, together.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
I would like to hear from our members as part of the current member survey, as we set out our next five-year strategy. As a brand and as part of our commitment to our members to invest in all areas of the organisation, we understand the importance of listening and learning from our community.
Please help shape the future by participating in the survey and building the best membership organisation to meet your needs. I can promise we will act in your best interests and that there will be exciting developments ahead for all. o
Anna Daroy speaking at Flood & Coast 2024
STEWART WRITTLE
Partnering with
Whether your current focus is on talent development, driving innovative sustainability solutions, information sharing or expanding revenue streams, CIWEM can help support your organisational goals. We build a personal and bespoke relationship with each partner to achieve our common goals with 3 main areas of focus:
Get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through our three partnership levels and help you choose the right one for you.
Barbara Orth | Head of Partnerships
+44 (0)20 7269 5828
Using grey solutions to support blue-green infrastructure
Helping to make urban climate resilience a reality
By supporting ‘green by default’ best practice and complementing it with engineered grey infrastructure, we are helping to pioneer eff ective hybrid water management solutions that can:
• reduce the urban heat island eff ect
• boost biodiversity
• increase water circularity
• create amenity value
We work closely with our partners to create smart solutions including tree tanks, blue-green roofs, irrigation, rainwater attenuation and infi ltration tanks.
See how we could help develop your hybrid water management solutions for a more climate-resilient future.
