Brit Catchment Natural Flood Management
Project Data
Location
West Dorset, UK
Client Type
Charity / Local Government
We were contracted to develop and implement a Citizen Science project to collect data to inform the effects of Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures installed within the River Brit catchment in West Dorset. Working closely with local communities, academic researchers, Dorset National Landscape and the charity West Dorset Wilding, we helped develop the monitoring programme, engaged with and trained local volunteers, collected baseline water quality data and helped create firm foundations to allow the project to evolve and develop - reducing consultancy costs and empowering local communities to take owneship of their local watercourses.
Methods
Step 01
Monitoring Strategy
Working with Exeter University & Dorset National Landscape, we helped develop a bespoke monitoring strategy that was both robust and feasible for volunteers.
STEP 02
Baseline Surveys
We undertook baseline water quality and riparian habitat surveys on over 30 sites within the river catchment, against which future changes can be measured.
STEP 03
Community!
We helped recruit and train local communities in survey data collection; enabling them to monitor the health of their local watercourses and the long-term effects of the new NFM meaures.
Outcomes
The project is ongoing and more information can be found at:Â https://dorset-nl.org.uk/brit-nfm-project/
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At the time of the contract expiration, over 30 local volunteers had been trained and signed up to undertake ongoing water health monitoring surveys. This vital work will feed into local and national datasets to both highlight possible water quality issues and monitor the effects of Natural Flood Management measures installed across the catchment.
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Pete has been an integral member of our team on the Brit Catchment Natural Flood Management project. He has taken the lead in developing our volunteer programme and has carried out baseline water quality surveys with great diligence.
Pete’s work is of an exceptionally high standard. Not only has his expertise been invaluable to our projects, but his positive attitude and collaborative approach have made him a pleasure to work with. We would not hesitate to recommend Pete for future projects.
Countryside Projects Manager, Dorset National Landscape
Ian Rees