Groundwater Rising

Claude Nsobya undertook groundbreaking research into the links between community and resilience... with the added dimension of being able to compare data from two countries - Uganda and the UK. Claude was inspired to pursue his research by family experiences of drought in rural communities in Uganda and has continued his academic journey in the UK, culminating in his PhD research, which he talks about in detail in the episode. There are fascinating insights here for both groundwater flooding and flood management in general, including: Why existing context in communities (like existing resilience) is vital to understand Lessons learnt from comparing Uganda and the UK How community engagement from outside agencies (like government projects) need to be carefully thought through How variety in local geography (physical and human) affects both community and resilience hugely Where Claude thinks policy - particularly in the UK - could be improved Why groundwater flooding presents particular resilience and community challenges How simple achievable and low-cost actions can make a huge difference in community resilience Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Adrian Porter joins host Helen to tell the story of hie remarkable journey from being groundwater flooded with devastating effects... to becoming a local flood warden... and eventually re-training to become a water and environment expert... and then getting a role researching and preserving chalk streams. In the first part of this episode we get to hear the dramatic story of how Adrian's own house succumbed to groundwater flooding - he tells the story extremely effectively... this is a very valuable and insightful description of what it is actually like to be groundwater flooded. In the second half of the episode we hear about how Adrian has harnessed this negative experience in a positive way. He shares vital tips and advice for anyone else affected by groundwater flooding on options to protect their home... and then goes on to explain how communities can become more resilient and help each other. Finally, we hear more about how Adrian now works with chalk streams and his thoughts on how we can make progress on better understanding groundwater and why he believes we need to take the approach of working with nature... not trying to control it. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Winterbournes are a type of temporary river that only flow above ground at certain times of year. They are very important in understanding how groundwater works, as well as chalk aquifers. Observing the flora and fauna they support is vital, because it gives clues to a whole variety of environmental patterns, including the effects of pollution, urbanisation and what may happen with climate change. In this episode, host Helen interviews Patrycja Meadows (Pan Area Senior Ecologist at Environment Agency) to get the theory on winterbournes... and then visits one with Patrycja and her team as they undertake sampling. On a lovely spring day with the river flowing fast and the lambs bleating in the background, this is an evocative and insightful episode captured at the perfect time of year to explore winterbournes. Patrycja talks passionately about the role of citizen science, and you can find out more about how to get involved via these pages of the Enivronment Agency website. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Rhiannon Marchi-Smith is an independent hydrogeologist specialising in groundwater, mine water, and subsurface risk management. Her work focuses on connecting science, policy, and decision-making regarding underground water resources. Rhiannon has learnt through experience what works when trying to communicate complex science to communities affected by groundwater flooding. She has hard-earned lessons to share in terms of turning evidence into action that makes a difference. In this episode, Rhiannon and host Helen discuss topics including: The lessons that working with mining communities taught Rhiannon about communication between organisations and local people Why significant budget and time should be allocated to engaging with the community, particularly before a project starts How mining has left some parts of the country with a permanently changed groundwater context Why Rhiannon thinks narrative story-telling concepts can massively improve the impact of technical reports This is an essential listen to anyone currently involved in a community-based project. The insights and advice in this episode could help you out a lot. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Hazel Cottle is an occupational therapist and mother whose innovative idea, Puddle Parks, reimagines how families engage with the outdoors—especially on rainy days. Her work centres on harnessing the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outside, even in wet weather, inspired by both her clinical experience and her belief in the power of nature to spark joy and connection. In this episode (new host Helen's first) Hazel joins Helen to introduce the concept of Puddle Parks and to talk about the wider issues of understanding how rain, water, environment, community and climate are linked. Could innovative ideas like Puddle Parks help people understand - from an early age - rainfall patterns, how water and ground interact, as well as help communities adapt to changing weather linked to climate change Hazel introduced PuddleParks through her TED and TEDxBrighton talk (which you can watch here ), highlighting how purpose‑designed outdoor spaces can turn rain into an invitation rather than a barrier. These playful environments use rain‑activated features such as light, sound and water‑driven movement to encourage accessible and inclusive community, curiosity, and adventure for children and adults alike. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

In her final episode hosting Groundwater Rising (before handing over to new host Helen Banyard), host Katie interviews Matt Georges, founder of Orbital Applied Economics about mental health and flooding. Historically, investment in flood prevention and flood defences has mainly been in physical structures. But more and more is being understood about the importance of community flood resilience, and behind this lies the issue of mental health. Being flooded affects mental health greatly, but it's hard to put an economic value on mental health impacts... which means its importance may be being under considered in decisions about which interventions to fund. Matt is leading the ground-breaking FloodMind research project that aims to fill a research gap (very little has been done about mental health and flooding) and then work towards a mathematical model that can better understand the mental health impacts and their economic value - specifically in terms of groundwater flooding. In a funding decision-making context that often boils down to cost, the aim of Flood Mind is to provide more of an evidence-based platform for mental health to be given more importance in future flood scheme funding. To find out more about FloodMind, visit floodmind.co.uk Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

After nearly two years of presenting Groundwater Rising, Katie Hargrave-Smith is leaving to pursue a new role (full details in the episode) and hands over the microphone to Helen Banyard. Helen shares her background, including her journey to working within Flooding and Innovation. Katie and Helen discuss everything from the emotional impact of flooding, to areas they want to explore with the podcast, as well as talking about Katie's insights and highlights from her time on the podcast. A lovely listen at the beginning of a new year and a new chapter for Groundwater Rising. Thanks to Katie for building a superb foundation. Welcome Helen and here's to a fantastic future ahead. Katie recorded an episode - which will be her last - on Mental Health that will publish at the end of January 2026, and then Helen's first episode will be at the end of February. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Dr Paul Ellis (Hydrolex) joins host Katie to share his expertise on how groundwater interacts with other water sources. Often, in flooding situations, there is a mistaken assumption that just one source of water is involved. But, understanding how all sources of water - including groundwater (which the least is known about) is vital to understand, plan for and mitigate flooding properly. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Dr Sarah Fitton and Simon Wilson (co-authors of upcoming book 'Socially Successful Projects in the Built Environment') join host Katie to properly unpack the term "social value". It's a term that gets used heavily in project applications, reports and mission statements for many flood management projects (including groundwater flooding schemes)... but what does it actually mean and how can it be done well? In this useful and pragmatic discussion, Sarah and Simon discuss: A simple and clear definition of social value How putting social value at the core (and start) of a project can prevent many issues down-the-line Why sometimes there is a mismatch between brilliantly innovative tech and communities whose real priorities have not truly been asked-for or considered How to communicate with and involve communities properly Best-practice lessons learnt from projects which have been able to deliver much-loved community assets delivering across-the-board wins for all stakeholders If you would like to find out more about Dr Sarah Fitton and Simon Wilson's work, and be able to buy the book when it is released, please go to: www.sociallysuccessfulprojects.co.uk Dr Sarah Fitton is Founder and Director of Aurora Engagements Ltd. Simon Wilson is Co-founder and Director of Wilson Sherriff. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Host Katie speaks to Ted McCormack, a senior geologist and hydrogeologist at the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), whose specialism is groundwater, particularly regarding groundwater flooding and turloughs in Ireland. Ted explains what turloughs are, what karst is and explains how Ireland maps groundwater flood extents, assesses risks, and develops models for flood management. Plus Ted discusses how Ireland is leading the way in using remote sensing and satellite imagery to model and predict groundwater flooding... and the potential these methods have to be used elsewhere. What insights can we gain from Ireland's progress that could help with groundwater flooding in the UK and beyond? Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Mary Long-Dhonau OBE (aka 'Flood Mary') is an expert on property flood resilience, having been flooded herself and made it her mission to raise awareness of flood risk and property flood resilience. Craig Glynn is CEO of Citizens Advice, Bucks and has spent years helping members of the public deal with challenges and issues - working with landlords and renter's rights are areas of expertise for him. Mary and Craig join host Katie to address what could be seen as a knowledge gap. There is plenty of information and advice for homeowners and businesses wanting to make their properties more flood resilient... but a large proportion of the population are renters and there is little flood advice out there aimed specifically at them. Topics of discussion include: How you can work with your landlord to make your property more flood resilient Your rights and obligations if your property gets flooded If you need to relocate temporarily, how to proceed in a way that will save you money and prevent contractual disputes Preparations you can make as an individual, regardless of what actions your landlord does or doesn't take To see all the advice on Flood Mary's website, including to-do list templates and ideas for flood resilience products and best practice, go to floodmary.com To find out more about how Citizens Advice can help you, go to citizensadvice.org.uk Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Guy Parker is a technical specialist in groundwater flooding from chalk aquifers with over 20 years experience in flood incident management. In this episode he shares his knowledge and provides a brilliant guide to how chalk works and the unique way it affects groundwater flooding. A huge swathe of the UK sits on top of chalk aquifers and this is a key part of how the nation stays supplied with water. But, chalk reacts in very specific ways to water, and, with climate change affecting weather patterns, there are knock-on effects to the interaction between chalk, groundwater levels and flooding. This episode is as knowledge-filled as it is fascinating. An essential listen for anyone involved with groundwater, flooding or water (and a genuinely revealing and thoroughly interesting listen for anyone who likes to understand "how things work"), Guy has a great way of making detailed scientific information very accessible. From the chemical composition of chalk, to how it was formed, why pores and fractures matter... to stories of Guy on horseback earlier in his career following streams uphill to map the water table, this episode is engaging and insightful. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Every major project wants to create a legacy, but how is it done? Does it come about organically or should it be planned for and worked towards? If so, when is the right time to talk about it and what are the steps to deliver it? Since - once a project ends - legacy will be what's left behind... shouldn't it be a vital part of any project's design? What are some examples of legacy planning done well, and where has legacy not worked out as hoped for? Flood risk planning has a particular emphasis on legacy, which is why it is something that Project Groundwater itself has valued and considered. Two of the architects of Project Groundwater's own legacy planning - Karen Fisher (Senior Associate Director, Jacobs) and Kat Edwards (Co-Founder, AxiaOrigin) join host Katie to discuss this often-overlooked subject. If you'd like to find more about Project Groundwater's "Let's Talk" channels (as mentioned during this episode), go to letstalkgroundwaterflooding.org Also talked about in the episode is the 'Slow The Flow: Pickering' project, which you can discover here . Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Sea level rise will be one of the consequences of climate change. It will change the delicate balance between fresh groundwater on the land side and salty sea water in the sea. What will be the implications for groundwater flooding, coastal communities and coastal ecosystems? How will existing and potential future built infrastructure flood defences react to and affect the changes that sea level rise will bring? Where are the gaps in knowledge and what are the challenges and opportunities in this area of research? In this episode we bring together two great minds on either side of the Atlantic - both Xin Su and Daniel Magnone are involved in current cutting-edge research in this exact field - to share their insights and expertise. What results is a fascinating and informative discussion that moves this area of enquiry forward. You can find out more about Xin Su and her research here . Daniel Magnone contributed to this article in Hydrogeology Journal about the freshwater–saline interface in The Fens. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Vivian Quynh Pham is Knowledge and Benefits Lead at the Environment Agency for the 6-year £200 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovations Programme. Vivian supports 31 Risk Management Authority led projects across England to demonstrate how practical innovative actions can work to improve resilience to flooding and coastal erosion. This role involves harnessing huge amounts of data. Vivian's varied background across arts, sciences, geography and engineering helps shape their approach that recognises the dual importance of quantitative and qualitative data. In this fascinating episode, host Katie and Vivian cover many areas of discussion including: Why data telling you the opposite from what you expect can be a good thing How to make the case for innovation before you have the data to support it How the processes and people behind data collection and analysis make a difference to its effectiveness The importance of scale when analysing patterns and making policy off the back of "what the data says" How Aboriginal Australians are a brilliant example of scientific observation, storytelling and wisdom working together With data becoming more important in all sectors of work and society, this episode is not just an essential listen for those within the water, flooding and engineering worlds... its lessons, approaches and insights can be valuable for anyone in any sector. Read the mid-programme report from the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovations Programme here . Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

For groundwater flooding to progress from being under-researched and under-prioritised it will need to move the needle on policy, because policy - in a complex relationship with legislation and funding - is what actually gets stuff to happen. But how is policy instigated and how can it be harnessed? This episode aims to find out by talking to two experts with slightly different angles on policy and also featuring the case study of using beavers as a nature-based solution to flooding (and the current policy situation this approach finds itself in). The two experts joining host Katie for this discussion are: Hannah Coogan - the current CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) President and Binnies Regional Delivery Director (Flood, Coast and Maritime). She has a wealth of experience in working within the policy-laden context of the water sector, plus has a very detailed knowledge of all the ways in which a professional membership body like CIWEM can influence policy. Estelle Bailey - Chief Executive at Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and a Trustee at UK Green Buildings Council. She has a deep understanding of the patience (and sometimes frustration) involved in trying to address gaps in policy. She also has experience of how to use the public opinion levers of NGO's (Non Governmental Organisations) to affect policy decisions that make a real positive difference on the issues that count with the general public. Adding his experiences of a specific issue where policy has been on a long and winding road to implementation (the use of beavers as a natural flood control measure) is Mike Potter from Slow The Flow Pickering, a pilot project that has become a beacon of hope for supporters of nature-based solutions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in finding out what is involved in truly moving the needle on policy. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Mike Cowdy and Nora Balboni from McGregor Coxall are working with Project Groundwater to create a framework for resilience in order to achieve the goal of making communities more resilient to groundwater flooding. In this episode they join host Katie to discuss how their work is progressing. Among the many fascinating talking points are the philosophy of "bio-urbanism" and how a holistic non-silo approach to resilience is more likely to move us toward a reliable and useful framework. Discover what the pillars (or "capitals") of resilience are, as proposed by Mike and Nora, from their research. What potential do frameworks have to be transposed across communities and contexts? What about more practical challenges like who owns and maintains a framework? How does it fit into funding applications and current infrastructure, processes and community groups? This episode grapples with some big issues but makes real progress toward defined and useful insights into resilience that go beyond throwaway uses of the word or vague statements that we simply need to be "more resilient". Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Greg Gomez (Software Developer, 3 Sided Cube) and Dr Jonathan Mackay (Hydrogeologist, British Geological Survey) talk to host Katie about the new Project Groundwater Flood Warning system they have built. This new app shows exciting potential for what could be achieved nationally. Community hubs, action plans, alert states, detailed maps and forecasting all feature. Katie gets Greg and Jon to explain how the system works, what they did to develop and improve it and how systems like these could be a massive source of help and reassurance to individuals and communities in the future. Basing this new system around groundwater flooding has provided plenty of challenges and opportunities that Greg and Jon explore over the course of this episode Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Hilary Martin and Trevor Kippax from Marlow share their expertise in the positive difference that Flood Groups and Flood Wardens can make to local flood plans, community resilience and emergency response. Whatever type of flooding happens in your area - groundwater or otherwise - local knowledge and support is vital. Local people know who lives where and what their needs are, plus they can spot the signs of a coming flood and will have an idea of how events could unfold. In an ideal world this local knowledge would be harnessed by the national agencies, water companies and emergency services... but it isn't always the case. That's where flood groups and flood wardens can help. Hilary Martin and Trevor Kippax have real lived experiences of setting up and running flood groups and being flood wardens. In this episode they share their expertise. What works. What doesn't. Where the opportunities for improvement are and where they feel more thought and action is needed at a higher level. This episode is an essential listen for anyone living in an area of flood risk (climate change is likely to make more of our areas vulnerable) to either start a flood group or improve the provision they already have. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Due to a calendar quirk (we release an episode on the last Thursday of each month), this episode publishes on Boxing Day... so we decided to make a bit of a different episode to get into the holiday spirit. Katie Hargrave-Smith is usually the host of 'Groundwater Rising' but for this episode the tables have turned and she's the guest. It's a great chance to look back on a successful first 8 months for this podcast, which we're very happy to say is getting great feedback and growing steadily. But what has Katie's experience been like? What made her want to start this podcast? What has been the reaction? How has it moved the conversation around groundwater - and groundwater flooding - forward? What has Katie learnt about podcasting, herself and groundwater flooding itself, along the way. And now the podcast is established and serving a real purpose, what does the future hold? Thanks to Alex Beckett (Climate Change Programme and Partnership Manager at Buckinghamshire Council) for stepping in to presenter's role for this episode. Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising? Email groundwaterrising@projectgroundwater.co.uk To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising