Dr Imogen Barnsley (JBA Consulting & Project Groundwater) talks to host Katie about Nature-based Solutions - what they are, their history and her cutting-edge research into how they can be used to tackle groundwater flooding.
Nature-based Solutions feel like a new thing, but they have actually been around for about 20 years now. In that time they have become a much-talked about source of hope for a new and sustainable way of dealing with flooding. To truly reach their potential, more research and data is need to truly quantify their impact. And, then, there's our favourite question to consider... What about Groundwater? Could nature-based solutions be used in areas prone to groundwater flooding to improve outcomes for residents, businesses, communities and the environment?
Dr Imogen Barnsley is perfectly placed to talk nature-based solutions and groundwater, having made this exact subject the main focus of her PhD studies. She researched and modelled chalk stream catchments in the south of England where groundwater flooding has occurred. Her conclusions are fascinating and lead to a new experimental approach - specific to groundwater flooding-prone areas - that you can hear all about in the episode.
If you want to read Dr Barnsley's doctoral thesis, you can find it here: