Experience

APEM Ltd

• United Kingdom
• Environmental Services
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Senior Consultant, River Restoration

  • Mar 2018 - Present

  My role is to provide advice, guidance and outline designs for river restoration on watercourses across the UK. The purpose of the projects is to help the watercourses meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and also, in the case of protected sites, to gain or retain "favourable condition". Where possible, the habitat improvement options chosen also help fish passage and to reduce the risk of flooding. As part of the role, I also liaise closely with clients, landowners and contractors, manage projects, compile tenders and write reports. Show less



Affinity Water

• United Kingdom
• Utilities
• 700 & Above Employee

• Asset Scientist - River Restoration

  • Aug 2015 - Mar 2018

  I was responsible for delivering river restoration and habitat improvement projects on six chalk streams. This involved identifying and reviewing locations for in-channel works, developing the schemes, and liaison with the Environment Agency, local authorities, Catchment Partnerships and land-owners. I was Affinity Water’s representative on the Water Companies’ Hydro-Ecology Network and also ensured that the company’s abstraction infrastructure is compliant with the Eels (England & Wales) Regulations. Show less



River Restoration Centre (Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area)

• Northampton, United Kingdom

• River Restoration Adviser

  • Sep 2012 - Jun 2015

  In my role as the River Restoration Adviser to the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA), I was responsible for assessing the habitat and geomorphology of the 65 waterbodies that comprise the River Nene catchment to identify reasons for Water Framework Directive (WFD) failure. This was achieved through desk-study and comprehensive assessment by river-walking. In so doing, I identified opportunities for habitat improvement to help the waterbodies reach the requirements of the WFD. Once projects have been prioritised, I then designed and managed the works. The role involved report-writing, detailed discussion with land-owners, the running of a steering group, reporting to the NIA project board and close liaison with local authorities and other statutory bodies. In my wider work for the River Restoration Centre, I gave presentations at conferences and workshops, as well as to students, trained Environment Agency staff in how to carry out hydromorphological assessments and helped to organise and lead a river restoration workshop in Munich for practitioners from across Europe. Show less



Environment Agency

• United Kingdom
• Environmental Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Fisheries Officer

  • May 2006 - Sep 2012

  I provided an expert view on any applications for Planning Permission and Flood Defence Consent that may have had an impact on freshwater ecology. This included reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Statements. I often influenced the modification of a proposal (to improve it from an ecological viewpoint), or prevented it going ahead if it was unacceptable. I also advised on the restoration of any aquatic habitats damaged. Examples of such applications are for new housing developments, bridges, roads, flood defences, hydropower schemes, fishpasses and a gas pipeline across the Brecon Beacons National Park, which crossed dozens of watercourses. Whilst I primarily represented the EA Fisheries Team, I have a much wider knowledge of freshwater ecology (for example, aquatic invertebrates and plants) and the impacts of pollution. I therefore often represented colleagues from the Biodiversity and Pollution Prevention teams at planning meetings. I was the EA Area’s leading officer for river habitat enhancement and restoration. As well as our own projects, I advised local Rivers Trusts, angling clubs and land-owners on best-practice and appropriate techniques. I also used this knowledge, for example bio-engineering, in my responses to planning applications. I frequently deputised for my Team Leader and also had an active role in the other core duties of the team, such as issuing fish stocking or removal consents, surveys (by both netting and electric fishing), radio-tagging fish and monitoring their migration, the deployment of aeration equipment, brood stock collecting, carrying out angling events and advising the general public on fisheries-related matters. Show less

• Fisheries Projects Officer

  • Jan 2002 - May 2006

  I was responsible for managing river habitat enhancement projects in the upper Thames catchment. The position involved detailed consultation with internal colleagues (e.g. from the Flood Defence and Biodiversity Teams) and external bodies such as angling clubs, land-owners and local authorities. Following site investigations, I then designed the schemes and oversaw the site-work. I also took part in the other core duties of the Fisheries Team, such as those listed above.