Celebrating the Wonders of Nature-based Solutions

August 18, 2021

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are becoming ever more prevalent when it comes to improving natural and modified ecosystems. As awareness of the damaging impacts of climate change grows and an understanding that improvements need to be made, NBS are one aspect of change that we can implement to address societal challenges, whilst supporting ecosystems.

Our specialist’s knowledge and experience of developing and implementing NBS means they know the most appropriate solution for the problem at hand. Over the course of the next coming weeks, we are celebrating the different ways our experts have practically implemented nature-based solutions into projects across a range of sectors, providing our clients with solutions that deliver environmental and societal benefits, as well as improved natural water systems.


Example projects include: 


The National Forest Company

The National Forest Company required our expertise to help identify methods that would reduce flood risk to a built-up area further down the catchment. Based on their requirements for low-cost, low maintenance solutions, our surface water team identified a range of NFM measures that would be suitable to reduce flood risk. 

The Heart of England Forest

A reedbed water treatment system was designed and installed by our team to meet regulatory requirements. The Heart of England Forest requested solutions that would fit with their charity objectives and environmental ethos. Nature-based solutions provided a suitable way forward for their upgraded effluent treatment systems. 

Envireau Water's Internal Research

To stay at the forefront of nature-based solutions and relevant technologies, an internal research project was carried out to advance our technical understanding. We pushed technical boundaries and evaluated the extent at which our hydrodynamic models could accurately quantify the effectiveness of various NFM measures for downstream peak discharge flooding events.

Nature-based Solutions Overview

Nature-based solutions come in many forms, providing solutions that not only protect and restore ecosystems, but also provide societal benefits. Take a read of our overview sheet to learn more about NBS and how we may be able to support your project.

If you think nature-based solutions could be the solution for you, get in touch with our expert, RebeccaHaw@envireauwater.co.uk or give us a call on

01332 871 882 to learn more about the benefits that can be gained from implementing nature-based solutions. 

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We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.

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By Rachael Plant • July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.

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By Rachael Plant • July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.

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