Chris' Journey So Far

June 9, 2021

Three months have passed since Chris Woodhouse joined the team as a Principal Hydrogeologist, with the aim of establishing a permanent base and developing Envireau Water’s business in Scotland. With the keys to our new Scottish office in Alloa, Stirling, handed over at the start of June and new and existing clients right at our doorstep, we wanted to catch up with Chris to find out what he’s been up to…


‘As a quantitative Hydrogeologist, I am passionate about all aspects of the water environment and particularly enjoy developing innovative solutions to interesting technical problems. At Envireau Water I have found a great place to explore and develop my interests. I was first attracted to the company by the fantastic opportunity to develop the business in Scotland and to bring and develop my skillset within a technical, friendly, and supportive environment. I am delighted that we have now established an office base and are actively building a team in Scotland. 

 

Since joining, I have worked on a range of projects not only in Scotland but throughout the UK. Each project has presented itself with a different problem to solve, from flood management and drainage issues to complex abstraction, water supply and discharge problems; all of which have provided a varied and engaging workload.

 

The Envireau Water team are all incredibly friendly and welcoming, and it is fantastic to be part of such a strong team. I am looking forward to continue to develop technical and personally with Envireau Water as I advance my career.’

 

Chris’ technical expertise within hydrogeological landfill risk assessment and groundwater flow modelling has grown Envireau Water’s technical capabilities particularly within the quarrying sector, already demonstrating its value across our client base.

 

With exciting and fulfilling opportunities available to all team members, a career at Envireau Water is tailored to suit your interests. If this sounds like the career move for you, then head over to our careers page where we are recruiting for several exciting technical roles. Please send your CV and covering letter to our Business Operations Manager, Lauren at LaurenMoore@envireauwater.co.uk.

Share

How do drought conditions affect UK food and drink?

By Rachael Plant • November 6, 2025
You may have seen our recent spotlight on the challenges currently facing UK agriculture. However, these issues are not limited to one sector; they represent a wider, shared challenge for industries across the country. As the countdown continues and the momentum builds to our upcoming conference, Beyond Drought: From Risk to Resilience , we spoke to Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , regarding the growing pressures facing our food and drink industry. Shona, given the ongoing drought declarations and recurrent warm weather experienced, could you provide us with an overview of the challenges facing those in the food and drink industry? 'Absolutely. Given the rapidly shifting nature of the UK climate, it is easy to focus on the immediate issues this has on our water resources, such as reduced surface flows and impacts to surface environment. However, as you will have noticed, the problems don't stop when the rain returns, and the damage left behind can be significant and increasingly difficult to combat.

Protecting UK agriculture against a changing climate

By Rachael Plant • October 23, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to increase, the frequency of extreme weather events is rising across the UK. With wetter winters but warmer, drier summers expected to persist, the risk of drought will grow, creating significant challenges nationwide. While the UK climate can be unpredictable, the impact of drought is evident and cannot be ignored. Following several drought declarations and water restrictions enforced throughout 2025, farmers across the UK continue to contend with drained reservoir levels and heightened demand for irrigation, resulting in lower crop yields, fragile water sources, and growing concern about the future of British agriculture. Our team of water resource experts has been working within the agricultural industry for many years, supporting the implementation and management of sustainable water resources. We asked Principal Water Resources Specialist, Tamsin Morey , for her thoughts. Tamsin, what danger is the UK farming industry already experiencing?

Richmond Bike Park Success

By Rachael Plant • September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.
Show More

How do drought conditions affect UK food and drink?

By Rachael Plant • November 6, 2025
You may have seen our recent spotlight on the challenges currently facing UK agriculture. However, these issues are not limited to one sector; they represent a wider, shared challenge for industries across the country. As the countdown continues and the momentum builds to our upcoming conference, Beyond Drought: From Risk to Resilience , we spoke to Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , regarding the growing pressures facing our food and drink industry. Shona, given the ongoing drought declarations and recurrent warm weather experienced, could you provide us with an overview of the challenges facing those in the food and drink industry? 'Absolutely. Given the rapidly shifting nature of the UK climate, it is easy to focus on the immediate issues this has on our water resources, such as reduced surface flows and impacts to surface environment. However, as you will have noticed, the problems don't stop when the rain returns, and the damage left behind can be significant and increasingly difficult to combat.

Protecting UK agriculture against a changing climate

By Rachael Plant • October 23, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to increase, the frequency of extreme weather events is rising across the UK. With wetter winters but warmer, drier summers expected to persist, the risk of drought will grow, creating significant challenges nationwide. While the UK climate can be unpredictable, the impact of drought is evident and cannot be ignored. Following several drought declarations and water restrictions enforced throughout 2025, farmers across the UK continue to contend with drained reservoir levels and heightened demand for irrigation, resulting in lower crop yields, fragile water sources, and growing concern about the future of British agriculture. Our team of water resource experts has been working within the agricultural industry for many years, supporting the implementation and management of sustainable water resources. We asked Principal Water Resources Specialist, Tamsin Morey , for her thoughts. Tamsin, what danger is the UK farming industry already experiencing?

Richmond Bike Park Success

By Rachael Plant • September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.

Anna Hitchmough joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 22, 2025
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.
Show More