World Environment Day: Our Land, Our Future

June 5, 2024

The UK is fortunate to have the resources available to mitigate some of the worst impacts of climate change. However, the increased frequency of extreme weather events has the potential to create major environmental and socio-economic challenges that no country will ever be immune to.


In 2022, the UK experienced its warmest year on record, with rising temperatures, drier conditions and the depletion of water resources leading to the declaration of drought; causing significant problems for local communities, biodiversity, agricultural yields, manufacturing operations, and energy production.


What needs to be done?


The UK Government, regulators, and water companies are making strides to improve water resources resilience by streamlining planning applications for new reservoirs and water recycling facilities, setting ambitious targets for water companies to reduce leakage, and supporting farmers in storing more water on their land with water management grants.


Despite national efforts, our team is well aware that the emphasis on change and resilience is often placed on the farmer or operator. Envireau Water has worked across sectors to support the individuals behind the operation in understanding their use of water resources, how they can strive for long-term water security, and how to overcome regulatory hurdles. 


One of our most innovative approaches to sustainable water management includes our work with Oasthouse Ventures and their aspiration to construct a world-first glasshouse development. Keep reading to learn more about the novel approach...


An innovative solution to water management


Oasthouse Ventures approached Envireau Water after their £120 million investment in a groundbreaking glasshouse project to decarbonise agriculture. This development, located in an area with restricted groundwater abstraction in eastern England, highlighted the region's water resource challenges.


Our team's expertise and innovative technology were essential in creating a sustainable water supply system. The concept relied on rainwater harvesting, focusing on ensuring reliability. With reservoir volume limited by planning permission, key questions arose: How much water could be stored? Would stored water meet demand? How much additional water was needed, and from where?


To address these, our technical experts developed a numerical model to inform the reservoir's size using long-term daily solar radiation data to predict irrigation demand. The model was linked to a 30-year rainfall record to assess rainfall availability and drought frequency and duration.


The model's outcome allowed for modifications to existing licences, enabling sustainable winter abstraction when resources were available. Our regulatory experts worked with the Environment Agency to ensure the abstraction design could effectively handle extended dry periods.


Ben Alexander, Senior Development Manager, Oasthouse Ventures, commented:


"Envireau Water were a vital part of the team; their understanding of the sector, technical skills, innovative approach and rapid grasp of the project meant that we had the confidence that our vision would be delivered."



Conclusion


The increasing frequency and severity of droughts, exacerbated by climate change and population growth, present significant environmental and socio-economic challenges for the UK. The record-breaking temperatures and depleted water resources of 2022 highlight the urgent need for effective water management. The Oasthouse Ventures case study demonstrates how innovative and sustainable solutions can address these challenges. 


Envireau Water’s expertise in developing tailored water management strategies can ensure long-term water security for your operations. Contact Envireau Water on 01332 871 882 or by emailing info@envireauwater.co.uk to learn how we can help you navigate these critical issues.



About Envireau Water


Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with our clients and regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With an incredibly loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come.

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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
By Rachael Plant June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?
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