Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Living Labs: Fresh research tackling real-world NFM questions
Our Living Labs continue to unlock practical solutions for natural flood management (NFM). This year, three new student-led research projects are shaping future thinking on flood resilience and more.
Our Living Labs continue to unlock practical solutions for natural flood management (NFM). This year, three new student-led research projects are shaping future thinking on flood resilience, green infrastructure, and mental well-being. Each project applies academic insight to real-world needs—delivering benefits for communities, policy makers and the environment.
New 2025 to 2026 Living Labs in focus
Working with Ousewem partners including the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, these students are addressing current gaps in knowledge across the NFM space:
Owain Wells is assessing how leaky dams influence flow regimes in the upper catchment. By collecting flow rate data above and below NFM features, he’s investigating how interventions affect peak flow and lag time. With a decade of commercial archaeology experience behind him, Owain is now studying Sustainability Science at the University of York, where he’s focusing his research on practical, nature-based solutions to flooding.
Amelia Czop is exploring the mental health benefits of NFM projects. Her research will look at how flooding affects individual well-being, and whether being involved in NFM schemes or living near green-blue spaces can improve mental health. Amelia is studying Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management. She brings a background in marketing and psychology, and is keen to highlight the co-benefits of community-based environmental action.
Matilda Finch is modelling how trees and woodland reduce flood risk. Adapting an existing plant physiology model, she’s using outputs like evapotranspiration and soil water content to estimate the effects of trees in reducing surface runoff. Her work will compare tree species and their role in managing peak flow. Tilly has a BSc in Mathematics and is now completing an MSc in Environmental Science and Management, combining technical modelling with applied flood management research.
Amelia and Tilly will submit their project for internal assessment in September 2025, with Owain submitting his in September 2026. All will offer insights for landowners, policy makers and environmental practitioners looking to invest in nature-based solutions.
Bridging gaps between research and action
By embedding real-world questions into postgraduate research, our Living Labs generate evidence that shapes policy, supports funding bids and strengthens local NFM delivery. They also give students the chance to make a meaningful difference.
If you have a challenge we could explore through a future Living Lab, contact the University of York’s Living Labs team today to explore how your NFM questions can be transformed into impactful research projects.
Interested students are asked to please contact the University of York Living Labs lead, Dr Piran White, via email: [email protected].
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