Dr Janet Richardson

Profile

Biography

My research interests relate to GIS, geomorphology and sedimentology. I have a background in hydrology assessments, bedrock rivers, sediment transport (including long-term source to sink studies and quantification of erosion rates) and river hydraulics.

My PhD research focused on constraining landscape development of a large fluvial system in the Western Cape, South Africa. More recently, I have completed a NERC funded ‘Industrial Mobility Fellowship’, in which I worked closely with Yorkshire Water to use high resolution satellite imagery and GIS to map sediment sources and pathways within the River Derwent, Yorkshire. Work with Yorkshire Water has also looked at the impact of Signal Crayfish on the sediment budget of the River Derwent, Yorkshire. I am currently completing a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship integrating recent advances in sedimentology to catchment decision making processes.

Research Interests

Project: Sediment matters – using recent advances to unlock effective catchment decision-making

My fellowship will demonstrate how NERC science is being used in practical applications in catchment management. The proposed work includes: 1) understanding what information is needed for practitioners to make decisions and the gaps that could be filled by NERC Science, 2) collating information on the costs associated with sediment, 3) demonstrating how earth observation (e.g., satellite) data can be used by practitioners, 4) secondments into organisations to rapidly embed NERC science into current and future projects, and 5) a community of practice, which will allow NERC researchers and practitioners to have a forum to discuss the latest research, best practice and shared challenges. My fellowship will work with a range of organisations including, but not limited to the Environment Agency, Natural England, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ricardo Energy and Environment. All outputs will be co-designed to ensure maximum impact and reach. The main impacts from this fellowship will be knowledge exchange across a wide range of sectors ensuring NERC science is embedded into cost-effective catchment management decisions, strengthened business cases, increased landowner engagement, and long-lasting networks.