A mole and an early-warning system helped the pioneering LCC team scoop more recognition for what they’ve been doing about groundwater management
Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire has been recognised on the national stage again, with co‑leads Vicky Jones and Brett Rycroft Jones named joint winners in the Possibility category at the CIWEM Spotlight Awards.
The award was presented by Fabio Spaliviero, Regional Delivery Director at Binnies, during the Flood and Coast Conference in Liverpool. The Spotlight Awards shine a light on people who are helping to move the water and environmental sector forward, with categories for People, Planet and Possibility.
The Possibility category focuses on individuals who take an idea that once felt out of reach and turn it into something real. Joint winners have been chosen before, but this is the first time the judges have selected two people from the same organisation and the same project. They judges said that their decision reflected the way Vicky and Brett work together and the impact they’ve had through Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire.
Their work includes the creation of Darcy’s Tale, a children’s book that helps young people understand flooding, geology and community resilience. The book is now in schools and libraries across Lincolnshire, and has travelled much further, reaching right across the country.
It has also been used at science education conferences in Cornwall and Denmark to show how storytelling can help children learn about the environment. One teacher described it as ‘surprisingly effective’ for younger pupils.
Vicky and Brett also led the development of the project’s hyperlocal flood alarm system. This uses telemetry devices on ordinary watercourses to give residents clear, real-time information about groundwater levels. It’s already helping communities understand what’s happening beneath their feet and prepare for changes that might affect their homes.
Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Vicky and Brett have shown what can happen when you mix technical skill with a real commitment to working with communities.
“They’ve pushed the project on in ways that make a difference to people’s lives. This award recognises that and it’s well deserved.”
Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire is funded by Defra through the Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes and delivered with the Environment Agency and a wide range of academic, industry and community partners.