Dan Roberts

Project Manager (Nature-based Solutions)

About me

Water has always had a visceral effect on me, and my personal philosophy of always trying to make the largest positive impact possible led me to study and work in wetlands. I studied ecology and biogeochemistry to postgraduate leveI at Bangor University focusing on carbon sequestration and water quality with a thesis focusing on innovative hybrid techniques to wetland management with the aim of assisting the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing multiple benefits.

To better understand grassroots delivery I have spent time working in the Flow Country on peatland restoration projects as an intern with RSPB before going onto work with land managers as an agricultural advisor in partnership with water companies at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, where I also hosted a Catchment-based Approach partnership.

All of this has led me to WWT where I aim to deliver ambitious projects with multiple benefits for wildlife and people.

My role

I am responsible for the development and delivery of projects that will improve water quality, natural flood management and carbon storage and helps us achieve our ambitious Blue Recovery network targets. This will include the development of best-practice guidance and advice to a wide-range of stakeholders including: water companies, land managers and statutory bodies whilst working within the sector to address policy gaps.

At present, my role involves the shaping of projects that will tackle water quality and the complex interactions pollution causes in our environment and to our own health. The water entering our wetlands is as important as the habitat itself and is a key element in quality wetland conservation.

As the attention on nature-based solutions rightly grows to address the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises, it is critical that we work in partnership to better understand the full impact of wetlands across our society, both economically and environmentally.

Experience and interests

• Biogeochemistry
• Design and delivery of Constructed Treatment Wetlands
• Data analysis
• Collaborative working
• Critical thinking