Staff profile

Hydrological ballence of the Preston and Ricknall Carrs

This MScR project examines the hydrological and geochemical functioning of the Preston and Ricknall Carrs, a lowland wetland complex in County Durham forming part of the wider Great North Fen restoration initiative. The research adopts an integrated approach that combines field observation, laboratory analysis and numerical modelling. Year round site visits provide dip well records of water table behaviour and solute samples for geochemical characterisation, while a hydrological modelling framework is developed to represent the movement and storage of water across the site and to quantify the interaction between groundwater and surface water. Together these strands seek to establish how the site functions hydrologically and geochemically under its present, historically drained condition, and how that functioning might respond to intervention. The overall aim of the investigation is to provide evidence based guidance for the effective and safe restoration of wetland habitats within the area, balancing ecological benefit against the practical constraints of the surrounding landscape. The project is undertaken in collaboration with the Durham Wildlife Trust and is supervised by Professor Fred Worrall.