Simon Whitton Email & Phone Number

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

I share technical knowledge and promote best practice in all aspects of catchment management throughout Otago, including flood risk management, river restoration and river management. I also provide advice to the Engineering Manager and Team Leaders for current and planned river engineering / management activities. Furthermore, I represent Engineering on the Council’s Health & Safety committee.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Building upon my previous role (below), I oversaw the development of several river restoration projects across south Wales.

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

I developed a strategy for the restoration of the River Ely in south Wales, which involved working with colleagues and external bodies (such as Welsh Water, local authorities, landowners, community groups and angling clubs) to identify reasons for deterioration and opportunities for restoration. I also helped to set up a catchment partnership for the Ely (the first wholly within Wales), which will facilitate closer cooperation of all authorities working in the catchment to bring about… Show more I developed a strategy for the restoration of the River Ely in south Wales, which involved working with colleagues and external bodies (such as Welsh Water, local authorities, landowners, community groups and angling clubs) to identify reasons for deterioration and opportunities for restoration. I also helped to set up a catchment partnership for the Ely (the first wholly within Wales), which will facilitate closer cooperation of all authorities working in the catchment to bring about improvements to biodiversity and water quality, as well as opportunities for recreation. Show less

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Working in the Cardiff and Vale Of Glamorgan areas, I provided an expert view on applications for Flood Risk Activity Permits and Planning Permission that may have impacted freshwater ecology, gave ecological advice and developed river restoration projects. I also worked with angling clubs and landowners to maximise opportunities for fishing.

Cardff

My role was to provide advice, guidance and outline designs for river restoration on watercourses across the UK. The main objectives were to help the watercourses meet the needs of the Water Framework Directive and also, in the case of protected sites, to gain or retain "favourable condition". Where possible, the habitat improvement options chosen also helped fish passage and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Hatfield

I was jointly responsible for delivering river restoration and habitat improvement projects on six chalk streams to mitigate for abstraction and to help the watercourses meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. This formed part of the company's Water Industry National Environment Programme. I also played a key role in costing, prioritising and scheduling projects for delivery in the £5M 2015-2020 AMP6 and £14M 2020-2025 AMP7 programmes. I was Affinity Water’s representative on… Show more I was jointly responsible for delivering river restoration and habitat improvement projects on six chalk streams to mitigate for abstraction and to help the watercourses meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. This formed part of the company's Water Industry National Environment Programme. I also played a key role in costing, prioritising and scheduling projects for delivery in the £5M 2015-2020 AMP6 and £14M 2020-2025 AMP7 programmes. I was Affinity Water’s representative on the Water Companies’ Hydro-Ecology Network and also ensured that the company’s abstraction infrastructure was compliant with the Eels (England & Wales) Regulations. Show less

Northampton, United Kingdom

In my role as the River Restoration Adviser to the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA), I was responsible for assessing the habitat and geomorphology of the 65 waterbodies that comprise the River Nene catchment to identify reasons for Water Framework Directive (WFD) failure. This was achieved through desk-study and comprehensive assessment by river-walking. In so doing, I identified opportunities for habitat improvement to help the waterbodies reach the requirements of the WFD. Once… Show more In my role as the River Restoration Adviser to the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA), I was responsible for assessing the habitat and geomorphology of the 65 waterbodies that comprise the River Nene catchment to identify reasons for Water Framework Directive (WFD) failure. This was achieved through desk-study and comprehensive assessment by river-walking. In so doing, I identified opportunities for habitat improvement to help the waterbodies reach the requirements of the WFD. Once projects have been prioritised, I then designed and managed the works. The role involved report-writing, detailed discussion with land-owners, the running of a steering group, reporting to the NIA project board and close liaison with local authorities and other statutory bodies. In my wider work for the River Restoration Centre, I gave presentations at conferences and workshops, as well as to students, trained Environment Agency staff in how to carry out hydromorphological assessments and helped to organise and lead a river restoration workshop in Munich for practitioners from across Europe. Show less

Cardiff, United Kingdom

I provided an expert view on any applications for Planning Permission and Flood Defence Consent that may have had an impact on freshwater ecology. This included reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Statements. I often influenced the modification of a proposal (to improve it from an ecological viewpoint), or prevented it going ahead if it was unacceptable. I also advised on the restoration of any aquatic habitats damaged. Examples of such applications are for new housing… Show more I provided an expert view on any applications for Planning Permission and Flood Defence Consent that may have had an impact on freshwater ecology. This included reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Statements. I often influenced the modification of a proposal (to improve it from an ecological viewpoint), or prevented it going ahead if it was unacceptable. I also advised on the restoration of any aquatic habitats damaged. Examples of such applications are for new housing developments, bridges, roads, flood defences, hydropower schemes, fishpasses and a gas pipeline across the Brecon Beacons National Park, which crossed dozens of watercourses. Whilst I primarily represented the EA Fisheries Team, I have a much wider knowledge of freshwater ecology (for example, aquatic invertebrates and plants) and the impacts of pollution. I therefore often represented colleagues from the Biodiversity and Pollution Prevention teams at planning meetings. I was the EA Area’s leading officer for river habitat enhancement and restoration. As well as our own projects, I advised local Rivers Trusts, angling clubs and land-owners on best-practice and appropriate techniques. I also used this knowledge, for example bio-engineering, in my responses to planning applications. I frequently deputised for my Team Leader and also had an active role in the other core duties of the team, such as issuing fish stocking or removal consents, surveys (by both netting and electric fishing), radio-tagging fish and monitoring their migration, the deployment of aeration equipment, brood stock collecting, carrying out angling events and advising the general public on fisheries-related matters. Show less

Wallingford

I was responsible for managing river habitat enhancement projects in the upper Thames catchment. The position involved detailed consultation with internal colleagues (e.g. from the Flood Defence and Biodiversity Teams) and external bodies such as angling clubs, land-owners and local authorities. Following site investigations, I then designed the schemes and oversaw the site-work. I also took part in the other core duties of the Fisheries Team, such as those listed above.

Bachelor Of Science (Hons.), Environmental Science And Geography

Education record