Groundwater Rising

Hazel Cottle is an occupational therapist and mother whose innovative idea, Puddle Parks, reimagines how families engage with the outdoors—especially on rainy days. Her work centres on harnessing the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outside, even in wet weather, inspired by both her clinical experience and her belief in the power of nature to spark joy and connection.
In this episode (new host Helen's first) Hazel joins Helen to introduce the concept of Puddle Parks and to talk about the wider issues of understanding how rain, water, environment, community and climate are linked. Could innovative ideas like Puddle Parks help people understand - from an early age - rainfall patterns, how water and ground interact, as well as help communities adapt to changing weather linked to climate change
Hazel introduced PuddleParks through her TED and TEDxBrighton talk (which you can watch here), highlighting how purpose‑designed outdoor spaces can turn rain into an invitation rather than a barrier. These playful environments use rain‑activated features such as light, sound and water‑driven movement to encourage accessible and inclusive community, curiosity, and adventure for children and adults alike.

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To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

In her final episode hosting Groundwater Rising (before handing over to new host Helen Banyard), host Katie interviews Matt Georges, founder of Orbital Applied Economics about mental health and flooding.
Historically, investment in flood prevention and flood defences has mainly been in physical structures. But more and more is being understood about the importance of community flood resilience, and behind this lies the issue of mental health. Being flooded affects mental health greatly, but it's hard to put an economic value on mental health impacts... which means its importance may be being under considered in decisions about which interventions to fund.
Matt is leading the ground-breaking FloodMind research project that aims to fill a research gap (very little has been done about mental health and flooding) and then work towards a mathematical model that can better understand the mental health impacts and their economic value - specifically in terms of groundwater flooding.
In a funding decision-making context that often boils down to cost, the aim of Flood Mind is to provide more of an evidence-based platform for mental health to be given more importance in future flood scheme funding.
To find out more about FloodMind, visit floodmind.co.uk

Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising?
Email [email protected]
To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

After nearly two years of presenting Groundwater Rising, Katie Hargrave-Smith is leaving to pursue a new role (full details in the episode) and hands over the microphone to Helen Banyard. Helen shares her background, including her journey to working within Flooding and Innovation.
Katie and Helen discuss everything from the emotional impact of flooding, to areas they want to explore with the podcast, as well as talking about Katie's insights and highlights from her time on the podcast. A lovely listen at the beginning of a new year and a new chapter for Groundwater Rising.
Thanks to Katie for building a superb foundation. Welcome Helen and here's to a fantastic future ahead.
Katie recorded an episode - which will be her last - on Mental Health that will publish at the end of January 2026, and then Helen's first episode will be at the end of February.

Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising?
Email [email protected]
To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Dr Paul Ellis (Hydrolex) joins host Katie to share his expertise on how groundwater interacts with other water sources. Often, in flooding situations, there is a mistaken assumption that just one source of water is involved. But, understanding how all sources of water - including groundwater (which the least is known about) is vital to understand, plan for and mitigate flooding properly.
 

Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising?
Email [email protected]
To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising

Dr Sarah Fitton and Simon Wilson (co-authors of upcoming book 'Socially Successful Projects in the Built Environment') join host Katie to properly unpack the term "social value". It's a term that gets used heavily in project applications, reports and mission statements for many flood management projects (including groundwater flooding schemes)... but what does it actually mean and how can it be done well?
In this useful and pragmatic discussion, Sarah and Simon discuss:
A simple and clear definition of social value
How putting social value at the core (and start) of a project can prevent many issues down-the-line
Why sometimes there is a mismatch between brilliantly innovative tech and communities whose real priorities have not truly been asked-for or considered
How to communicate with and involve communities properly
Best-practice lessons learnt from projects which have been able to deliver much-loved community assets delivering across-the-board wins for all stakeholders
If you would like to find out more about Dr Sarah Fitton and Simon Wilson's work, and be able to buy the book when it is released, please go to:
www.sociallysuccessfulprojects.co.uk
Dr Sarah Fitton is Founder and Director of Aurora Engagements Ltd.
Simon Wilson is Co-founder and Director of Wilson Sherriff.

Have a story you’d like to share on Groundwater Rising?
Email [email protected]
To find out more about Project Groundwater, visit projectgroundwater.co.uk
Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Go to www.youtube.com/@GroundwaterRising