New RRC Science Group

Effective river restoration depends on a strong scientific understanding of how rivers function. The RRC Science Group was established to strengthen the integration of science within RRC activities by supporting RRC staff in their practical river restoration work, advising the RRC Board on scientific aspects of strategy and development, and helping the wider practitioner community deliver evidence-based river restoration.

Aims of the RRC Science Group

The first meeting of the group was held in August 2025. The aims, as set out in its Terms of Reference, are to:

• Facilitate and promote the integration of science within the RRC and river restoration practice;
• Maintain an awareness of the perceived research needs identified by RRC staff;
• Strengthen links and information-sharing between RRC and organizations such as universities and research institutes, environment agencies, conservation agencies, NGOs, professional organizations);
• Assess the capacity and capability of RRC staff for further scientific involvement;
• Explore opportunities and barriers relating to collaborative research projects and funding; and
• Support and advise RRC staff on training provision, including course content, new audiences, overlap with existing training, and opportunities for collaboration with other organizations.

Group Members

The group currently comprises:

• Prof Phil Boon (RRC Board, Chair of the RRC Science Group)
• Richard Ashby-Crane (RRC Board)
• Dr Stewart Clarke (RRC Advisory Group, National Trust)
• Dr Judy England (RRC Advisory Group, Environment Agency)
• Prof Janet Hooke (RRC Advisory Group, University of Liverpool)
• Dr Marc Naura (RRC staff)
• Prof David Sear (RRC Advisory Group, RRC Voting Member, University of Southampton)
• Angus Tree (RRC Advisory Group, NatureScot)
• Prof Geraldene Wharton (RRC Voting Member, Queen Mary University of London)

Together, the members represent a broad range of expertise across fluvial geomorphology, river ecology, field and laboratory research, research in other countries, data analysis and decision support systems, river conservation, freshwater policy, writing for scientific and non-scientific audiences, and commercial consultancy.

Current Areas of Focus

Current areas of focus include identifying priority research gaps in river restoration science and exploring future opportunities for collaboration, training, and knowledge exchange.

The RRC Science Group Needs You!

One of the group's first priorities is to identify the key scientific research gaps affecting river restoration, explore how these gaps can be addressed, and consider the best ways to share knowledge with practitioners and the wider community. 

To help shape this work, we want to hear from across the river restoration sector. Alongside input from Science Group members, we are seeking views from practitioners, researchers, regulators, consultants, NGOs, and anyone involved in river restoration to ensure a broad range of experience and perspectives are represented.

If you would like to contribute your views, please fill in our Science & Evidence Survey. Deadline: 10th June 2026.