Melanie Sanders joined us earlier in January to take on the role of Catchment Partnership Project Manager. We’re very excited to have Mel on the team so took some time to catch up with her to find our more about her background and hopes for the new job.
Welcome to WSRT! What role have you come from?
River Recovery Manager at the Knepp Wildland Foundation leading the Adur Landscape Recovery project.
How have your first few weeks at WSRT been?
Getting out to explore the area around Fittleworth - an area that's new to me and one I'm looking forward to exploring more. Also enjoyed hearing about what the wider team are working on.
What does your role as Catchment Partnerships Project Manager entail?
My role will be to develop a programme of works for the Arun and Western Stream catchment working with the catchment partnership and Southern Water.
What made you apply for the role?
I wanted to take my learnings and successes from the Adur project and apply them to the Arun to accelerate nature recovery across the catchment. I'm really excited to get to know the landscape and the opportunities for enhancement and restoration.
What do you think are going to be the challenges of this role?
Finding the right incentives for landowners to commit to nature recovery projects in the long term.
Do you have a favourite river-focused memory?
Growing up on the upper reaches of the River Thames and seeing/hearing the curlews displaying, playing/paddling in the water cress beds as a child, and pond dipping!
To date what is your most-memorable water based nature spot?
Chimney Meadows in Oxfordshire & Olifants River in Kruger National Park.
Outside of work what do you like to do?
Cooking and being outside as much as possible - camping, walking, gardening, pack rafting & crocheting on rainy days!