Grace studied Physical Geography at the University of Southampton, developing an avid interest in fluvial geomorphology and river management, as well as acquiring field experience in sediment sampling and land surveying techniques. Her work as an undergraduate laboratory assistant explored the changes in sediment structure along a pool-riffle sequence and its role in maintaining these bedforms. Since graduating, Grace has gained practical experience with flood risk alleviation, exploring the potential for natural flood management projects in South Devon using GIS for the Environment Agency. This experience has given Grace a greater understanding of flood management regimes and developed her knowledge of river processes and habitats.
As part of cbec’s project management team, Grace is responsible for organising and managing the day-to-day running of cbec’s natural flood management, feasibility, topographic survey and peatland projects. In addition to project management, Grace regularly undertakes desk-based assessments providing written contemporary, historical and ecological context to cbec’s projects. Utilising GIS software (ArcMap and QGIS), she produces maps to illustrate the desk study findings and field-based data. During her time with the company, Grace has surveyed a range of UK river environments from urban main channels to rural headwaters, gaining a greater understanding of the morphological pressures impacting our river systems. She frequently undertakes detailed geomorphic assessments (fluvial audits) and higher-level catchment-scale reconnaissance surveys, tailored to the project objectives (e.g., natural flood management and restoration). Grace is also a proficient topographic surveyor, holding three years of experience conducting data collection for modelling (hydraulic and morphodynamic) and restoration design applications. As a River Restoration Centre-accredited river habitat surveyor, Grace assesses the geomorphic and ecological quality of cbec’s sites, providing a baseline for post-restoration monitoring.
