Nathan Strathdee

Inspired by Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, I spent much of my childhood exploring the Cumbrian Lakes and Yorkshire’s rivers by kayak. Those early experiences on the water sparked a lasting fascination with the natural and engineered systems that shape our environment.

I hold a Master’s in Energy and Sustainability Engineering from the University of Sheffield and previously worked as an environmental modeller, specialising in sewer network and water quality modelling. My practical experience constructing leaky dams with the Wildlife Trust led me to develop a strong interest in nature-based solutions and river restoration.

I am now a PhD researcher at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW), investigating how large wood in river restoration influences water quality and ecological health. Alongside my doctoral research, I collaborate with citizen science organisations such as Planet Patrol, contributing to data analysis and community-led environmental monitoring initiatives.