Pride of Devon Awards 2018

Professor Richard Brazier wins the Pride of Devon 2018 Environment award

Professor Richard Brazier has won the Pride of Devon  Environment award for his work on reducing flooding, improving water and soil quality, and land management.

The Professor of hydrology, whose research has included the impact of beavers released in Devon on the local environment, was named as this year’s winner at the Devon County show.

Professor Brazier is involved with a number of SWEEP Impact Projects, particularly those looking at managing the supply and quality of freshwater. He has spent years researching natural strategies to improve farmland and prevent flooding and his recent research found that beavers released into the River Otter have improved the quality of water in rivers and helped filter out pollutants.

The academic said he was honoured to receive the award and said he felt ‘humbled’ to have his work recognised; “I am fortunate to work within numerous partnerships to learn more about and ultimately to improve Devon’s environment. These groups, including South West Water, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, Clinton Devon Estates, the Environment Agency and Natural England place trust in the research that I do and use the understanding as the basis for their decision making. It is heartening to be awarded this accolade for such work and humbling to be recognised alongside the other recipients who have clearly made profound contributions to their communities and Devon as a whole.”

The Pride of Devon Awards are held annually to celebrate the unsung and behind the scenes heroes who contribute to the local community in some way.  Nominees are suggested by members of the public, and a team of judges then finalise their winners.

Date: 30 May 2018