Seeing water differently: Exploring hydrology through the arts
In this project, we explored new ways to make hydrology more accessible through a collaboration with local artists, using creative practices to share scientific methods in engaging, relatable formats.
In a project for the Environment Agency we worked with creative agency Somewhere-Nowhere, we produced accessible and informative visual storytelling pieces as part of a review of open methods in operational flood hydrology. Helping people connect with nature and understand the scientific work we undertake.
- Client Environment Agency
- Location England
- Services
A tender rooted in creativity
This project began with a tender to perform a review of open methods in operational flood hydrology as part of the Environment Agency's Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme. The tender also required external engagement materials that the Environment Agency could further use.
In order to successfully fulfil the requirements of this project, we felt it was time to step away from our usual technical infographics and dive deeper into exploring alternative creative materials that help to bring science closer to communities.
Exploring new ways of engaging with people meant starting a proposal in a new manner, too – this time with the image of a tree and the invitation to allow room for space and growth. Perhaps a slightly unusual bid for people more accustomed to models and statistics, but this was about telling a story people could relate to.
Creating a metaphorical journey of open hydrology
Following successful bid acceptance, a collaborative journey took place between us and two local environmental artists, photographer Rob Fraser and poet Harriet Fraser, who together make up Somewhere-Nowhere. This creative couple based in Cumbria explore the natural environment with the mindset of discovery, learning and creativity. They aim to capture the imagination, bringing people and nature together.
Harriet and Rob began by running a workshop at our Broughton Park office with 15 – 20 participants. Following a series of talks, part of the day was spent exploring the local area, which is undergoing a transition from intensive sheep grazing to a mixture of woodland and wood pasture. This time was used to reflect on the local landscape, discussing what could be seen, heard and felt. At intervals, Harriet read aloud poems connecting the team to the surrounding nature and environment, focusing on the open landscape and how the removal of barriers can enable access for all.
Following the workshop, Harriet and Rob walked for four days along the length of the River Eden from source to sea. Through their journey, they documented the landscape and the water’s endless cycle within it. Phrases from the project report and the workshop were printed onto sheets of canvas and placed within the natural environment along the route, which were used to guide their discovery, encourage reflection and discussion when shown throughout the final video, later produced by Rob.
During this journey, Harriet wrote a poem which paired with Rob’s feature video. This creative work produced a metaphorical journey of open hydrology, visualising the journey of the water and its importance within our environment, encouraging thought, questions and contemplation on how it impacts our daily lives and how we can work with it rather than against it. This journey along the River Eden from source to sea also provided new photography which was used in the project report and presentations.
Making science and data accessible through creative practices
The output of this creative collaboration was paired with a digital story map, produced by Christopher Skinner from the Environment Agency, sharing the aspirational vision for the project, which can be seen here. This story map charts the journey taken down the River Eden. It connects sections of the poem and video with the technical information, asking questions of the observer that challenge various topics related to open hydrological methods, such as infrastructure, funding and governance.
These interactive and engaging materials were provided to the Environment Agency to present and use as discussion pieces at conferences and events, showing the importance of open method hydrology. Making science and data accessible, aiding better interpretation and connection.
