On the 21st January we brought together people working on the Bidwell Brook (in the River Dart catchment) for the Bidwell Brook Living Laboratory Research Symposium. It was an innovative and collaborative setting, focused on co-creating, testing, and refining approaches that support healthier environments.
What is a living laboratory?
The Bidwell Brook Living Lab is a concept of the catchment being an open-air research and learning environment – where scientists, farmers, landowners and community members work together to better understand and restore the health of the river and its surrounding landscape.
What did we do?
The symposium brought together the main research and innovation projects in the area to discuss opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Those present shared current research and activities including talks from citizen scientists, universities, environmental professionals, local business and government (SHDC)
In the afternoon session we took part in a workshop to build collaboration. Topics included:
· Building a living laboratory: cross-sectorial working
· Data, evidence and information: data sharing for catchment management
· Community science and collaborative monitoring
Through this work, the Bidwell Brook Living Laboratory aims to create a replicable model for other small catchments, one where collaboration, evidence and community stewardship combine to shape a more resilient future for people and nature.
More information about the Bidwell Brook Living Laboratory here: https://bidwellbrook.org/bb-living-lab/
