water matters

water matters

A podcast created for those who are committed to sustainable building for a greener planet. With a particular focus on water management.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep 21: Floods, Droughts and Beavers — Are Nature-Based Solutions the Answer?

    Following on from our previous episode at Rushden Lakes, Matt and Tim look back on what’s happened in the year since beavers were reintroduced to Northamptonshire. They discuss what the beavers have changed so far, how they adapted through the drought of 2025, and whether wild releases could play a bigger role in tackling flooding, restoring wetlands, and improving water resilience across the UK.

    36 min

  2. FEB 6

    Beavers One Year On: How Rewilding Is Reshaping Wetlands

    One year after beavers were reintroduced to this site, Tim Smedley returns to see what’s changed. Joined by Ben from the Wildlife Trust, he explores how the beavers have shaped the landscape — from tree felling and canal building to water storage, habitat creation, and public reaction. Filmed on location, this documentary-style episode offers a grounded look at how rewilding works in practice, and what these animals can teach us about restoring nature and managing water in a changing climate.

    1h 4m

  3. 11/14/2025

    Old Worlds, New Solutions: Ancient Civilisations and Modern Nations Teach Us About the Water Crisis

    In this episode, Callum and author Tim Smedley take a deep dive into why the UK is more water-stressed than most people realise—and how solutions from both the ancient world and modern engineering could transform our future. From Australia’s household rainwater tanks to Mexico City’s ambitious urban schemes, and from Iranian qanats to forgotten cisterns in Europe, this conversation uncovers the systems that once sustained entire civilisations and the technologies that could help us do the same today. They also explore emerging UK initiatives—like smart water butts and slow-drain systems—that could ease pressure on overwhelmed sewers and help communities adapt to extremes of drought and downpours.

    49 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Why Hosepipe Bans Still Matter — And How Gardeners Are Adapting

    Host Callum sits down with videographer Luke to discuss the ongoing hosepipe bans across the UK and the growing impact on everyday gardeners. They share customer stories from Yorkshire and Oxfordshire, show how reservoirs are visibly struggling, and explore practical ways people are collecting and re-using rainwater at home.

    24 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    From 1976 to Now: Are Britain’s Droughts Getting Worse?

    Host Matt is joined by author Tim Smedley to ask: was the summer of 1976 really as bad as we remember, or are today’s droughts even tougher? They compare two generations of water scarcity, discuss how Britain’s weather and infrastructure have shifted, and explore what needs to change — from national reservoirs to home rainwater harvesting. A clear-eyed look at nostalgia, climate, and the future of water in the UK.

    48 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    Introducing the Water Matters Yearbook 2025 | A New Era for Water Awareness

    📘 In this special episode of Water Matters, we dive into the launch of the very first Water Matters Yearbook 2025 — a new annual publication designed to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about the state of water globally. We’re joined by Damian and Shaun, the creators of the Yearbook, to discuss why it was created, the insights it reveals about water challenges around the world, and how it aims to become a catalyst for change. From global trends and UK-specific issues to innovative projects and hopeful stories, this episode explores how the Yearbook brings crucial conversations into focus. 🌐 Download the Yearbook for free and join the conversation at WaterMatters.life 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more discussions on water, climate and sustainability.

    48 min

  7. 07/11/2025

    15 Episodes In: What We’ve Learned About Water, Drought & Flooding

    15 episodes in — and it's time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. In this behind-the-scenes special, the Water Matters team steps in front of the mic to revisit the journey so far. We dive into six of the most important and still-relevant topics we've covered — the moments that sparked conversation, changed perspectives, and pushed us to think differently about water. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you’re just tuning in, this is the perfect time to catch up, reset, and get ready for what’s next. 🌍 What have we learned? 🔍 What still needs to be said? 💧 And where do we go from here? Join us as we recap the road so far — and share a glimpse of what’s to come.

    29 min

  8. 05/30/2025

    Episode 14: Rainwater Harvesting 101: What, Why & How

    In this episode of the Water Matters Podcast, host Matthew Rolf unpacks everything you need to know about rainwater harvesting. We cover why it matters, how it works, and the pros and cons of above vs. below-ground tanks. Plus, hear expert tips from the Graf UK team on filtration, retrofitting systems, and the smartest ways to use harvested rainwater at home. Whether you’re a homeowner or self-builder, this episode will help you cut mains water use and make every drop count.

    29 min
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About

A podcast created for those who are committed to sustainable building for a greener planet. With a particular focus on water management.

Information

  • Creator
    water matters
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    water matters