Natural Resources Wales Chief Executive visits 25-year research programme

Prof Chris Freeman shows Dr Emyr Roberts specialist equipment used to measure the gases from wetlands.Dr Emyr Roberts Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) visited Bangor University to present a guest lecture on Natural Resources Wales and opportunities for the integrated management of our natural resources to a gathered audience of students and staff.

During the visit Mr Roberts met with key Bangor University staff working on environmental themes, including Professor David Thomas, Director of Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment Professor Chris Richardson, Head of School of Ocean Sciences, and

Professor Colin Jago, Dean of College of Natural Sciences. He also had an opportunity to learn about 25 years of wetlands research at Bangor University.

Bangor University is at the cutting-edge of this field. Professor Chris Freeman, head of the School of Biological Sciences, has pioneered this research work and leads an enthusiastic team of wetland lecturers and researches in the Bangor Wetlands Group at the School. Prof Freeman and his research team have conducted wetland research on topics as diverse as treatment wetlands for dairy waste, to enzyme activities in mangrove swamps. They have had scientific papers published in the leading journals, advised politicians and policy makers around the world, and had their work reported on in media outlets as diverse as Gardeners' World and the New York Times.

Dr Emyr Roberts and Dr Kathryn Monk Principal Advisor for Science, NRW also visit the freshwater aquarium with Prof Chris Freeman Head of the School of Biological Sciences, with Post Doctoral researcher Alix Tyers.Dr Emyr Roberts commented:

"For 25-years Bangor University has been at the forefront of wetland research and teaching, and it's fantastic to have such a wealth of experience and expertise in Wales.

"We're continuing to learn just how important wetlands are for us - not just in terms of the unique habitats they provide; but also their roles in flood prevention, treating polluted waters, coastal defence and preventing climate change.

"Natural Resources Wales recognises the multiple benefits which wetlands can provide, and is actively working with partners to restore wetlands – for instance through the Anglesey and Llyn fens project.

"I pay tribute to Professor Chris Freeman who has been instrumental in leading a dedicated team of wetland scientists at Bangor University.

Natural Resources Wales looks forward to continuing to work with Bangor University on wetlands research and its application to the Welsh environment.’

Publication date: 12 December 2014