Meet the Blue Heart team

As the Project Manager for Blue Heart, I am responsible for day to day running of the project; keeping the team, partners and residents happy; and strategic direction. Before taking over as Blue Heart Project Manager, I was project manager for the SuDs for Schools Programme (sustainable drainage systems).

I have recently moved from New Zealand, with a background in Environmental Management, Marine Science, community-based river restoration and surface water asset management.

From water sports, to fishing, swimming and diving, I love nothing more than getting out on/in the water and being involved in all it has to offer!

I’m a link between the project team, and the people who live and work within the project area and care about its future. My role is to support clear communication and understanding both ways, so that Blue Heart delivers on its aims, and benefits local people.

My background is in community, science and heritage engagement.

I find being near water very peaceful – but I never successfully learnt to swim so I don’t enjoy being in it!

My role on the project is to oversee the workstreams being completed by JBA Consulting for the Blue Heart project. This is largely focussed on the hydraulic modelling side of the project and we have teams building an integrated catchment model, looking at rainfall thresholds and assessing the flood risk assets in Eastbourne. I also support Anna Hastings with project management.

My background is in flood forecasting and warning, delivering incident management training and response, and supporting local authorities with flood risk management.

I’m a keen swimmer and frequently swim in rivers and the sea in Sussex.

I provide support to Blue Heart in the form of writing reports, producing maps, and pulling together and analysing data relating to the project.

My background is in Flood Risk Management, Environmental Science and Geographical Information Systems.

I find it fascinating how water has such a huge impact on people and the natural world in such a wide variety of ways.

Farzan is a Water Engineer and AIoT Researcher at University of Exeter.

As a Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, I am leading on the new technologies being installed for monitoring water levels across the Blue Heart area and providing related research insights.

I have previously worked on wide variety of projects related to the world of water, such as monitoring of sewage for evidence of COVID-19 and modelling water distribution systems to improve resilience.

I find being in or on the water a great way to unwind from a busy week, and particularly enjoy wild swimming and coastal rowing.

As a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Exeter and Director of Agile Rabbit, a communications and engagement charity, my role is to ensure the messaging of the Blue Heart project is delivered effectively to key stakeholders, local businesses, and members of the public. To do so, my team utilises a variety of community-driven techniques with a focus on innovation – designing and evaluating playful activities to increase community resilience to flooding.

I live by the sea and try to get in as much as I can!

I’ve been Flood Risk Manager with East Sussex County Council for 13 years. Before that I worked at the borough, county and regional levels of planning with specialisms in coastal planning, flood risk, natural resource management and climate change.

Water features prominently in my professional life, and having been brought up on the rural east coast it is equally significant in my personal life. Living on the coast led to direct involvement in shoreline management issues, experience of flooding and, of course, a lot of sailing.

I am leading on the research-side of the project, leading our team of researchers and PhD students on data gathering, analysis and insights. I lead the Stormwater Intelligence Group in the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter and have spent 15 years pursuing all forms of projects that can help us understand how rainwater interacts with our cities, helping communities to see rainwater as a resource rather than a threat.

When I am in, on, or under water I am content – pools, rivers, surfing, paddling, sailing or diving. When it isn’t being drunk, water is truly a great amenity.

I recently joined the team as PM for the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for Schools Project.  This initiative brings Blue Heart innovation directly into the community through learning and engagement in schools.  Having children co-design SuDS for their school grounds not only brings the project to life but also fosters a sense of ownership and highlights the positive impact they can have on their environment both working collaboratively and as individuals.

I’m from a seaside town and have always found water calming – I really miss it when I’m away!  As a long-time eco-enthusiast and environmental advocate, I’m excited to be part of a project that engages communities in practical and creative ways to save and reuse water, while protecting our ecosystems and the environment.

Maja gathers community stories and insights to help understand how Blue Heart’s work supports local flood resilience. She spends her time speaking with residents and Community Fund groups, using an ABCD lens to explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how people experience water, risk and everyday resilience.

In her free time, Maja runs local creative workshops including Cocktails & Collage at Port, and is the founder of @Creative_Eastbourne a grassroots creative community in the town.

Anna led Blue Heart for the first four and a half years, shaping the project and leaving a lasting impact. She’s now left the team but we’re really happy she stays in touch!