Who We Are
Introduction to Ripple Effect project
Our methods
This project is led by an interdisciplinary team from the University of Sussex in partnership with Friends of the River Medway.
We won a competitive and prestigious seed grant by Sussex Sustainability Research Programme SSRP. The Ripple Effect project was originally funded until July 2024 but we endeavour to expand (ripple out) across fresh water systems and over time, collaborating with existing projects and stakeholders.
University of Sussex
Dr. Lucila Newell
Assistant Professor in Human Geography, Ripple Effect project social research lead.
Dr Ellen Rotheray
Associate Professor in Ecology and Evolution, Ripple-effect Natural sciences research led.
Friends of the River Medway
Rachel Millward
Rachel Millward is Deputy Leader Wealden District Council (Green Party) and co-founder of Friends of the River Medway.
Ffion Thomas
One of the founders of Friends of the River Medway, and a Conservator of Ashdown Forest. She is currently studying for a PhD researching the effects of soil health on the tree disease, ash dieback at Coventry University, and has an MSc in Sustainable Food and Natural Resources from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT).
Cllr. Christina Coleman
District Councillor for Danehill and Fletching, representing the Green Party; former Chair of Wealden District Council; Masters in Environment, Development and Policy from the University of Sussex.