Storying Water

Ellen visits Wimbleball, a scenic lake in North Devon that is popular for water sports and fly fishing – but it is also a vital reservoir, dug out and built in 1979, storing water for thousands of people in the region before it’s treated and ready to drink. In this episode, Ellen discovers some of the hidden complexities involved in operating and monitoring reservoirs, and making sure they don’t become reeking hotbeds for algal blooms. She also learns about the increasing pressures on water supply, the urgent need for more reservoirs to be built, and – arguably at least as important – the reservoirification of our landscapes through smaller ponds, lakes and wetlands.Voices in order of appearance: Ellen Wiles, Lydia Perris, Richard Brazier, Diego Panici, Carolyn CadmanCredits:Written, recorded, narrated and produced by Ellen WilesSound editing by Alannah ChanceSound mix and design by Nicholas AllanMusic by Ellen Wiles and Juno Nash-WilesSupported by the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste as part of an artist residency

The series begins with a search for a beginning as Ellen goes on a walk to find the source of the River Exe up on Exmoor – and it isn’t as easy to spot as expected. Exploring the incredible value of peatlands for water quality and drought and flood resilience as well as biodiversity, and the critical importance of wetland restoration after centuries of draining and neglect, Ellen meets experts including a leading earth scientist and hydrologist, a peatland partnership comms officer, and a water company executive who used to head up a wildlife trust. Voices in order of appearance: Ellen Wiles, Justine Read, Richard Brazier, Carolyn CadmanCredits:Written, recorded, narrated and produced by Ellen WilesSound editing by Alannah ChanceSound mix and design by Nicholas AllanMusic by Ellen Wiles and Juno Nash-WilesSupported by the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste as part of an artist residency