Partner news: Stories and photos needed to create snapshot of the upper Severn catchment
Views across the upper Severn catchment at Newtown. Pic: Ben Osborne for SVWMS
Communities across Powys and Shropshire are invited to share their stories and visions for a sustainable future across the upper catchment area of the River Severn in a new competition.
The Reflections on Water: Visual Storytelling Competition photography and storytelling competition is being run by the Centre for Living with Climate Change (CLiCC), one of the eight Shropshire Council-managed demonstrator projects helping to inform and shape the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme as it develops a holistic water management strategy for the area. It is being delivered by University of Chester.
CliCC project lead Melissa Spiers, from the University of Chester, said:-
“The competition offers a unique opportunity for individuals, families, schools, farmers, and community groups to reflect on how water shapes their daily lives—from rivers and brooks to ditches and drains—and to express their hopes for the future.
“Participants are encouraged to submit up to three photographs and a short audio recording that capture local water challenges such as flooding, drought, or pollution, as well as ideas for solutions and visions for change.”
Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said:-
“This competition is more than a creative outlet – it’s a way for local voices to influence real-world decisions and to capture the area’s history.
“By sharing lived experiences and aspirations, participants will help build a powerful evidence base that informs future water management strategies and supports community resilience.”
Winning entries will be featured in exhibitions and events, contributing to a lasting record of community perspectives. Submissions will be judged by a panel of community members and project partners using an evaluation matrix that values storytelling, creativity, relevance, and connection to place.
Entries are open until 30th April 2025, and can be submitted online via the SVWMS website
One of the main goals of CLiCC is to address the local skills gap in the water management sector. By providing training and development opportunities, the centre hopes to prevent the migration of skilled workers away from the area.
Its aim is to create a talent pipeline by collaborating with various partners, including the River Severn Partnership, local authorities, the Environment Agency, schools, colleges, and universities. This collaboration will help build skills and create opportunities for people to learn about climate change impacts and how to adapt to them.
For more information on the Reflections on Water: Visual Storytelling competition please contact: CLiCC@chester.ac.uk
