Dr Chris Webb

Senior Research Officer, Wetland Landscapes and Processes

About me

I am a water quality specialist with diverse ecological experience and interests. My passion for the natural world began with watching documentaries and exploring nature through hikes, which later led me to volunteer at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. This exposure deepened my curiosity about aquatic ecosystems.

After completing my BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, I pursued an MSc in Applied Marine Science at the University of Plymouth, where I developed a strong interest in coastal and inland waters. This led me to a PhD at the University of Bristol, where I focused on nutrient fluxes and sources driving ecological responses in lowland, agriculturally impacted catchments. On completion of my PhD I joined WWT in 2024.

My role

In my role as Senior Research Officer in the Wetland Landscapes and Processes team, I contribute to a variety of projects that aim to inform policy and support the delivery of wetland restoration. One of my key projects involves completing a global systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of constructed wetlands in treating phosphorus pollution. I also collect and assess evidence on the impact of Natural Flood Management interventions on groundwater recharge. Additionally, I am developing a strategy to improve water quality at each of the WWT visitor centres.

Experience and interests

• Ecological monitoring
• Data analysis and visualization (using R)
• Systematic reviews
• GIS