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In the heart of Shropshire, amidst the picturesque landscapes and winding tributaries of the River Strine, a groundbreaking project is underway, poised to redefine water management in the face of climate change.
Backed by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR), this innovative endeavour aims to harness the power of digital technology to intelligently capture, store, and redistribute water.
At its core, the project involves deploying a network of wireless monitoring devices and sensors across the Strine catchment area. These cutting-edge tools will provide near real-time insights into water flow, demand, and availability, allowing farmers and landowners to make informed decisions about their water usage and mitigate the risk of flooding.
"This is a flagship project which will eventually benefit the agriculture and food production sectors," explains Dr Jerry Knox of Cranfield University. "Advanced wireless sensor technology presents a unique opportunity to gather detailed near real-time data which will let us quantify water availability and its seasonal distribution."
By accurately understanding water demand and supply, the project aims to develop a catchment-scale system where excess water can be efficiently 'scalped' and stored for future use, then 'spilled' into areas of demand or during dry periods. "Our objective is to showcase how this data can inform the design of an integrated agricultural water resources management strategy," adds Dr Knox.
This innovative approach comes at a critical time for Shropshire's farmers. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, exacerbated by climate change, have resulted in increased crop failures. Projections from the UK Environment Agency paint a concerning picture, with more extreme river flows and significant decreases in summer rainfall expected in the coming decades.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet member for climate action, recognises the urgency. "Farmers have expressed concern about the exceptionally wet weather we have experienced over the last 18 months," she states. "If we can develop this technology that will automatically protect our valuable natural resources it will benefit everyone.”
This digital revolution promises to not only address the immediate water management challenges but also unlock new economic opportunities for Shropshire's farmers. By enabling the provision of ecosystem services, such as water storage and flood mitigation, the project aligns with the Government's 'Environmental Improvement Plan 2023', paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future.
As Shropshire's farmers stand at the forefront of this technological transformation, they embody a spirit of resilience and innovation. Through the adoption of advanced wireless sensor technologies, they are poised to navigate the complexities of a changing climate, secure their economic sustainability, and ensure a reliable food supply for generations to come.
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