Julia NEWTH

I’m a social ecologist leading WWT’s Ecosystem Health and Social Dimensions team, a dynamic group working at the intersection of social science and ecology. Our mission is to generate and apply evidence that drives wetland restoration by integrating diverse forms of knowledge and insight. Together, my team and I explore the deep connections between people and wetlands, investigating how these unique ecosystems benefit communities, shape human behaviour, and can be protected for future generations.
Our current priorities include:
•    Capturing the social, cultural, and wellbeing benefits that wetlands bring to people and communities
•    Understanding and encouraging human behaviours that support wetland conservation
•    Exploring the human drivers of wetland loss and co-creating solutions to address these
We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to connect research with policy and public engagement, ensuring our findings have real-world impact. From shaping policy and guiding conservation practice, to promoting wetlands through national and international media, we use evidence, storytelling, and creative influencing to champion the value of wetlands and their wildlife.