There is an unprecedented level of public concern about the risk to aquatic habitats from nutrients released into our waterways by human activity. Many policy makers hope to use nature-based solutions, in particular constructed wetlands, to mitigate these risks.
Cranfield University is pleased to host the annual conference of the Constructed Wetland Association where we will discuss experiences, the latest innovations and experts’ views on the opportunities and challenges of nutrient control using wetlands in river catchments and delivering nature-based solutions for the benefit of people and the environment.
Main themes of the conference include:
- Wetlands for nutrient management in urban and rural environments
- Delivering multiple co-benefits with constructed wetlands
- Innovations in wetland design and applications
- Resource recovery and circular economy
The CWA conferences are famous for their combination of practical experiences exchanges, wetlands research and associated field trips to better understand applications whilst strengthening the wetlands professionals’ network. This year, our event will also include a panel session with representatives from industry, regulation, academia and the private sector to discuss the role of wetlands in addressing nutrient neutrality; a poster session to showcase early career professionals’ work in the area; a workshop to help steer the work the CWA can do to help enable successful wetland implementation in the UK; and an opportunity to learn more about the accreditation scheme for wetland professionals.
Conference fees
| Category | Early bird (ends 31/7) | Standard rate (1/8 - 30/9) |
|---|---|---|
| CWA member | £250 | £300 |
| CWA member concessions* | £150 | £200 |
| Non-members | £350 | £400 |
| Non-members concessions* | £250 | £300 |
*Concessions: charities including academia, early career professionals with less than five years working in the field, retired professionals
Please note the evening meal is not included in the fees.
Event programme
Submit your abstract. Abstract submission has been extended to 25 September. There will be a cash prize for best poster by a Young Professional / Early Career Researcher.
Programme overview
4 October
Coffee and registrations
Keynote: Innovations in constructed wetland applications: river water treatment systems – Dr Carlos Arias, Aarhus University, DK
Contributed talks on innovation in constructed wetlands
Lunch
Site visit – Cranfield’s state-of-the-art pilot treatment wetlands
Poster session over drinks
CWA accreditation session
Conference dinner (not included in fees) – The Swan, Salford
5 October
Coffee and registrations
Keynote: Delivering phosphorus capture with reactive media – Dr Carlos Arias, Aarhus University, DK
Contributed talks on nutrient capture with wetlands
Lunch
Expert panel: nutrient neutrality challenges and opportunities
Workshop: how can the CWA help?
Coffee break
Contributed talks on constructed wetlands
Conference close
Speaker bio
Carlos A. Arias’ research has been dedicated to the identification, development and optimisation of processes involved in the removal of pollutants from waters using natural-based solutions. Efforts in the research have been devoted to improve the removal, pathogens, emergent pollutants and the recovery and reuse of nutrients, and the development of valorisation of resources available from treated wastewaters. The work involves the development of innovative operational schemes, introducing the use of the intensification of constructed wetland, the preparation of soft gel reactive media and the applied research of electroactive-based systems for the treatment of polluted waters. Additionally, Dr Arias has worked with partners in the design and construction of wastewater treatment and run off management systems in Denmark, India, Spain, Chile, Perú, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Vietnam and China, among others. He has published more than 95 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals; 11 books and book chapters; more than 250 papers in scientific conference proceedings; and 15 reports and popular science papers.
Conference dinner
Please confirm your attendance by 25 September. The cost is not included in the conference registration fee.
Location and travel details
Blenheim Suite, Cranfield University.
Accommodation
If you would like to make a booking to stay at one of the on-campus hotels, please contact the CMDC or Mitchell Hall directly and let them know you are attending the event.
Who should attend
A major strength of the Constructed Wetland Association and our events is the diverse experiences of the people involved. We expect wetland designers, wetland builders, wetland academics and students, regulators, environmental charities, water companies and local authority employees all to find this conference a valuable opportunity to talk to each other and learn together. We are a not-for-profit organisation and try to keep all our events affordable for all. A discount for CWA members is available.
How to register
The event has reached capacity so registration is now closed.
Promo image photo credit: Peter Randerson
Hero image photo credit: Clodagh Murphy
