Earthwatch Europe’s Dr. Sasha Woods Recognised in Prestigious Environment 100 List
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sasha Woods, Earthwatch Europe’s Director of Science and Policy, has been named one of the top 100 UK environmental professionals in the prestigious ESS Environment 100 list. The awards ceremony was held today, September 17 2025, at the Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo in Birmingham.
The Environment 100 list celebrates individuals who are driving forward environmental sustainability in the UK. Sasha’s inclusion in the list is a testament to her profound impact in the field, and she shared her appreciation for the recognition. Sasha said:
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised in the ESS Environment 100. This award is a testament to the power of citizen science and the thousands of dedicated volunteers who are collecting robust data for change. Through initiatives like The Great UK WaterBlitz and our Nature in Cities work, we are empowering communities to become active participants in scientific research and drive real change for their local environments. This award really belongs to all of them.”
Dr. Woods’ work embodies the mission of Earthwatch Europe, using citizen science to engage, educate, and empower the public to create meaningful change for a greener future. She has been instrumental in leading two key initiatives that have had a transformative effect on freshwater and urban greening.
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The Great UK WaterBlitz
As the project lead, Dr. Woods has mobilised over 15,000 UK volunteers to test local freshwater sources for pollution. This biannual citizen science event has generated a vital national dataset of water quality, with over 8,000 data points so far. The collected data is used to inform advocacy efforts and pressure policymakers for urgent action to improve water quality. By involving the public directly in testing, the campaign significantly increases awareness about the state of UK freshwaters and the sources of pollution.
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Tiny Forest
Dr. Woods leads the science team behind the innovative Tiny Forest project, which brings the benefits of woodland to the heart of our towns and cities. Tiny Forests are dense, fast-growing native woodlands that serve as green spaces for communities and outdoor classrooms. Earthwatch has successfully planted over 300 Tiny Forests across the UK, often in underserved areas, bringing nature closer to diverse communities. The project fosters local involvement, with volunteers participating in planting, maintenance, and ongoing scientific monitoring.
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