water matters

Episode 11: How Much Is Water a Focus at UK Homebuilding Exhibitions?

🎙️ How much is water a focus at UK Homebuilding Exhibitions? | Water Matters Podcast episode 11
In this episode of the Water Matters podcast, we ask a simple but important question: How much is water really being talked about at homebuilding shows in the UK?
Fresh from exhibiting at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC Birmingham, we reflect on what we saw (and didn’t see) when it comes to sustainable water management. With over 380 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, only a handful of companies were talking about water – something we believe is a major blind spot in the industry.
Host Matt shares: 💧 What the show was like from Graf UK's perspective 📊 How many companies focused on water vs other sustainability topics 🚿 Why this matters for the future of self-build and eco-conscious construction 🗣️ Plans to explore and report from more exhibitions throughout 2025
You’ll also hear from Callum Vallance-Poole, Head of Brand & Marketing at Graf UK, in a short clip recorded live at the event.
Thanks for tuning in — and stay with us as we continue to bring the conversation of water to the surface.

Episode 10: The true cost of water

💧 The True Cost of Water | Water Matters Podcast 🌍
What does water really cost us — when there’s not enough of it… and when there’s far too much?
In this episode of Water Matters, host Matt Rolph sits down with author and environmental journalist Tim Smedley to explore the ideas behind Tim’s powerful article, “The True Cost of Water.” This isn't just about rising bills — it's about the rising toll that droughts, floods, and a changing climate are having on our homes, our infrastructure, and our future.
 
💡 Key topics include:
•Why droughts and floods are two sides of the same coin
•The science behind heavier rainfall and water scarcity
•The impact of climate change on the global water cycle
•Why our current systems are no longer fit for purpose
•Nature-based solutions like rewilded rivers, aquifers, and even beavers
•What YOU can do at home to make a difference
 
🔍 Whether you’re a water professional, a concerned citizen, or just curious — this conversation will change the way you think about what water is really worth.
 
🎙 Water Matters is a podcast and platform dedicated to exploring the most vital resource on Earth: water. Sponsored by GRAF UK, we bring together experts, ideas, and solutions to spark meaningful conversations around how we use, manage, and protect water in a changing world.
📘 Guest: Tim Smedley, author of The Last Drop🗣 Hosted by: Matt Rolph
#WaterMatters #TrueCostOfWater #TimSmedley #Flooding #Drought #ClimateChange #Stormwater #NatureBasedSolutions #RainwaterHarvesting #Podcast

Episode 9: Beavers Are Back! Can They Fix Our Water Crisis?

In this special episode of Water Matters, we witness history in the making as a family of beavers is reintroduced into the Nene Wetlands in Northamptonshire for the first time in 400 years. Hosted by Matthew Rolph, this episode takes you behind the scenes of this groundbreaking project, exploring why beavers are being brought back and how they could revolutionise water management, biodiversity, and flood prevention across the UK.
Joined by environmental journalist Tim Smedley and a lineup of experts from the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (Wildlife Trust BCN), we dive into the significance of this momentous event. From their role as nature’s engineers to their ability to reduce flooding and restore wetland ecosystems, beavers are proving to be a game-changer for sustainable water management.
🔹 Why are beavers being reintroduced now?🔹 How do they naturally improve flood resilience and water quality?🔹 What does this mean for future rewilding in the UK?🔹 Will they ever roam free again?
Thanks to our partnership with Wildlife Trust BCN and Graf UK, this episode brings exclusive interviews with conservationists, scientists, and the people making this project possible. Plus, hear firsthand reactions from those who witnessed the beavers take their first steps into their new home.
This is just the beginning. Over the next two years, we’ll continue to track the impact of this reintroduction, with exclusive camera footage capturing how these beavers reshape the landscape.
👉 Listen now to be part of this historic moment and see why the return of beavers is one of the most exciting conservation stories of our time!
#WaterMatters #BeaverReintroduction #Rewilding #FloodPrevention #WildlifeTrustBCN

Episode 8: Beavers reintroduced to Northamptonshire for the first time in 400 years!

In this special episode of Water Matters, we take you to the Nene Valley to witness a historic moment—the reintroduction of beavers to Northamptonshire for the first time in 400 years!
Join us as we speak with conservation experts, wildlife trust members, and local stakeholders about the ecological importance of beavers, their role as "nature's engineers," and the challenges and benefits of their return to the UK landscape. We explore how these keystone species contribute to flood prevention, biodiversity, and wetland restoration while discussing the complexities of current legislation requiring them to remain in enclosures.
We also delve into public engagement efforts, funding challenges, and the future potential for free-roaming beaver populations. Hear firsthand accounts from those who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life and learn what the coming years may hold for beavers in the UK.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a conservation advocate, or just curious about how beavers can help combat climate change and biodiversity loss, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Tune in to discover how beavers are making a comeback—and why their return matters more than ever!

Water Matters Episode 7: Tech Solutions To The Water Crisis.

Join us in this enlightening episode of the "Water Matters" podcast as we welcome Tim Smedley, acclaimed author of "The Last Drop," for a deep dive into sustainable water management solutions. Explore the critical issues and innovative technologies shaping the future of water, from the battle against microplastics to groundbreaking advancements in desalination and water recycling. Whether you're an industry professional, academic, or simply curious about environmental sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can safeguard our most precious resource. Don't miss Tim's expert analysis and the practical steps we can all take to participate in water conservation.

Water Matters Episode 6 - Water Neutrality - All you need to know

Welcome back to the "Water Matters" podcast! In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of water neutrality, exploring how new developments can be built without adding strain to local water resources. Join Callum Vallance-Poole as he breaks down the challenges and solutions around implementing water-neutral projects, including innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and offset water use in developments. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode offers valuable insights into making water use more sustainable for future generations. Don't forget to subscribe for more discussions on vital water issues!

Water Matters Podcast Episode 5

🎙️ Microplastics in Water: How Concerned Should We Be? 🌊
In this episode of Water Matters, host Matthew Rolph is joined by sustainability expert and author Tim Smedley to dive deep into the growing concern of microplastics in our water. Drawing from the latest insights shared in this article, we explore what microplastics are, how they end up in our water systems, and their potential impact on the environment and human health.
Tim offers his expert perspective on the science, the myths, and the steps we can take to address this pressing issue. Whether you're an advocate for sustainable living or simply curious about what’s in your glass of water, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Available now on your favourite podcast platform and YouTube. Join the conversation and take action to make every drop count!

Water Matters Podcast Episode 4

In this episode Matthew Rolph is joined by special guest, Callum Vallance-Poole, to discuss a critical topic that is currently delaying the construction of thousands of new homes across the UK. 
 
Nutrient Neutrality is a topic that more people will become aware of over the next 2 to 4 years. Begin learning about this subject now. Listen to this episode to find out what it's all about and why you should care. We hope you enjoy the episode. 
 

Water Matters podcast episode 3

Welcome to Water Matters, the podcast dedicated to exploring one of our most precious resources—water. Hosted by Matt, Managing Director of Graf UK, each episode dives into the critical issues surrounding water scarcity, mis-management, and the innovative ways we can protect it for future generations. In this first episode, Matt is joined by environmental journalist and author Tim Smedley, known for his thought-provoking books on sustainability. Together, they discuss the impact of flooding and why floods and storms are on the increase. Hope you enjoy this episode. 

Water Matters podcast episode 2

In this episode of the water matters podcast, Matt & Catherine discuss why water matters has been created, what it includes, how it will work and why you should care. Learn about the 3 step approach that we are encouraging listeners to join us on. Hope you enjoy this episode!