Program Overview

Nature Based Solutions for Water and Land Management

The global challenges associated with the effects of climate change, population growth, and biodiversity loss require a systems-level approach to developing, assessing, and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure the prosperity of both planet and people. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are uniquely placed to deliver multiple benefits at local, regional, and landscape levels. This short course, developed by Cranfield University together with NbS experts from around the world, enables professionals with an interest in NbS to broaden their understanding of how they can be applied for improved water quality through integrated land and water management.

At a Glance

• Dates: 21 Apr - 22 Sep 2026
• Duration: 8 weeks of instruction + 8 weeks for final assignment
• Cost: Ł985
  • Fee includes all course materials, live sessions, and web portal access for six months.
  • Concessions available

Course Structure

The course is delivered online and is organized in eight modules covering NbS principles, technologies, strategies, tools, and implementation guidance. The material is a mixture of targeted lectures, live hands-on workshops, case studies in multiple formats, live webinars, and engaging practical assignments to help internalize the material, encourage reflection, and spark new ideas. Your instructors are available to answer questions throughout the course, and the activities will encourage interaction with your fellow delegates. There is a live session each week, which will be either a webinar or a targeted workshop to put theory into action. There is also a built-in two-week break halfway through the course to help you relax, catch up, or reflect on learning acquired.

What You Will Learn

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe, contextualize, and explain nature-based solutions to technical and non-technical audiences,
• Assess benefits from an economic, social, and environmental standpoint,
• Recognize best practice and identify current limitations of nature-based solutions,
• Identify trade-offs of nature-based solutions in different contexts,
• Understand the barriers and enablers for successful implementation of NbS schemes.

Core Content

• Principles of ecological engineering and NbS context,
• Environmental and economic quantification of NbS benefits,
• Ecosystem services and life cycle analysis,
• The importance of multipurpose designs,
• Treatment wetlands for water and wastewater treatment,
• Sustainable urban drainage systems,
• Green roofs and green walls,
• Natural flood management strategies,
• Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity net gain,
• Integrating NbS in the circular economy,
• Implementation and funding guidance,
• Regenerative agriculture.

Timetable

The 2026 timetable is available for download. Most weekly (optional) live sessions are one hour long, with the exception of the final session lasting 2 hours.

Who Should Attend

The course is open to delegates from a variety of backgrounds, including environmental scientists, biologists, civil and environmental engineers, and those interested in using ecological principles to solve environmental challenges in urban and rural settings. This is a professional development course that thrives on the diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds, reflecting the varied expertise and context in which NbS can be applied.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by CIWEM.

Partnerships

The course is supported by the International Water Association, the Constructed Wetland Association (CWA), British Water, and The Nature Conservancy.

Speakers

The course features a range of expert speakers, including:

• Dr. Robert Grabowski
• Professor Jim Harris
• Professor Bruce Jefferson
• Dr. Heather Smith
• Dr. Joanna Zowadzka
• Dr. Andrea Momblanch
• Dr. Tao Lyu And a number of external speakers, including Dr. Gabriela Dotro, Abraham Esteve, Ana Galvao, Anacleto Rizzo, Andrew Freeman, David Schaub-Jones, Diederik Rousseau, Emma Wren, Fabio Masi, Guenter Langergraber, John Williams, Lucille Paltriguera, Marc Naura, Marcus Huband, Matthew Palmer, Mihai Coroi, Sophie Tremolet, Stan Kang, Vit Rous, Marieke Nieuwaal, Nathalie Dorflinger - Danone Waters, Amina Aboobakar, Bryony Bowman, Catherine McIlwraith, Felicia Rhodes, David Holland, Dr. Nicholas Cryer, Dr. Elisabeth Larsen, Todd Player, and Gregg Brill.

Concessions

Discounts are available for Cranfield staff and alumni (20%), IWA (20%), CIWEM, CWA, and British Water members (10%). To receive a concession, please apply by 1 April 2026.