Phiala Mehring

Dr. Phiala Mehring has dedicated the last 16 years to championing flood-affected communities, using her personal experience of living at risk of flooding to drive impactful change. Following a series of severe flood events between 2007 and 2009, she co-founded the Loddon Valley Residents Association (LVRA) to unite her community and collaborate with flood risk authorities. Through regular meetings with key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Thames Water, and Wokingham Borough Council, LVRA became a respected advocate for local flood resilience and sustainable solutions.

Dr. Mehring’s work with LVRA sparked her passion for integrative, nature-based approaches to flood risk management. Recognizing the importance of achieving multiple benefits through catchment-based strategies, she partnered with the Loddon Catchment Partnership and established the Loddon Basin Flood Action Group. Her leadership has consistently focused on balancing ecological conservation with practical flood risk reduction, ensuring communities benefit from holistic, long-term solutions.

Dr. Mehring is a Trustee for the National Flood Forum and an independent member of the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Armed with a Ph.D. titled “Get Your Water Out of My Lounge,” she brings academic rigor to her advocacy, bridging the gap between technical authorities and community perspectives. Dr. Mehring’s commitment to empowering flood-affected communities and shaping innovative flood risk strategies has established her as a trusted and influential voice in the sector.