Sarah Dutton
- President, Rockland Dutton Research & Consulting
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sarah Dutton
Marches Forward Partnership is “UK’s most significant rural growth partnership”
21/10/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Lisa Quest, CEO of Marsh Risk UK, addressing the Marches Forward Partnership event in Westminster The ambition of the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) to become the Rural Capital of Britain has been recognised as the UK’s “most commercially significant regional initiative” at a high-profile Westminster reception.
Marches leaders head to Westminster with call to unlock rural growth
15/10/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Marches Forward Partnership Leaders from the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) are taking their case to Westminster on Monday, setting out how a stronger cross-border partnership could help Government deliver economic growth, strengthen national resilience and unlock investment in rural Britain.
Cabinet backs continued devolution discussions for Shropshire
14/10/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Corporate / Democracy / Marches Forward Partnership / Uncategorized Shropshire Council Cabinet has agreed to continue discussions with government and regional partners as the national devolution picture continues to evolve. A report to Cabinet recommended maintaining a flexible approach that keeps options open while further work is carried out on what future arrangements could mean for the county.
Cabinet asked to keep devolution options open as national picture evolves
07/10/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Democracy / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Shropshire Council Cabinet members are being asked to support further discussions with government and regional partners as the council considers what devolution could mean for the county’s future. The October meeting of Cabinet will be asked to support a flexible approach that keeps options open while national reforms continue to take shape.
Marches leaders take rural growth case to the Senedd
06/10/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Regional leaders and industry partners took a united message to the Senedd: investing in solutions to flooding, drought and wildfire risk can help secure the long-term future of rural communities while driving economic growth and food security Councillors Jake Berriman, leader Powys County Council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader Monmouthshire County Council, Alex Wagner, deputy leader Shropshire Council,...
Water management projects to transform town areas
25/09/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations An area of the Central Car Park will be redesigned and planted up to help absorb surface water quickly Three sites in Oswestry are set to be transformed as part of a Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) demonstrator project exploring how nature can help manage water, reduce flood risk and create better places for...
Community group takes green ideas to Oswestry Market
18/09/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Shoppers in Oswestry are being invited to stop for a chat about making the town greener, healthier and more resilient as a community group launches a regular market stall.
New flood sensor installed in Pentre to improve safety and local flood monitoring
07/09/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Community / Digital / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations / Weather Matt Smith, Mark Cuthbert Brown and Sarah Marston with the new sensor at Pentre People living in Pentre will benefit from new technology designed to improve flood monitoring and provide better information during periods of high water.
Community support for water management and resilience ambition
20/08/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations The launch of Severn Together will see local people travel the length of the River Severn from Llanidloes to Bridgnorth this September The Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) and Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) have welcomed growing community support for a shared vision of a stronger, more prosperous and...
Nearly £1 million Heritage Fund boost for Shropshire Hills
19/08/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations Ponies on the Long Mynd, Shropshire Shropshire Council has welcomed news that the Shropshire Hills National Landscape will receive £993,000 to support long-term nature recovery, climate resilience and community engagement across one of the county’s valued landscapes.
Ditch blocking project to help water management across historic estate
04/08/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Ditch blocking underway – click here to watch the full video Work is underway at Attingham Park to help restore natural water processes and reduce flood risk as part of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) Demonstrator Programme.
Partnership approach to explore ways to alleviate flood risk to town and homes
14/07/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Community / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Shropshire Council, through the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP), is working with partners to explore a new scheme in Gobowen to reduce flooding, protect major infrastructure and help unlock new housing.
Businesses help shape the next chapter of regional resilience plans
09/07/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Businesses and organisations from across the Marches have come together to help shape the next stage of work to strengthen the region’s long-term resilience, economic growth and environmental security. The Marches Business Resilience Coalition (MBRC), established through the Marches Forward Partnership, met to review progress made since its inaugural meeting in March.
Major infrastructure and utilities sign regional business resilience coalition agreement
07/07/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Key infrastructure, utilities and food production organisations from across the Welsh/ English border have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a new regional business resilience coalition.
Resilience and investment in spotlight at national environmental consortium
29/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Powys County Council representatives promoted the partnership during a discussion panel The ambitions of the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) have been presented at a national environmental consortium conference in Newtown.
Council focus on effective flood management proposals
26/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Members visited a range of interventions, including leaky dams, soil management techniques and wetland creation which are all measures designed to slow the flow of water, increase storage within the landscape and reduce pressure on downstream communities.
Royal response to rural growth programme
24/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Council leaders have received a response from His Majesty The King, welcoming the work of the Marches Forward Partnership and offering his support for its long-term vision for the region.
Marches leaders take growth and resilience message to Westminster
19/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Finance and budget / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Leaders from the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) are heading to Westminster to press ministers to back a practical, locally‑led approach to economic growth and resilience across the Marches.
New sensors to monitor and help manage peatlands
18/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Matthew Ellison, of sensor provider Kisters, with Councillor Sarah Marston and Matt Smith, RSPAWIR programme manager New sensor technology is being rolled out across peatland sites in north Shropshire to help farmers better understand and manage these environmentally important landscapes.
Expert opinions sought on water management in the Upper Severn
16/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Farmers and land managers across the Marches are being invited to take part in an important new survey that will help shape how water is managed in the Upper Severn catchment and how farming businesses are supported in the future.
Shropshire Council to showcase partnership‑led water management
05/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Shropshire Council will be at Flood and Coast 2026, the UK’s leading conference for flood and coastal risk management, to share how partnership working is helping shape the future of water management across the River Severn catchment.
Residents joining forces to bring greener, flood‑friendly ideas to Oswestry
02/06/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations A car park area is to feature a rain garden through the Oswestry De-pave project People can learn more about the work of the Shropshire Council-managed Oswestry Depave demonstrator project at this year’s Green Day event in the town centre.
Rural growth is focus for investment and infrastructure forum
27/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Corporate / Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Daniel Burgess, centre, head of economy and climate at Powys County Council, represented the Marches Forward Partnership at UKREiiF The Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) has showcased its ambition to define and lead rural growth and cross-border collaboration to a national platform at a national investment and infrastructure forum.
Shropshire County Show strengthens links with farming community
26/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Members of the SVWMS team setting up for the Shropshire County Show The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team returned to the Shropshire County Show this year, using the opportunity to engage directly with farmers, landowners and rural businesses about its ongoing work across the Upper Severn catchment.
Shropshire Council takes seat at national roundtable on nature and economic growth
19/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Marches Forward Partnership Shropshire Council has taken part in a national policy roundtable exploring how nature and economic growth can be delivered together. The invitation to attend the Roundtable on Collaborative Private Sector Investment in Resilience and Nature, is off the back of the council’s role in the work of the Marches Forward Partnership.
Minsterley residents invited to influence local flood resilience plans
19/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations / Weather Dr Namrata Bhattacharya‑Mis, Matt Smith RSPAWIR programme manager with Doug Jones, of the Minsterley Flood Action Group Residents in Minsterley and the surrounding area are being invited to take part in a community workshop focused on strengthening local flood resilience through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).
New supported accommodation schemes save Shropshire Council £1.4 million and reduce reliance on B&Bs
13/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Community / Corporate / Housing New supported accommodation schemes opened across Shrewsbury have helped save Shropshire Council around £1.4 million in a single year, while dramatically reducing the number of households placed in unsuitable hotel and B&B accommodation.
Shropshire and Powys leaders write to the King to champion vision for cross-border rural economy
13/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Click here to read the letter in full Leaders of Shropshire Council and Powys County Council have written to His Majesty The King to highlight the work of the Marches Forward Partnership, following his recent address to the United States Congress.
Shropshire Show date for Severn Valley Water Management Scheme
12/05/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Partner organisations Some of the SVWMS team who attended the show in 2025 The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team will be at this year’s Shropshire County Agricultural Show to talk with visitors about progress on the scheme and what has been learned from a successful year of demonstrator projects across the Upper Severn.
New report highlights water management skills gap across Marches
27/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations A new report has highlighted a growing skills gap in Water Resources Management (WRM) across Shropshire and Powys at a time when the region is facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth and an ageing workforce.
Businesses urged to share experience to improve mobile connectivity
24/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Digital / Economic growth / Partner organisations The Square in Shrewsbury has been identified as an area where connectivity is very poor Shrewsbury town centre businesses are being asked for evidence of poor mobile connectivity to lobby providers to improve coverage and network capacity.
Landmark nature recovery plan published for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin
22/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Partner organisations The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is published today Shropshire Council, working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Natural England, has today published the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) – a shared plan to restore nature, boost biodiversity and strengthen the landscapes local communities and wildlife depend on.
Flood risk community gets early warning system
17/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations / Weather Front: Matt Smith, RSPAWIR programme manager, Julia Buckley MP, Dr Namrata Bhattacharya-Mis, Douglas Jones, Minsterley Flood Action Group, with Phil and Connor Harrison of Aquasition, who installed the sensors A flood‑risk community is set to benefit from a new automated early warning system designed to improve local preparedness...
News from our partners: Resident doctor strike: NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin prepares for action 7–13 April 2026 - Shropshire Council Newsroom
08/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Health / Partner organisations NHS organisations across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are preparing for a period of national industrial action by resident doctors taking place from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026. The action has been called by the British Medical Association (BMA) as part of an ongoing national dispute with Government over pay, conditions and employment.
Water management projects deliver results
02/04/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations A series of projects across the Upper Severn catchment is helping to build a clearer picture of how nature‑based solutions are vital to better water management. The work to date has created more than 8.6 hectares of new habitat, enhanced over six kilometres of watercourse and added 1,845 cubic metres of flood storage capacity.
Co-ordinated plan for county growth and prosperity sent to Government
27/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Corporate Shropshire Council has formally responded to the Government’s request for views on the development of a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which sets out how it will work with neighbouring councils to deliver future homes, jobs and infrastructure. In its response, Shropshire Council makes clear that its growth and economic future is closely linked to Telford and Wrekin and the wider West Midlands, particularly along the M54 corridor.
County-wide bird survey proves value of digital technology in rural industries
20/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Partner organisations A new acoustic bird survey supported by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) has shown how advanced wireless technology can be used to monitor birdlife more effectively.
Smart water tanks help Newport Rugby Club manage rainwater and reduce water bills
19/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Partner organisations With the support of the RSPAWIR Newport RFC has installed smart water butts to aid grounds maintenance Photos:Jamie Ricketts Photography Newport Rugby Football Club has taken delivery of a 25,000‑litre smart rainwater holding tank and installed smaller tanks on every downpipe around the club’s buildings in a bid to protect the environment and reduce water costs.
Tried and tested nature-based water management project celebrated
16/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations An event celebrating the successful delivery of the Guilsfield Demonstrator was held in the village. Click here to learn more about the project’s successes Partners and stakeholders have marked the conclusion of a successful nature-based water management initiative in Guilsfield.
Workshop resolves to boost Marches business resilience and green growth
12/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Corporate / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Delegates taking part in a workshop session at the Marches Business Resilience Coalition Businesses, infrastructure providers and local authorities have come together to discuss resilience and green growth opportunities through the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP).
Cabinet backs need for planning strategy ahead of early deadline
12/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Corporate Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to develop a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which confirms the council’s commitment to working with neighbouring authorities to support jobs, infrastructure and long‑term economic growth for the benefit of Shropshire’s residents.
Success for Shropshire Slow the Flow project
12/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations Shropshire Council is marking success on the second phase of the Shropshire Slow the Flow Natural Flood Management project, which delivers locally tailored nature-based interventions to help reduce flood risk.
Pond restoration boosts water management goal
03/03/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Click here to watch the video Restoration work at the National Trust’s Attingham Park Estate is bringing overgrown ponds back to life and boosting the estate’s natural flood‑management capacity.
Workshop to increase business resilience and green growth across the Marches
24/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Economic growth / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Business, infrastructure providers and local authorities are meeting to discuss resilience and green growth opportunities through the Marches Forward Partnership. Participants will explore how joint action with the MFP could improve the way the area responds to environmental and economic pressures.
Time to have a say on draft strategy for water management
20/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, with Shropshire Council deputy leader Alex Wagner at the SVWMS drop-in event at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme has now concluded its latest programme of nine public drop‑in events across the upper...
Community shows support for Oswestry De-pave Project
17/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations The information session attracted a number of interested people from different organisations Scores of people representing a broad range of communities across Oswestry have attended a community information session on a project to help manage surface water and rainfall.
News from our partners: Researchers to share findings of digital bird survey at public event
16/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Partner organisations Researchers will share their findings of the county’s first digital bird survey at a public meeting in Shrewsbury next month. A team from Harper Adams University, enabled by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR), has installed 25 sensors at sites across Shropshire under the Green Box project.
Community drop-in focus on town water management
06/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations People living in Oswestry, community groups and local leaders are being invited to a Community Get Together on Wednesday 11 February, to find out more about a project to de-pave the town and improve water management in urban areas.
National Trust in tune with digital bird monitoring project
05/02/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Digital / Partner organisations Dr Megan Lewis, from Harper Adams University, with the Green Box monitoring device and the data it is receiving The National Trust is taking part in a bird monitoring project enabled by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) and Harper Adams University.
Nature-based solutions support water management at Attingham Estate
22/01/2026 - Permalink Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Leisure, culture and heritage / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations Visitors to the National Trust’s Attingham Park are seeing some changes in nature and water management as work progresses on the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) demonstrator project.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sarah
Contact Sarah, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack