Coordinator
Anna Hughes has been coordinating this NORA working group since May 2026. Notably, while working at the Blue Marine Foundation, she developed an oyster biology and oyster history lesson plan package for primary schools in Essex as part of the ENORI project. She has been a member of the NORA community since 2020.
Anna is a PhD student at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, exploring the community dimensions of European native oyster habitat restoration projects in Scotland. Her research takes a socio-ecological approach, aiming to embed community voices into policy and practice. This research hopes to demonstrate that restoration is more likely to succeed, for both people and nature, when community members participate throughout.
Anna completed a BSc in Biology at the University of Bristol and an MSc in Marine Systems and Policies at the University of Edinburgh. Her MSc dissertation, supervised by Dr Philine zu Ermgassen, focussed on site selection for native oyster habitat restoration projects, using collaborative research methods to reach consensus among the NORA network.
Having worked in engagement officer roles in the charity sector, with a focus on marine education, volunteering and citizen science, Anna has a strong interest in ocean literacy and community-led marine conservation. She is experienced designing learning and outreach materials for delivery both online and in-person.
An important part of oyster restoration efforts is to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect and restore this keystone species and habitat builder, and to generate a better public acceptance of restoration measures.
Community and stakeholder outreach and engagement work is therefore of fundamental importance for every project within the NORA network. But this is an art and a science itself, and experience in this field is priceless in delivering effective learning and outcomes. We want to share our experiences with outreach and engagement programmes and exchange lessons learned within the community. Experience and expertise in stakeholder involvement and community engagement is highly welcome.
Everyone is invited to take part in our working group meetings with changing topics and speakers from within the NORA network and beyond. The meetings are held online regularly; upcoming events can be found in the newsletter or as a news item on the landing page.
To join, please contact the coordinator of the group, Anna Hughes: anna.hughes@noraeurope.eu. She will send all registered participants call-in details in advance of each meeting.
Please check the NORA website regularly and register for the NORA newsletter in order to ensure you do not miss out on any opportunities created by this group.