A TEAM of academics wants to hear people's experiences of flooding in the Ryedale area.

The scientists from Oxford, Newcastle and Durham University are investigating what causes flooding in the area and are looking at all the local rivers and their tributaries and they want local people affected by flooding, this week and in previous incidents, to share their experience and help prevent further devastation in the area.

Professor Neil Ward of Newcastle University said: "We believe that people with on-the-ground experience can make a valuable contribution to scientific research. But this type of knowledge is often neglected. As scientists, we need to learn how to take all sorts of knowledge into account.

Our study has flooding as its main focus, but we also want to explore new ways of doing science."

The project will bring together lecturers from different universities and disciplines, co-ordinated by the Oxford University Centre for the Environment.

It will be part of a wider research programme - which involves 350 scientists from 50 universities.

In the Ryedale arm of the project, scientist specialising in hydrology will work closely with sociologists and geographers, looking into not only what causes flooding but the effect it has on people's lives.

And to help with this they are setting up a flood research group, which will meet between September 2007 and July 2008.

At these gatherings researchers want to hear from people and how flooding has affected them to understand more fully the impact of the natural phenomenon.

Professor Ward added: "We will be using a variety of technologies, including computer maps and models, to aid our discussions. Local participants do not necessarily need any academic qualifications.

"More important is their strong sense of curiosity and a readiness to consider other points of view. We want sessions to be informal and enjoyable, as well as addressing a matter of concern and making us all think."

Anybody who would like to work with the research team should send a short letter outlining your experience of flooding and why you want to take part, to Sue Bradley, Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU.

Or email susan.bradley@ncl.ac.uk

The closing date is July 17.