New Forest Catchment Partnership

“I grew up in Hampshire and spent my early years exploring the New Forest, River’s Test and Itchen, South Downs and ancient coppiced woodlands around Winchester. My mother was a keen walker and father an avid wildlife enthusiast, and we were lucky to be able to access all of these magical places on foot or within a short bus ride.

“It’s no surprise that I have continued to work in this part of the UK throughout my career and in my research work. First as a volunteer, and then Biodiversity Project Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, before returning to academia to undertake a PhD on the temporary ponds of the New Forest.

“Freshwater Habitats Trust has always prioritised the New Forest as one of the most important areas for freshwater biodiversity in the UK, and teaming with the National Park Authority to jointly host the New Forest Catchment Partnership was an obvious choice for us.

“I am passionate about raising awareness of the value of this landscape for freshwater wildlife, and support for the rural economy which maintains it. Under increasing pressure from local and global change, we are using evidence-based techniques and understanding of this unique landscape to safeguard it for future generations.”

“I studied geography at university and was most interested by the lectures focused on explaining ecosystems and how environments could change. Learning about the impacts of human behaviour on habitats gave me a drive to try and deliver positive change.

“After graduating, I volunteered on a National Trust project in North Devon called Dynamic Dunescapes. I learnt the reality of trying to improve environments that had been manipulated by people for centuries. Innovation was needed to have effective change. Volunteering gave me many skills, including how to engage with the public about ecology, tree planting and estate skill such as installing gates.

“Joining Freshwater Habitats Trust was a natural and exciting next step for me. Through the New Forest Catchment Partnership, we’re protecting one of the best landscapes in the UK for biodiversity and educating visitors and residents of the New Forest. Through engagement, we’re taking a proactive, rather than reactive approach, to conservation.

“Being in the New Forest has given me a chance to see what the other areas of the UK have lost and what environmental conservation projects are aiming for.”

“Looking back, wetlands have always been in my life and career. I’m now thrilled to be working with a team of amazing nature conservationists at Freshwater Habitats Trust and with our partners to deliver habitat restoration in a truly colourful and naturally very wet part of the world!

“Moving to Devon as a 10 year old, with Dartmoor and the coast a short drive away and the beautiful wooded valley of the River Plym on our doorstep, I gradually developed an interest in all things wild and was aware of the world’s conservation issues. What sparked in me from this early age was a strong feeling that I wanted to make a difference and help wildlife.

“After completing my Ecology degree, I  embarked on an adventure volunteering in Central, South and North America. When I returned, I started volunteering and leading practical habitat conservation work with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (now known as The Conservation Volunteers) before joining the National Trust in Purbeck and then the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS)

“All this past work led me into my current role at Freshwater Habitats Trust. Here I can bring all the skills I’ve gained over the years to get practical conservation in action, whilst carefully juggling the needs of the biodiversity, permissions, landowner’s needs, and funding constraints to maximise the outputs of the work we deliver.”

“The New Forest is a beautiful landscape, with such a unique range of habitats now lost from much of lowland England.

“I have always been fanatically drawn to water and growing up I was more in it than out. I have many memories of walking home with waterlogged shoes and muddy knees. Whether it was adventuring along a suburban stream or splashing in the waves and hunting in rockpools on the northeast coast, I was captivated, curious and emotionally charged by the feelings water evoked. One of my most vivid memories is stream dipping on a school outing and being mesmerised by the creatures found in the water. I remember very clearly taking great pleasure drawing a mayfly and a freshwater shrimp although I didn’t know what they were at the time!

“Today I feel very privileged to live near a wild landscape, a natural space where I have been able to provide similar experiences to my children and see how this benefits their understanding of the natural world – and how a connection to a special outdoor place creates a real sense of belonging. This is one of the reasons why I love the Forest so much.

“I have a fascination for plants – particularly those associated with New Forest mires and ponds. There are so many species that have an incredible story to tell but are often overlooked by larger landscape features. My role here in the Forest is to tell this story and enable others to share in that excitement about the deep history of the New Forest landscape and the connection people have had with it for millennia.

“This wetland landscape, from source to sea, is ancient and fragile, with areas boasting pristine streams, ponds and mires, bursting with rare species. This makes the New Forest one of the best and most Important Freshwater Landscapes and coastal areas in the UK. These habitats and species are dependent on the ancient practice of traditional grazing and clean water free from pollution. Our role at Freshwater Habitats Trust, in partnership with other organisations, is to continue to protect the landscape and its heritage so future generations can connect to its compelling past and hopefully its resilient future.”