Staff

Laura's role is responsible for the recruitment and engagement of people in VWT activities to support the Trust's conservation programmes. She is passionate about involving people in the Trust's work and providing opportunities that meet expectations for all. Working as a volunteer and with volunteers has been a core part of Laura's experience in the wildlife conservation sector. Prior to joining VWT, Laura was working as an Area Ranger for the National Trust and spent six years in total as part of the ranger profession at NT. Previously she completed her BSc in Zoology at the University of Liverpool; following this she moved around the UK gaining experience in countryside working and wildlife conservation with the RSPB, Chester Zoo, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, rECOrd and local wildlife charities. Office: Ledbury (Hybrid)

As the Chief Executive, Lucy is responsible for leading the VWT team and driving the development and implementation of VWT's strategic and operational plans to conserve threatened mammals through evidence-led conservation work. Lucy has a background in conservation science and conservation delivery. With a PhD in small mammal ecology from the University of Aberdeen, she worked for a number of years with the Central Science Laboratory (now the National Wildlife Management Centre, APHA) at Woodchester Park managing projects on badger ecology and TB epidemiology. Prior to joining the VWT, she was Director of Delivery Programmes for Avon Wildlife Trust, leading the strategic planning, development and delivery of their conservation and community engagement work. Lucy was appointed as Chief Executive for the Trust in 2018. She holds a number of honorary positions including membership of the Natur am Byth board and Mammal Conservation Europe board. Office: Ledbury.

Rowie joined VWT in March 2024 as Communications and Engagement Officer for the Martens on the Move Project. Her role will include engaging a wider audience with the importance (and charisma) of pine martens and ways of getting involved with the project. She will also support VWT’s Communications Team to highlight the project’s wider work. Rowie has a background in environmental education, having previously worked as Outreach and Education Officer for the Alderney Wildlife Trust in the Channel Islands where she delivered a variety of engagement events, co-led the Pollinator Project and ran the Nature’s Classroom campaign to encourage the use of outdoor spaces for educational purposes. With support from the island’s community, Nature’s Classroom won the Channel Islands Insurance Corporation ‘School and Youth Group Green Award’ in spring 2023. Rowie graduated from Bangor University in 2020 with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology with Conservation with International Experience and, as part of her degree, worked at Seal Rescue Ireland as an Animal Care and Public Education Intern. In 2021, she spent a fantastic summer volunteering on Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire, learning different ecological survey methods and working with visitors to the island. Office: Ledbury.