Staff

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.

Averil joined the team in October 2022 as Operations Manager, having previously worked in parish council administration as well as HR and Administration at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the Bulmer/Brightspace Foundation. As Operations Manager, Averil is responsible for overseeing and managing Head Office functions and helps to ensure that the company's operations run smoothly, safely and efficiently, supporting the wider conservation team to achieve the charity’s conservation and strategic goals. With oversight of the Trust’s IT and HR functions, fleet vehicles and H&S administration, as well as supporting the CEO with reviewing organisational risk and company policies, one day is never the same as another. Averil enjoys the variety of work involved in supporting a small charity in this way. When there’s time, Averil loves to join the Conservation Team at reserves to gain a greater insight into their everyday working environment, as well as learning more about threatened mammal species. Office: Ledbury

Sandy joined the Trust in April 2024 as the Administration and Finance Assistant. She has a background in healthcare and regulation, administration and finance. She has worked for a variety of organisations, including the NHS, independent healthcare regulators, charities and within the retail sector. Office: Ledbury

Tim joined the Trust in 2019 as Finance Officer. He has a background in both the charity sector, having previously worked for Mind Aberystwyth as its Business and Finance Officer, and in the private sector more recently with Balfour Beatty. Through both roles, Tim has a number of years of people management experience. He has a degree in Zoology and has completed his advanced diploma in accounting through the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). Tim moved into the role as Finance Manager in 2020 and also took on the the duties of Company Secretary. Office: Ledbury.

Jane joined the Trust in 2020 as Finance Officer. She has a background in finance and administration, and has worked for a variety of organisations, including the NHS. Jane also has experience of working within the charity sector and within the retail sector. She is a fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. Office: Ledbury.

As Fundraising and Communications Manager, Clare’s role is to provide strategic direction, vision and leadership for VWT’s fundraising and communications work in line with agreed project priorities in the Trust’s Ten-Year Strategy. Clare is an environment and engagement management specialist with a background in project development, including fundraising for major projects in the eNGO and public sectors. She has an MSc in Environmental Management (Protected Area Management) from Birkbeck University of London. Prior to joining Vincent Wildlife Trust, Clare worked for Natural Resources Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and eNGOs including WWT, Woodland Trust and Canal & River Trust. Clare joined the Trust in 2024. Office: Ledbury (Hybrid).

Julia joined the Trust in 2018 as Design and Communications Officer and then moved into the role of Senior Design and Communications Officer in 2020. She has a background in conservation education and in the production of publications. Julia’s past career has included working for Kent Wildlife Trust as Education Officer where she helped develop the education programme, before taking on the role of Publications Officer and producing a range of education and marketing materials. Julia has also worked for Christian Aid as a writer and editor and, more recently, she worked for a small environmental and development charity based on an organic dairy farm. Julia is a qualified graphic designer, has a degree in Botany, an MSc in Creative (non-fiction) Science Writing and is a qualified science and primary school teacher. 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.

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)