Dr Lucy Rogers – Chief Executive

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 FERA (now the Animal and Plant Health Agency) 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. Office: Ledbury.

Hilary Macmillan – Head of Communications

Hilary has worked for the Trust since 2000, for much of that time leading the Communications Team. She has a background in teaching and taught Geography at the start of her career. Prior to joining VWT, she worked in the conservation education sector as Head of Education with Kent Wildlife Trust and later as an environmental education consultant. She has a Masters degree in Nature and Travel Writing and has written for a range of publications, including BBC Wildlife magazine. Until recently, Hilary combined her role at VWT with teaching young people with specific learning difficulties.

Tim Bennett – Finance Manager

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 Abel – Business and Administration Officer

Jane joined the Trust in 2020 as Business and Administration 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.

Julia Bracewell – Senior Design and Communications Officer

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.

Dr Maria Teresa (Mabli) Agozzino — Communications Assistant

Mabli has volunteered with the Trust since 2016, working with the Communications Team. She brings considerable organisational skills and programmatic experience from her former roles as professor, editor, archivist, ethnographer, office manager and author. Mabli is a life-long advocate for animal welfare, nature and conservation, with a particular passion for all things Mustelidae. Office: Ledbury.

Laura Lawrance-Owen – Volunteering and Community Engagement Officer

Laura joined the Trust in 2020 as Volunteering and Community Engagement Officer. After completing a Zoology degree at the University of Liverpool she joined the RSPB as a warden intern to gain experience of conservation work in the UK. This led to other volunteer roles and employment in the sector, including a year with Chester Zoo, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and rECOrd on a biodiversity traineeship. Working as a volunteer and with volunteers has been a core part of Laura's experience. She joined VWT after working as a Ranger for six years with the National Trust. Office: Ledbury.

Helen Henderson – Operations Manager

Helen joined the Trust in 2018 as Business and Administration Officer, and then moved into the role of Operations Manager in 2019. She has a background in administration from, most recently, Active Training and Education (ATE), a non-profit organisation aimed at promoting learning through play for children, but also previously in the education and retailing sectors. She has a degree in Geography and an HNC in Horticulture, and has previously worked in technology marketing, as well as a professional gardener. Office: Ledbury.

Dr Henry Schofield – Head of Conservation

Henry has worked for the Trust since 1990. After studying for a PhD in the ecology and conservation biology of lesser horseshoe bats, he set up the Trust's first bat reserves for this species. This was followed by further projects on rare tree bats. His role is to have an overview of the Trust's conservation and research projects and to develop and oversee the Trust’s conservation policy. Henry has a long-term interest in bats but enjoys working on all mammals. He is a keen amateur photographer and a trustee of BatLife Europe. Office: Presteigne.

Dr Steve Carter – Carnivore Programme Manager

Steve is a zoologist with a background in research on a number of mammal species, including water voles and badgers, and with a particular interest in the smaller carnivores. He has a PhD, from Royal Holloway University of London, on the impacts of introduced predators and their management for conservation. Steve joined the Trust in 2016 to develop the Trust's carnivore conservation and research programme. Prior to joining the Trust, Steve worked for many years as a wildlife biologist with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, managing projects on the development and deployment of TB vaccines for badgers. Office: Amberley, Gloucestershire.