Kate Speke-Adams Head of Land Use - England Expand Kate heads up our team of Catchment Advisers, delivering a broad range of projects to reduce diffuse pollution from across the wider catchment. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in north Herefordshire. This, combined with experience gained from working for the Environment Agency, gives her a well balanced view on the risks and opportunities that agriculture can offer the water environment. In 2015 Kate was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship during which she studied soil management and barriers to change in farming. This has bought an even wider knowledge base to the Catchment Adviser team.
Lucinda Lewis Catchment Advisor Expand Lucinda has lived and worked in Herefordshire for most of her life. She studied ecology at Birmingham University then trained and worked for 18 years as an agronomist which provides an invaluable knowledge base for nutrient management and crop nutrition. When not on Foundation duties Lucinda and her family farm in Dilwyn. Lucinda is FACTS and BASIS Soil & Water qualified.
Jonathan Pugh Catchment Advisor Expand Jonny grew up in the small village of Llanfihangel Talyllyn near Brecon and has been with the Foundation for 12 Years. Having originally worked as a habitat team leader, Jonny brings a lot of experience to the farm team in relation to practical work to improve habitat alongside watercourses. When not at work Jonny helps his father with his agricultural contracting business and the family also farm a small flock of sheep. His agricultural background means he is well equipped to work with farmers and is keen to help support changes that are a benefit to both rivers and the farm business. He is BASIS Soil & Water qualified.
Tom Jolley Catchment Advisor Expand Having gained an Honours degree in Marine Science and Masters in Fisheries Biology and Management, Tom worked for many years as a researcher focusing mainly on sub-Saharan and tropical fisheries where he helped to deliver many pragmatic solutions in the field. Following a few years in the renewable energy industry and coming home to settle in Wales, Tom is now one of the Foundation's Catchment Advisors working cross border. One of Tom’s main interests is the use of “off stream” livestock watering options, facilitated by the use of renewable energy technologies. Tom has been fishing since he was ten years old and is BASIS Soil & Water qualified.
Liz Davies Head of Land Use - Wales Expand Liz comes from a fisheries background with a Masters of Research in Aquatic Ecology and Conservation from Swansea University. Now a BASIS and FACTS qualified Farm Advisor Liz spends most of her time working with farmers on the welsh side of the border. She is FACTS and BASIS Soil & Water qualified.
Bridie Whittle Catchment Advisor Expand Bridie grew up on a dairy farm in Herefordshire and was passionate about farming from a young age. She graduated from Seale Hayne with a BSc Ag (hons) and has spent time working on dairy, livestock and arable farms, set up an organic poultry (eggs) business on the family farm and spent the last 12 years working for the Soil Association, inspecting organic farms across Wales and the borders. She now lives with her family close to the river Wye near Hay on Wye and works with farmers in the catchment on the Welsh side of the border.
Ben Nott Catchment Advisor Expand Ben grew up on his family farm near the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire. He completed Undergraduate and Masters degrees at Cardiff Metropolitan University and has since settled in South Wales with his wife. Previously, Ben worked in Biosolids distribution and has a particular interest in sustainable agriculture. Ben is a competitive mountain biker, so when not at work, he can usually be found on two wheels!