Martijn has a MSc degree in Biology from Utrecht University where he studied fen wetland vegetation and estuarine fish populations. In 2007 Martijn successfully completed a PhD thesis on river floodplain restoration, focussing on the relationship between water and soil quality, nutrient cycling and vegetation. He continued to work as a post-doctoral researcher at Utrecht University for 2 years, before moving to work for a Regional Water Authority in Holland. Since moving to England five years ago Martijn has worked on the Hampshire Avon and other rivers in Wiltshire for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, where he set-up and managed a successful river restoration team.
Andy Blincow
Andy has a BSc in Environmental Science and a postgraduate degree in Biodiversity and Conservation. He has a background in ecological consultancy, primarily focusing upon water environment projects for public and private sector clients. Previous works range from the co-delivery of CIEEM national crayfish training courses to the development and delivery of EU funded LIFE projects. Within the Trust Andy predominantly works across the Test & Itchen catchments, engaging with stakeholders and partners to identify and deliver river and floodplain restoration projects. Andy also leads on the Trust’s protected species surveys, holding crayfish and bat licences.
Alex Deacon
Alex is an environmental scientist with over 10 years’ experience in the sector. Alex started his career with the Environment Agency’s fisheries and environmental monitoring teams in the Thames region. From here he moved into ecological consultancy in the north west of England, undertaking impact assessments for a wide range of infrastructure and restoration projects. He enjoys working with stakeholders and the challenges associated with solving the often complex environmental issues faced by our rivers
Mike Blackmore
Mike has over 10 years’ full-time experience in river restoration design and delivery. Mike began his career volunteering for Avon Wildlife Trust, where he helped discover and catalogue the native white-clawed crayfish population that would eventually form the basis of the South West Crayfish Project breeding programme. Mike spent several years as a Site Manager for river restoration consultancy Cain Bio-Engineering Ltd, before becoming a regional Conservation Officer for the Wild Trout Trust. Mike has designed and delivered river restoration projects across Southern England and South Wales, working with various government agencies, NGOs, angling clubs and community groups.
Matt Irvine
Matt graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Science, during which time he cut his teeth as a volunteer with the Trent Rivers Trust. He went on to work for the Northern District Salmon Fisheries Board on the River Naver in Sutherland. From there he worked for the Northumberland Rivers Trust on a series of fish passage and natural flood management projects before moving south to work as a consultant with Cain Bio-Engineering Ltd. Matt brings with him a passion for the natural world and 10 years’ experience of working on a range of river restoration projects.
Maddie Crabb
Maddie is a graduate from the University of Southampton with a master’s degree in environmental science. She joined the Wessex Rivers Trust in September 2019 as a Trainee Project Officer and has worked on a range of projects across the Wessex RT catchment including river restoration, research and monitoring, engagement, and education. Maddie is keen to apply and develop her skills from university to river restoration and conservation.
Amy Ellis
Amy has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Environmental Science and has 13 years' experience in conservation and environmental education. She has taught a wide range of environmental topics to children in early years education all the way up to adult groups. In recent years Amy established and managed her own business in environmental education and outdoor play whilst qualifying as a Forest School Leader. Before this Amy managed two large community engagement projects for the Wildlife Trusts and worked on many others. Amy manages our school delivery programme, community engagement projects and our social media presence!
Lee Bush
Having graduated from London University in 1993 with a BA Hons, Lee worked in the fast-moving media industry, based in London. In 1997 Lee moved to Manhattan, New York with her husband Andy. They subsequently returned to the UK in 2002. Having taken a career break to focus on and raise their three girls, Lee now uses her communication and organisational skills to help Wessex Rivers Trust across all key areas of administration.
Monica Howard
Monica is a qualified bookkeeper with over 8 years’ experience. Her AATQB status demonstrates her commitment to high standards and ethics in accounting. Monica is not only keen to develop her bookkeeping skills while working at the Wessex Rivers Trust, but is keen to learn more about the chalk stream rivers in the Wessex region. Monica is also the part-time bookkeeper for Winchester Rugby Club.
Jon Bass
Jon is a freshwater ecologist by background whose professional life was spent with the UK Natural Environment Research Council. He worked initially for the Freshwater Biological Association, then the Institute of Freshwater Ecology and latterly the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. His key interest is in freshwater invertebrates and the nutrient dynamics of chalk streams. Jon served on the Biodiversity Steering Group for the white clawed crayfish and the Chalk Rivers Steering Group and operates our river temperature loggers. He currently represents Wessex Rivers Trust on the EA SW Liaison Panel, the Stour Catchment Initiative and Steering Group, and the Dorset-wide Monitoring Group.
