The Trust is a member of The Rivers Trust (formerly The Association of River Trusts) and works with the local community throughout the catchment of the Wear from the source in Upper Weardale to the coast to conserve, protect, restore and improve the rivers and streams of the catchment.
One of the key aims is to raise awareness of the value of the River Wear, including its flora, fauna, social and economic benefits, and to help people understand the need for conservation and restoration, as well as to promote exploration and enjoyment of this precious resource.
Our Staff and Trustees
Managing Director: Peter Nailon
Peter Nailon has worked with the Trust since its creation, becoming full-time director in August 2012. He attended the London School of Economics 1977-1981, then spent 2 years working on farms in Australia. On returning to the UK he worked in Logistics until 2006 when he moved into the environmental sector. He managed a dry stone walling apprenticeship scheme before moving on to Lantra where he was project manager for the LandSkills North East agriculture and forestry training, reporting to ONE North East under the Rural Development Programme for England 2008-2012.
Education and Community Engagement Officer: Lucy Lovett
Lucy joined the Trust in April 2015 on a part-time basis to work with on our educational projects including Mayfly in the Classroom and river-based field trips. She also co-ordinates our Riverfly monitoring network. Lucy has degrees in zoology and ecology and has conducted research into duck population with Newcastle University and The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. She also studied otter habitat use with Aberdeen University. She has a broad conservation background having worked for a variety of wildlife and conservation organisations including Natural England, the RSPB and most recently the Durham Biodiversity Partnership.
Project Officer: Paul Atkinson
Paul joined the Trust in Setpember 2016, working primarily on river restoration projects throughout the catchment. Paul has degrees in Environmental Biology and Environmental Management and has a particular interest in freshwater ecology. Paul has previously worked for the Environment Agency and Tyne Rivers Trust and has a passion for improving rivers for people and wildlife.
Office and Business Development Manager: Kirstie Hutchinson
Kirstie has worked for the Trust since June 2017 in the capacity of Office and Business Development Manager. She has a strong financial background working as a Financial Controller for a PLC in the Nuclear sector for 10 years then more recently running her own business. She is a qualified Accounting Technician as well as having management qualifications. Outside of work Kirstie enjoys the outdoors and tending to her horses.
Topsoil Project Officer: Martin Colling
Martin joined the Trust in September 2017 to work primarily on the EU Intereg Topsoil Project. Having spent his working life in I.T. Martin decided in 2012 to change career and pursue a degree in Geology (UCC), followed by a MSc in Hydrogeology and Water Management (Newcastle University). Martin's primary interests are Hydrogeological Modelling, Mine Water Remediation & Fracture Flow Mechanics.
Office Administrator: Helen Richardson
Helen joined the Trust in February 2019 as the part time Office Administrator. She has a strong secretarial background of knowledge and experience in office procedures and protocols which will aid and enable the Trust office to run efficiently.
Project Support Officer: Rebekah Bainbridge
Rebekah joined the Trust in January 2020 as a Project Support Officer. She has a degree in Environmental Geography and an MSc in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. Rebekah has previous experience of working with volunteers to carry out habitat improvement and is particularly passionate about conserving the uplands for the benefit of both wildlife and future generations.
Project Support Officer: Bethan Rogers
Beth joined the trust in 2020, as Project Support Officer. She has a degree in Environmental Science with a focus on biodiversity and ecology. She has a broad background in conservation, having volunteered and worked for several environmental charities. Beth has a broad experience ranging from Wildflower Surveys for Northumberland National Park Authority to Loggerhead Turtle conservation in Greece. In her spare time, she pursues many outdoor activities including climbing and mountaineering and is passionate about enhancing river habitats for both wildlife and people.