We are delighted to say that Dave Thomas has joined the WRT family, Here is what Dave has to say…..
Dave Thomas
River officer
With a background in ecology on canals & waterways, agrochemicals and working for contractors conducting practical vegetation management I believe that I bring a rounded skillset to WRT. This is combined with previous academic studies and a passion for landscape scale ecology, which naturally drew me to working in river catchments, the habitats associated with freshwater and the connectivity they can provide.
Formerly project leader on the Wyrley & Essington Canal LNR proposal, I began to think of conservation, habitat management and environmental enhancements in a wider context to pinpoint the factors which could affect waterways, rivers and their catchment areas. This required ecological surveys, coupled with environmental sampling techniques and research to gain a greater understanding of the waterways, their species, habitats and associated issues.
As River Officer I am looking forward to examining issues across the wider catchments and targeting practical operations accordingly to achieve the greatest benefit possible. The work WRT conducts holds exciting opportunities to make positive changes to catchments; for the benefit of habitats, species and people in the South West.
Within hours of taking up my new role as River Officer at the Westcountry Rivers Trust I was out with colleagues in a river conducting practical management and experiencing firsthand the work that WRT do to make a difference. Winching a fallen granite post from the center of the watercourse to prevent debris building up, and aiding fish migration was a great way to make an immediate difference. This was an excellent introduction to the trust and seeing how the catchment-scale management in the office translates into targeted practical tasks on the ground.
