Board of Trustees

Andrews work life started in marine geophysics followed by a spell in construction before joining WRc a year before privatisation. He then grew a water and environmental engineering consultancy which was sold in 2006. After a short spell in regional economic development, he set up two management consultancies (he exited one after 4 years) and is now reducing his fee earning work and increasing his volunteer time. Andrew is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Exeter.

Outside of work, Andrew is an active Christian and an FCA Regulated debt adviser (voluntary).

David is a professor of water engineering at the University of Exeter, where he is co-director of the Centre for Water Systems. David’s specialism is urban water management, and he has spent the best part of his career researching and developing methods and strategies to reduce flood risk and minimise river pollution. He is chair of a National Engineering Policy Centre working group which published the influential report “Testing the waters: Priorities for mitigating health risks from wastewater pollution”.

David lives with his wife in Devon and is a proud dad of three grown up children and a beautiful granddaughter.

Andy is a Devon farmer, butcher selling regenerative meats, dog food producer and quarry owner. Starting companies that benefit the environment such as Tattva Bio which photosynthesises building insulation in the form of cladding. Involved in several innovative sustainable farming trials on own farm looking at techniques to improve the impact of farming on our riparian environment including silvopasture, dung beetles and living mulches. Involved in studies around corporate funding for environmental gain. Building mobile abattoirs for islands to maintain a grazed landscape.

Hobbies; fishing, spearfishing, falconry, deer stalking, bee keeping, chairing the Devon County Show.

Rachael is a PR and marketing communications profession with over 30 years’ experience. Founder of Absolute PR and Marketing, a boutique, employee owned, B Corp certified communications agency that builds brands with purpose, working for clients focussed on environmental and social impact. A Trustee of Westcountry Rivers Trust since November ’20, Rachael provides expertise to the board relating to PR and marketing communications. Rachael is also, a trustee of St Petrock’s (Exeter) (Oct ’22 – present) and Clerk to Exeter’s Livery company, the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen.

Interests include long distance open water swimming, road cycling, walking, gardening and travel.

Andy Blundell joined the Board of Westcountry Rivers Trust, as a Trustee, in September 2024; he has responsibility for Education and Engagement. He has deep business experience, with over 40 years in leadership roles in the Print and Communication sector, latterly as Chief Executive. Andy has a degree in Fine Art from the Ruskin School, Oxford University and paints landscapes. He volunteers with Force 4 Nature and The Friends of the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary, helping to co-ordinate water testing as a Citizen Scientist.

Andy’s personal mission is to try and save salmon from threatened extinction in the South West.

MA, Vet MB, PhD, DACVIM, DACVP (Clin Path), MRCVS

Andy has a lifelong interest in rivers and fishing. He has two small farms in the Exe catchment and a flood plain undergoing restoration in the upper Torridge catchment. He is currently working with regenerative agriculture, natural flood management, Up Stream Thinking and Higher Tier Stewardship to tackle the issues of diversity loss, agricultural pollution and flooding.

Graduated Cambridge (MA, Vet MB 1st Class) 1985. Michigan State University, USA 1985-1989. Diplomate of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Pathology. PhD, Royal Veterinary College 1992.

Moved to Devon in 1994 as a Specialist in Veterinary Diagnosis. Founder of the Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) 2001-2017. UK Managing Director of SYNLAB-VPG 2018-2021.

Ian is a retired Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ finance experience in the Charity and Not for Profit Sector. His last substantive post being as an Oxford college Finance Bursar. He currently holds the position of Chair of WRT’s Finance Committee.

Ian is a lifelong fly fisherman, living in South Devon close to the River Avon. He is actively involved with the local fishing club and participant in several environmental initiatives looking to improve water quality and biodiversity in the Avon Valley.

Tom is a solicitor at a South West regional law firm, specialising in agricultural and rural property. He was appointed as a trustee in June 2024 with a particular view to assisting with the development of WRT’s status as a “responsible body” for conservation covenants under the Environment Act 2021.

Tom lives on the western edge of Dartmoor, near Tavistock.