At The Wildlife Trusts, we are fortunate to be supported by many inspiring female experts who are creating remarkable impact for both science and nature. Here are just a few of my fantastic colleagues and their achievements...
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This Sunday, 11th February 2024, marks Sunday’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Kathryn Brown
Kathryn Brown OBE – director of climate change and evidence
Kathryn Brown OBE, director of climate change and evidence at The Wildlife Trusts, has been at the forefront of climate policy for nearly two decades. With a rich academic background, including a natural sciences degree from the University of Cambridge and a Master's from University College London, Kathryn has hugely advanced the UK’s climate resilience. Her work, bridging scientific evidence and policy action, has increased understanding and responses to climate risks on both a national and international scale. She has led The Wildlife Trusts to the forefront of the climate debate, promoting the role of nature in net zero and adaption to climate change, whilst ensuring we’re measuring and acting on our own carbon emissions as robustly as possible. Kathryn is an influential and impactful change-maker within climate science, leading the battle against a rapidly deteriorating climate.
Joan Edwards
Joan Edwards OBE – director of policy and public affairs
Marine biologist Joan Edwards OBE, director of policy and public affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, has been campaigning for better protection of our precious seas for over 30 years. Starting her career at Devon Wildlife Trust, her story is marked by a series of firsts, including becoming The Wildlife Trusts’ first national marine conservation officer, and the first conservation member of a Sea Fisheries Committee in 1992. Her work combining science, policy, and community interests set a precedent for environmental change in marine industries. Moving from hands-on conservation to leading on policy, Joan has an extraordinary presence, and is a truly exceptional leader. Her work has resulted in many monumental environmental shifts, including the creation of the UK’s first three Marine Nature Reserves and first three Highly Protected Marine Areas.
Ali Morse
Ali Morse – water policy manager
Ali Morse, water policy manager at The Wildlife Trusts, is playing a central role in the fight against water pollution in the UK. What makes Ali particularly inspiring is her creative and collaborative approach. She chairs Blueprint for Water, a coalition aiming to safeguard the UK's rivers, demonstrating her leadership in bringing lots of different stakeholders to effect meaningful impact. Ali’s background in environmental science laid the groundwork for her career, providing her with the knowledge and analytical skills to drive forward the UK’s water conservation agenda. She champions healthy waterways on behalf of The Wildlife Trusts and is often seen on TV or other media, pushing tirelessly for improvements to benefit both nature and people. Her journey reflects a dedication to applying science to real-world challenges, making her a model of real-world environmental impact. Ali is a revolutionary, and she’s only just getting started...
Ruth Swetnam (c) Fiona Tweed
Dr Ruth Swetnam - carbon and research manager
Ruth is a chartered geographer and mapping specialist who works across environmental science, climate change, conservation and data analysis. She previously worked with Cambridge University, where she mapped ecosystem services in the tropical forests of Tanzania and collaborated with an international team. Following an inspiring 18 years in research, Ruth moved into academia and spent 10 years teaching geography and continuing research into landscape quality assessment. She ended her academic career as a Geography Professor after teaching, mentoring and leading research projects. In 2023 she was awarded the Geographical Association prize for ‘Excellence in Teaching Geography’ for work on landscape mapping methods. A recent career switch brought her to the Wildlife Trusts, where she is the Carbon and Research Manager on the Atlantic Rainforest programme. Her work is key in this exciting project which aims to restore temperate rainforest in the UK, using nature-based solutions to mitigate climate warming, in partnership with Aviva. Ruth also works part-time as a Board member for the Peak District National Park where she oversees their work protecting this cherished place for future generations.
Daniele Clifford
Daniele Clifford – marine conservation officer
Following in Joan’s footsteps, Dani is marine conservation officer at The Wildlife Trusts, having a remarkable impact on marine policy whilst being one of our youngest members of staff. Dani gathers marine information from all the wonderful Wildlife Trust marine projects right around the UK helping inform future policies and decision making. Dani graduated with an environmental science degree from the University of Birmingham, and then went on to volunteer as Research Assistant for the Spanish Council for Scientific Research and gained a qualification in European Community Development, all while living in Seville. She then went on to work as Ramsar officer with Alderney Wildlife Trust, helping to monitor their two gannet colonies, breeding puffins, grey seals, and other marine species. Following this, she undertook an inspirational six months as Marine Futures Intern with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, gaining skills and experiences which made her best placed to deal with both national and international marine policy for The Wildlife Trusts.