STAFF TEAM
Our dedicated team brings together a wide range of expertise in river restoration, conservation, catchment management, community engagement and organisational support. Working across Essex and Suffolk, they develop and deliver projects that improve rivers, wetlands and surrounding habitats, helping to create healthier catchments for both people and wildlife.
Dr Helen Dangerfield - Director
MCIWEM C.WEM
Helen joined the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust as their Director in September 2022. Helen has over 20 years’ experience in the environmental field, working in academic, commercial and charity sectors. Most recently Helen was Assistant Director of Consultancy at the National Trust, leading conservation work across the East of England in natural and built heritage for 10 years. This included directing a large-scale river catchment project and working on the board of the National Trust’s Riverlands programme.
Previously Helen worked with a wide range of clients in her role as Director for London and South East Environment Group at RHDHV. In her early career she worked as one of the first geomorphologists in an engineering consulting firm promoting working with nature in river and coastal management. Throughout her academic and working life Helen has been focused on the restoration of wildlife and habitats. After being so inspired by early experiences in our rivers and on our seashores, Helen is also passionate about ensuring people and communities have access to nature.
Andy Went - Natural Rivers Manager
MIFM
Andy has over 20 years’ experience in the environmental and ecological sectors. He started his career with the Environment Agency working at both technical and managerial levels. He spent a further 13 years in private consultancy. Andy’s focus at the Environment Agency was on Fisheries and Biodiversity where he held Officer, Project Officer and Team Leader positions.
Prior to joining ESRT he was an Associate Director with AECOM (leading on aquatic ecology), and prior to that he was the Fisheries and Ecology Manager for a medium-sized consultancy. Andy has, in the past, been a regional council member for the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) and is currently a full Registered Member of the IFM.
Sophie Negus - Bluespaces Delivery Manager
Sophie has a BSc in Zoology from Anglia Ruskin University and has close to a decade of experience in the zoo industry. This included coordinating conservation projects throughout North Norfolk, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, legislation, aquarium management and public education and outreach.
Her role at the ESRT is split between the delivery of Essex & Suffolk Water's Bluespaces programme, which focuses on improving the access, quality and biodiversity of blue space, and leading the Inspire People part of the Trust's vision and strategy. Sophie grew up on the North Norfolk coast and has a strong love for all things water and wildlife.
Joshua Abbott - River Chelmer Projects Manager
Josh has worked in a variety of areas in the environmental sector for the last decade and volunteered for longer, advising regenerative and organic farming, greening commercial agriculture, consulting with civil engineering, steering landscape scale ecology and participating in species conservation.
Josh has joined the ESRT as a Projects Manager focusing on the river Chelmer after working closely with the ESRT and land owners to develop other catchments in the region. He grew up in and currently lives in Suffolk, only leaving to study at Writtle University.
Jess Duckenfield - Operations Support Officer
Jess holds a BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of East Anglia and an MSc in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh. She combines an academic background in conservation with more than 10 years’ experience in administration, business support and organisational improvement.
Living on the Essex–Suffolk border in the heart of ‘Constable Country’, Jess has a strong connection to the landscapes and waterways of the region. A keen birder and wildlife photographer, she enjoys exploring the countryside and documenting the rich biodiversity of East Anglia. Jess joined Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust to combine her professional skills with her passion for conservation and to help protect and improve rivers for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Luke Farnish - Project Officer
Luke joined the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust in 2024 to work on Catchment Improvement projects for the Rivers Blackwater and Pant, as well as to help develop the Essex Rivers Hub catchment partnership. He holds a BSc in Ecology from the University of East Anglia completed in 2018 and returned there for an MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation completed during the 2020 lockdowns.
Luke grew up in Kent but has now lived in Suffolk for several years and has gained an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities rivers of East Anglia face. He has worked on most of the Trust's capital projects since January 2024 as well as helping to launch the Essex RiverWatch citizen science project.
Emily Baldock - Bluespaces Officer
Emily has a BSc in Marine Biology with Oceanography from the University of Southampton and numerous voluntary experiences in wildlife and conservation roles, including Seal Rescue Ireland and Wild Ideas. Her role at ESRT is split between supporting Sophie in the delivery of the Bluespaces programme and supporting project communications at ESRT.
Emily joined the charity to be part of the active change required to improve river habitats and surrounding areas for the people that enjoy them and the wildlife that thrive there.
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Cat Wood - Volunteer & Community Involvement Officer
Cat joined the Trust as the Volunteer and Community Involvement Officer, with the aim of increasing outreach and delivering more community and corporate based activities. She hopes to get lots more people involved in learning about and restoring their local environments. Cat has always been interested in the environment, obtaining a BSc in Applied Geology from Plymouth University and an MSc in Climate Change from the University of East Anglia.
Growing up near the Norfolk Broads, she has always enjoyed water environments and quickly developed a passion for understanding their formation and how we can maintain their natural beauty. As well as water activities, Cat also enjoys crafting and is a qualified snowboard instructor.