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Mark is our Chief Executive Officer, responsible for overseeing our direction and strategy. He joined The Rivers Trust in 2019 after 10 years as Chief Executive of the Angling Trust & Fish Legal, where he played a transformational role representing the UK’s three million anglers and taking legal action against polluters. Much of that work was focussed on protecting water quality, a subject close to Mark’s heart. Prior to that, Mark was Chief Executive of Thames21, one the Rivers Trust’s current members. He therefore is deeply familiar with the culture, challenges and opportunities of the Rivers Trust movement.

Arlin Rickard founded the Westcountry Rivers Trust in 1994, and then went on to lead the Association of Rivers Trusts (now The Rivers Trust) for 15 years. Arlin, who is also a smallholder on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, worked closely with the poet Ted Hughes and other keen anglers in the West Country to seek charitable status for the Westcountry Rivers Trust in the early 1990s, with a strong emphasis on the ecosystem approach to managing rivers, combining the best possible science with on-the-ground delivery. Arlin worked closely with Ian Gregg, owner of high street bakers Greggs, who was instrumental in the formation of the Association of Rivers Trusts and remains the President of The Rivers Trust to this day. Arlin stepped down as Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust in September 2019, but remains as a senior policy advisor on a part-time basis and continues to chair the Catchment Based Approach National Support Group, which oversees the 100+ Catchment Partnerships set up since 2011 to bring together a coalition of organisations with the willingness and ability to revive rivers. 

Michelle is our Technical Director, and she works with the rest of our Technical Team of data scientists and analysts to provide innovative ways of using data and evidence to help understand river environments and deliver river improvements. In particular, she leads The Rivers Trust’s Citizen Science projects, empowering communities to collect and use environmental data to protect their local waterways. Michelle also drives our work on sewage pollution, using data-driven insights to highlight issues and push for solutions.

Mark is our All Ireland Director, leading the growth and development of The Rivers Trust across the island of Ireland. He oversees a dedicated team of 15, working to strengthen the network of local Trusts, build strategic partnerships, and drive forward initiatives that protect and restore Ireland’s rivers. In addition to his role at The Rivers Trust, he is also the Chief Executive of Ballinderry Rivers Trust, where he leads efforts to enhance freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity at a local level.

Barry is our Operations Director, overseeing The Rivers Trust’s project delivery, Human Resources, and IT teams. He plays a key role in managing and enhancing our internal processes, ensuring we operate efficiently and effectively to maximise our impact.

Rob is our Director of Policy and Science leading he Rivers Trust’s work to ensure that scientific insights inform legislation, regulation, and management practices. He also serves as Secretariat for the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA), facilitating collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and local communities to promote integrated, catchment-scale solutions for healthier rivers and landscapes.

Alex is our Deputy Director of Strategic Development & Stewardship, leading a team of seven to develop and manage corporate and cross-sector partnerships. The Strategic Development and Stewardship team works to strengthen relationships with businesses, NGOs, and key stakeholders, securing funding and fostering collaboration to support river restoration. His team plays a vital role in expanding our reach and impact, ensuring long-term support for The Rivers Trusts work. 

David is one of our Technical Directors, coordinating our Technical Team of nine analysts and data scientists and ensuring the highest technical quality in our work. His team produces data-driven outputs, such as our sewage map, and develops innovative ways to use data and evidence to better understand river environments and drive effective action. He also leads technical engagement with key partners, strengthening collaboration across the sector.