We are very happy to welcome Chloe Clarke to the WSRT family as our new Rother Partnership Coordinator. Read on to find out more about Chloe and this exciting new role…
Welcome Chloe! Please tell us a little about your previous roles and experience.
I've come from Adur & Worthing Councils Sustainability Team where I developed a wide range of nature recovery projects, policy and partnerships. I loved working on the Adur River Recovery Project alongside multiple partners and landowners to revive and enhance the river Adur. It got me hooked on river restoration! Prior to that I worked in various project manager roles focussing on sustainable food and farming, which included the development of partnership action plans to transform behaviour, policy and land use.
What does a Rother Partnership Coordinator do?
I think it's an exciting role and certainly right up my street as partnership working is key. I'll be collaborating with core partners (South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs Trust, Southern Water and Chichester District Council) and wider stakeholders to develop an action plan for restoration of the Western Rother that flows through the National Park - the emphasis here being on action, rather than just a plan that sits on a shelf.
We'll be developing a costed pipeline of projects and seeking funding to deliver them. This collective action will help to restore natural processes, improve water quality and soil health as well as see the recovery of key species - hello water voles! There is already a range of inspiring work underway, but there's so much more to do to ensure the Rother is a river worthy of a National Park.
How have your first few weeks gone at WSRT?
At the point of writing this I'm two weeks into the role and I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome! I've had a range of excellent site visits to Leconfield Estate and Woolbeding Estate to discover the inspiring range of river and flood-plain restoration work that is already going on, and to see the impacts that structures, like weirs, have on the river.
I've seen citizen science water quality testing in action and joined the lovely WSRT team and trustees on a fantastic evening of learning about river fish, thanks to the hugely knowledgeable Wild Trout Trust. This was followed by a 'have a go' fly fishing session in the Rother - which included a magical sunset, a huge full moon and a barn owl fly-by, so it was a really special evening and a great start to working at the Trust - thanks all!
What are you looking forward to most about the new role?
I always wanted to return back to my nature roots since studying Ecology & Conservation at university. Over the last few years I've worked on a range of projects with the Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust. They inspired me to understand more about wetland habitats and the huge range of benefits they bring. So recently I delved deeper into the wonders of wetlands via the Wetlands Health & Vitality Foundation Course with WWT. Earlier this year, I saw a video of the River Rother Summit which took place in November 23. I remember thinking what a great project that would be...and then a few months later, the job came up! My growing fascination and knowledge for wetlands, coupled with my extensive experience developing and leading projects, partnerships and funding bids meant it just felt like the perfect role for me.
What do you think are going to be the challenges of this role?
I think the biggest challenge will be wanting to do it all, but needing to secure funding to get going. There are so many pressures on the river, from sewage and agricultural pollution, sedimentation, presence of invasive species, structures that impede natural processes, over abstraction, and run off from the roads. So lots to do - that will be the main challenge, but also lots of opportunities and lots of commitment and support for restoring this wonderful river.
What’s your top wildlife spot to date?
I love spotting Kingfisher, in fact I saw two just yesterday whilst out and about on the Rother, that flash of colour never fails to excite. I was amazed to see an Osprey hunting on the Adur Estuary near where I live. I'm hoping to spot lots of wildlife on the Rother... Otter is high on my list and Water Vole too...but having increased my knowledge an interest in fish at our team learning session recently, I'd also like to see a Wild Trout and other key fish species that inhabit the river.
What’s your favourite river memory?
Growing up around the Adur Estuary I have many a tale of getting stuck in the mud, boating trips and family river walks. I'm a bit of a salty seabird and love the connection between river and sea, spending most days out walking a loop of the estuary and beach at Shoreham-by-sea...so many changes throughout tide times and seasons, I never get bored of it. We're fairly regular visitors to Wales and stay near the River Teifi near Cenarth where there are clear pools, meandering bends and flowing falls, all perfect for chilly paddling and spotting wildlife - yet to spot a salmon though.
