A warm welcome to Sam Frith, our new Volunteer and Citizen Science Coordinator. We caught up with Sam to find out a bit more about our newest team member…
What role/job have you come from?
I was the Community Engagement Coordinator at Earthwatch Europe, partners of the Evenlode Catchment Partnership (ECP)
How have your first few weeks at WSRT been? Any highlights?
Fantastic! The team at WSRT have been so welcoming and supportive. I’ve not only been working hard to make sure I have fully downloaded Keir’s brain before he departed, but I’ve already been out visiting some of the riverbanks within the catchment and meeting River Guardians to discuss various issues.
One such visit shocked me enough to have already submitted a pollution report to the Environment Agency! I’ve also helped the community remove 685kg of rubbish out of the Lavant, toured Chichester WWTW, and learnt how to flyfish!
I am excited to meet even more of this wonderful community at the upcoming film nights and other events.
What made you apply for the role and what are you most excited about getting involved in?
I’ve always admired the work coming from the WSRT team, having rubbed shoulders at various events over the years. So when I saw an opening, I went for it.
I am missing the River Evenlode but I am so excited to explore and protect this catchment. There is so much here; fresh and brackish water, valuable chalk streams, beautiful rural stretches filled with life that need our protection and others areas that are in desperate need of our help.
What do you think are going to be the challenges of this role?
Keeping up with the high energy and motivation of the River Guardians!
Do you have a favourite river-focused memory?
Witnessing around 15,000 people ‘March for Clean Water’ in London last year was incredible.
To date what is your most-memorable water based nature spot?
I have been fortunate to have visited some stunning spots over the years, so this is tricky…
Above water - Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. I love a waterfall or 2, or many!
Under water – Dive site ‘Hand Deep’ off the Plymouth coast. I had not expected to see so much beauty in UK waters.
Outside of work what do you like to do?
I’m a keen scuba diver and will be looking to join a local BSAC club asap. I love houseplants and gardening and am excited to start designing my new garden in Bognor.
