Gareth Williams recently joined WSRT as our new Catchment Partnership Manager. Here’s a little bit more about Garth and his previous experience.
What role have you come from?
I was leading the Weald to Waves (W2W) project prior to this role.
W2W is a 100-mile farmer-led nature recovery corridor spanning Sussex. We worked with farmers, land managers, councils, NGOs and communities to restore nature to create a connected landscape for people and wildlife.
What does your new role at WSRT entail?
In my new role as Catchment Partnership Manager, I will be working with the Arun and Western Streams Catchment Partnership to develop a programme of restoration projects to restore and protect our river systems and support clean and plentiful water.
What are you looking forward to most of all about this new role?
I am most looking forward to collaborating with our partners to develop and deliver restorative, impactful projects for our rivers in West Sussex.
I love working in partnerships because I recognise the value of problem solving, securing funds and delivering work as a group, collaboration is the most efficient way of achieving everyone's objectives and it brings innovation, creativity and fun along with it.
Why did you decide to apply for this role?
I have always wanted to work for the Rivers Trust movement and I was missing the more watery side of things - when Aimee mentioned the role I jumped at the chance to apply.
What challenges do you think the new role will bring your way?
There is a lot to do to improve our river systems, one of the challenges ahead will be delivering restoration at a landscape scale and enabling lots of different actors to play their part, challenges are also the exciting bit!
What’s one of your favourite river-focused memories?
My partner and I once stumbled across a beautiful waterfall in the Brecon beacons, a few days after competing in the Welsh Castle Relays road race. I was a bit worse for wear and hobbling along the river bank when we came across it - a short swim in its icy cold waters had the most miraculously restorative effect on my sore joints and put a new lease of life in my limbs. Water can be remedy for many ailments and maladies.
What is your top water-based nature spot to date?
Tofino bay, Vancouver Island is definitely up there. It has a stunning craggy coastline with hundreds of small islands, home to bears, orcas, humpbacks, sea otters and sea lions. I was lucky to spend a week surfing, hiking and kayaking there back in 2017.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I can't sit still so I am often busy running, kayaking, bouldering and doing lots and lots of endless DIY…
Thanks for introducing yourself so well, is there anything else you’d like to say?
There are hundreds of ways to get involved and support your local river, stream, lake or stretch of coastline.
Get in touch with your local Rivers Trust and get involved to be your own part of the jigsaw!
