Weald to Waves Lead was a significant role to fill, and demanded a unique blend of experience to give the right overview on the breadth of issues that landscape recovery requires us to tackle. We are pleased to be joined by Gareth Williams, the newest addition to the team, bringing a wealth of experience to the corridor.

Born in Oxford to Cotswold Wildlife Park zookeepers, Gareth moved to Sussex at the age of four when his dad Martyn joined Drusillas Zoo in East Sussex as curator. From an early age Gareth has been surrounded by nature and wildlife, from pet wallabies to rescued bats there has always been a strong connection with the natural world. Having studied Geography at Brighton University he started his career at the Farming Wildlife Advisory Group, attending farm visits and developing Biodiversity Action Plans. Following a 6-month stint in Guatemala setting up Olive Ridley turtle hatcheries he joined the Environment Agency in 2006.

An 18-year career ensued across all of the Sussex river catchments, specialising in partnership working and collaboration across a vast spectrum of public bodies, landowners, charities, river trusts, water companies and businesses. Gareth brings a wealth of experience, contacts and relationships to Weald to Waves at this exciting time for the project.

Gareth is dedicated to delivering a better environment for people and wildlife, with a wealth of experience in ecology, conservation and project and programme management. A chartered ecologist, with a keen interest in landscape recovery and delivering nature-based solutions to deliver benefits to the environment and society.

Outside of work, Gareth is a committee member for the Sussex Bat Group working with volunteers to enhance their survey skills and contribute to the National Bat Monitoring Programme, he can be seen driving round Sussex providing a bat rescue service and supports Natural England carrying out roost surveys.

We can’t wait to see how the corridor evolves with Gareth in the team.