Meet the team

DAVE WEBB

FOUNDER, CHAIR, AND REGISTERED TRUSTEE

Dave has been a wildlife conservationist for over 40 years, with a keen interest in wildlife photography and a specialism in deer species and otters. He sits on the board of the otter welfare advisory group, is a senior board member and fishery advisor for the otter predation & advisory group, and is a full member of the IUCN otter specialist group. He has written a book, appeared on TV, and featured on Countryfile in connection with the recent humane trapping licence issued from Natural England: a ground-breaking step forward that will change the face of otter conservation as we know it, and one that Dave played a hugely important role in securing. His passion is unrivalled – and this is obvious in the many presentations he does about otters!

DANIEL ALLEN

Media and Policy Advisor

Dan, an animal geographer who explores the cultural significance of animals around the world, is a Teaching Fellow at Keele University, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, and television presenter. Dan helped us secure the first Natural England initiative ‘class licence’ to live capture and relocate otters trapped inside fenced fisheries. His press releases have generated national media coverage.

COLIN ANDERSON

Finance Officer and Registered Trustee

Colin has a wealth of financial experience, and is perfect for the crucial role of UKWOT finance officer. He has a keen interest in walking, nature, and all things wildlife, and assists with presentations and events when required. Colin volunteers his time to help others with financial aspects of their charities, and is a core member of the team.

JOSS FAULKNER

Fishery Advisor

Joss joins us with a practical, common-sense approach to otter conservation and fishery management. Working in the training sector, he also owns a non-profit-making historical estate lake in Northamptonshire, and has previously worked with the predation action group. Joss currently holds the position of fishery advisor to the Trust, and brings a wealth of practical experience to the team.

IAN HUMPHREYS

Registered Trustee

Ian is well-known in North Wales for his presentations on otters and kingfishers. A keen wildlife photographer, he spends much time on the Isles of Mull, Skye, and Shetland tracking otters. Ian was featured in a 2017 Channel 5 TV program on canals and kingfishers, and his images are a regular feature on BBC weather programs.

NICKY JENNER

Online Editor / Communications Officer

Nicky is an experienced science writer, editor and author with a love of British wildlife, especially otters! She has worked with various animal and conservation charities alongside UKWOT including the IUCN, WCN, and FFI, taken courses in wildlife rescue, rehab, casualty assessment, and first aid, and has a PgDip in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health. Nicky deals with our online, social media, email and comms content – please direct media/comms/collaboration queries to Nicky.

COLIN SEDDON

Director of Otter Welfare and Rehabilitation

Colin has worked with wildlife casualties for over 35 years, and has designed and managed some of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the UK. He has a particular interest in the Eurasian otter both in the wild and in captivity, and has directly worked with and rehabilitated over 150 Eurasian otters throughout the UK. He is a full member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group and advises wildlife rescue centres both nationally and internationally on all issues relating to otters (particularly their welfare, rearing, rehabilitation and release back to the wild).

PAUL TURTON

Conservation Officer

Well-known in the wildlife world and with a wealth of valuable conservation knowledge and experience, Paul joins us as Conservation Officer. Paul’s interest in otters started 7 or 8 years ago when he began photographing them on the River Stour, and has continued ever since.

MARK WALSINGHAM

Fishery Advisor

Mark joins the team as fishery advisor and, along with Dave and Joss, played a key role in securing the Natural England CL36 licence to humanely trap otters – an achievement that took over two years to secure. He owns and runs the famous Ashmead lake in deepest Somerset, making him well-versed on otter predation and fishery management, and a key member of the team.

Romain Pizzi

Veterinary Advisor

We are extremely excited to welcome veterinarian Romain Pizzi to the UKWOT fold. Romain has a very impressive understanding of everything wildlife and has extensive medical knowledge of the Eurasian otter (amongst many other rare species). Romain joins us as our Veterinary Advisor, and we are very lucky to have him with us.