The Team - UK Wild Otter Trust

Charity Team

Dave Webb

Founder, CEO 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!

To contact Dave, please go via his PA, Georgie Thorne via 07770324770 / info@ukwot.org

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).

Georgie Thorne

Personal Assistant to UKWOT Founder and CEO Dave Webb

Georgie’s appreciation of nature is well rooted from family accounts, childhood walks and playing in gardens full of homegrown fruit ‘n’ veg. Her love of otters surfaced from children’s literature and films (having clear memories of meeting Bea the Otter) when discovering the work of UKWOT, sharing their ethical considerations and ethos to wild animal rehabilitation and release.

Georgie’s support for UKWOT has gone from carrying out fundraising walks to undertaking both Humane Trapping Licence and Rummers Scheme with the objective to begin creating links between UKWOT and local fisheries and otter surveys in her home County. Her drive is to create understanding and balance through collaborative working to ensure Otters remain protected which she hopes to achieve through her supporting UKWOT role as PA.

Having studied Environmental Science and Countryside Management, her professional life covers Countryside Ranger and Project Officer roles as well as supporting College students with specific learning needs – Georgie hopes to pursue further studies in Freshwater Habitats and Otter behaviour, contributing to a wildlife charity which is very much a forerunner in its field.

Contact Georgie – 07770324770 / info@ukwot.org

Summer Hales

Fundraising and Communications Officer & Volunteer, Recruiting & Policy Co-ordinator

Summer is an ex-zoo keeper who has worked with a wide variety of species in zoos and rescue centres. She has a passion for rescuing and rehabilitating animals, having worked in Spain with rescued primates. She has experience running social media channels for charities and zoos. Summer has been volunteering with UKWOT since August 2021. She now runs our social media accounts, website, online shop, our online fundraising, otter adoptions and Tolga’s Fan Club. She also does graphic design and video editing for us.

If you have any communication, media or fundraising enquiries please contact Summer via summer@ukwot.org.

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.

Chris Hicks

Registered Trustee, Fundraiser and Fishery Investigation and Support Team 

Chris is already a valued member of our team as he sources most of the items that we auction and is a part of our Fishery Investigation and Support Team. Chris brings with him a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of UKWOT. His passion, dedication and professionalism will reap reward for both UKWOT & Chris as we continue to grow into a leading conservation brand.

If you would like to be a part of one of our upcoming auctions please contact Chris via chris@ukwot.org.

Abbie Montgomery

Fundraising Officer

Abbie comes to us with great experience from previously working with the Durrell Trust. Now an Ecologist, Abbie shares her passion and knowledge with UKWOT and is a valued member of our fundraising team.

Jessie Sheridan MCIOF(Cert)

Fundraising Lead

Jessie has worked in the charity sector full time since 2018, as a result she is a seasoned senior trust fundraiser with a proven track record of successfully securing support for impactful initiatives. With deepened understanding of fundraising, she specialises in cultivating meaningful relationships with trusts, foundations, and donors to drive sustainable change. Jessie has fundraised for national and international conservation projects focussed on education and community benefits of accessing nature, as well as the protection of a variety of species. Jessie has always loved nature and wants to use her skillset to support projects working hard to ensure nature can be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come. Jessie is always open to connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for philanthropy, nature, fundraising, and making meaningful impact. Feel free to reach out for networking, collaboration, or discussions on how you can make a difference to the UK Wild Otter Trust.

To contact Jessie please email jessie@ukwot.org, or find her on LinkedIn under the same name.

Romain Pizzi

Veterinary Advisor

Romain Pizzi is a world-leading veterinary surgeon responsible for many pioneering methods on rare species such as Brown Bears & Pangolins. He is, without doubt the leading authority on the Eurasian otter and as such, we welcome him to our family as our Veterinary Advisor. Romain’s passion, knowledge and enthusiasm is second to none and he is a very valuable member of UKWOT.

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 used to own the famous Ashmead lake in deepest Somerset, making him well-versed on otter predation and fishery management, and a key 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.