Heather joined the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust team in 2025, bringing with her a strong background in agriculture and conservation. After graduating from Harper Adams University with a degree in Agricultural Science, she began her career building practical Agricultural experience. Her previous role with the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Farming in Protected Landscapes team, where she worked closely with farmers to support sustainable land management.
Throughout her career, Heather has been involved in a range of farming enterprises and continues to manage her family’s upland farm. She keeps her own flock of Dalesbred sheep, pedigree Texels, and Belted Galloway cattle. A regular on the agricultural show circuit, Heather competes at around ten shows each year and was awarded Overall Dalesbred Breed Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2025.
Passionate about regenerative agriculture and soil health, Heather is particularly interested in finding the balance between nature conservation and agricultural productivity within the landscape. In her current role, she works with farmers and landowners across the River Nidd and Wharfe catchments through the Yorkshire Agricultural Advice for the Rivers Network, helping to deliver practical and sustainable environmental outcomes to protect the water courses.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys supporting her son’s rugby at Wensleydale and is also an enthusiastic player with the Wensleydale Heifers Women’s Rugby team.
