About us

Dave has been a wildlife conservationist for over 40 years with a keen interest in wildlife photography and he specialises in all 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 as well as being a full member of the IUCN otter specialist group. He has written a book, appeared on TV, more recently been featured on Countryfile in connection with the recent humane trapping licence issued from Natural England and naturally, played an important role is securing this ground breaking step forward that will change the face of otter conservation as we know it. His passion is unrivalled and this is obvious in the many presentations he does about otters.

Dr Daniel Allen is an animal geographer who explores the cultural significance of animals around the world. His childhood otter obsession led to a doctorate on ‘The cultural and historical geographies of otter hunting in Britain’ (Nottingham Univeristy, 2006), first book ‘Otter’ (Reaktion Books, 2010), ongoing academic and journalistic writings about otters, and television appearances.

As Media and Policy Advisor, Daniel helped the UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT) 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 which has been highlighted on BBC1’s Countryfile (January 2017) and in the March 2017 issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Daniel is also 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. Online, his Twitter account @Dr_Dan_1 was ranked number 27 in the world for “Top Influencers in Animal Welfare on Twitter” by Onalytica in August 2016.

Darren is a well known wildlife safety campaigner in his local area of west wales. Specialising in birds of prey and otters his work in the local communities are widely acclaimed. Keen on otter monitoring and drone filming  Darren has worked with Iolo Williams and other TV companies and is well qualified to sit as our vice chairman and owns his own, birds of prey experience company.

Ian is well known in North Wales for his presentations on otters and kingfishers. A keen wildlife photographer he spends much time on the Isle of Mull, Skye and Shetland following otters. Ian has been featured in channel 5’s TV program on canals & kingfishers in 2017 and his images are a regular feature on BBC weather programs.

Joss joins us with a common sense, practical approach to otter conservation and fishery management. Working in the training sector he also owns his own. non profit making historical estate lake in Northamptonshire. He has in the past, worked with the predation action group and currently holds the position of fishery advisor to UKWOT bringing a wealth of practical experience to the team & is a key member of such.

Mark joins the team as fishery advisor and has played a key role along with Dave & Joss in securing the CL36 licence to humanely trap otters from natural England which took over 2 years to secure. Owning and running the famous Ashmead lake in deepest Somerset, he is well versed on otter predation and fishery management and has been a key member within UKWOT.

Lesley works in IT supporting energy research.

She has training and experience in animal behavioural assessments and volunteers for several animal charities. Lesley is also a key member of the IUCN otter specialist group, sitting a vice chair and is a supporter of the International Otter Survival Fund based on the Isle of Skye.

Lesley is a retired senior educational psychologist with a keen interest in nature.

Now retired, she spends much of her time on the Isle of Skye volunteering at the Gavin Maxwell centre famous for his book & film “Ring of Brightwater”. Volunteering for UKWOT gets her involved with practical aspects of otter conservation and of course her role is an important one that keeps her very busy!

Colin has a wealth of financial experience and is well suited to the very important role of UKWOT finance officer. Having a keen interest in walking and nature and all things wildlife he assists in the presentations and work parties when required. Colin volunteers his time to help others with financial aspects of their charities and is a welcome and important addition to the team.

Sue is a membership development officer for the RSPB. She saw her very first otter at just 10 years of age and has been hooked ever since. Sue also volunteers for owl & hawk trust and at university studied politics but found that her true love was wildlife so diverted her attentions and has since written articles on wildlife.

A farmers son, Kevin studied animal care and is a marine mammal medic for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Kevin started the Norfolk Wildlife Rescue in 1997 and regularly writes wildlife articles for local magazines. He once interviewed the famous Terry Nutkins who is famous for working with otters.

Nicky is an experienced science writer, editor, and author, with a keen interest in two key areas: space and astronomy, and wildlife and nature — in the latter case, otters in particular! She has worked with various animal and conservation charities alongside UKWOT including the IUCN, WCN, and FFI, and taken courses in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, casualty assessment, and first aid at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in Somerset. Nicky deals with our online content, runs our monthly newsletter (the UKWOT Otter Update), and is involved in our social media.

Together with his wife, David shares a huge passion for otters. Besides running their creative studio, they also work on several personal artistic side projects. David has actively been helping the UKWOT by re-designing their brand and re-structuring their website.