About Us | Staff

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  Dr Lucy Rogers – Chief Executive

  Lucy has a background in conservation science and conservation delivery. With a PhD in small mammal ecology from the University of Aberdeen she worked for a number of years with FERA (now the Animal and Plant Health Agency) at Woodchester Park managing projects on badger ecology and TB epidemiology.  Prior to joining the VWT, she was Director of Delivery Programmes for Avon Wildlife Trust, leading the strategic planning, development and delivery of their conservation and community engagement work. Lucy was appointed as Chief Executive for the Trust in 2018. Office: Ledbury.

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  Dr Kate McAney – Ireland Mammal Programme Manager

  Kate covers a wide range of duties, from engaging with statutory and other bodies, managing bat reserves, fundraising, producing educational material and conducting practical research. With more than 25 years’ experience working in Ireland in the conservation and research of Irish mammals, she is also an experienced educator and adept at public engagement and partnership building. She has recognised the importance of managing conflict to reduce the impact on all parties (including wildlife), and this experience has helped her bring conservation projects to successful outcomes. Office: Headford, County Galway.

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  Ruth Hanniffy – Species Conservation Officer

  Ruth studied Zoology at the University of Galway, undertaking a dietary analysis of the lesser horseshoe bats at Dromore Stables in County Clare. She then completed a Masters in Wildlife Management and Conservation at the University of Reading, carrying out analysis of the density and habitat preference of small mammals on Paxton Pits Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire. Following this she joined the Environment Agency for 8 years as a Biodiversity Officer working on river enhancement and restoration on the River Thames and its Tributaries. Upon returning to Ireland Ruth worked with Inland Fisheries Ireland as a fisheries assistant carrying out National Water Framework Directive fish surveys of lakes and rivers throughout Ireland. Ruth is a wildlife and landscape photographer. Office: University of Galway.

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  Laura Lawrance-Owen – Volunteering and Community Engagement Officer

  Laura joined the Trust in 2020 as Volunteering and Community Engagement Officer. After completing a Zoology degree at the University of Liverpool, she joined the RSPB as a warden intern to gain experience of conservation work in the UK. This led to other volunteer roles and employment in the sector, including a year with Chester Zoo, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and rECOrd on a biodiversity traineeship. Laura joined VWT after working as a Ranger for six years with the National Trust. Working as a volunteer and with volunteers has been a core part of Laura’s experience. Office: Ledbury.

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  Dr Henry Schofield – Head of Conservation

  Henry has worked for the Trust since 1990. After studying for a PhD in the ecology and conservation biology of lesser horseshoe bats, he set up the Trust’s first bat reserves for this species. This was followed by further projects on rare tree bats. His role is to have an overview of the Trust’s conservation and research projects and to develop and oversee the Trust’s conservation policy. Henry has a long-term interest in bats but enjoys working on all mammals. He is a keen amateur photographer and a trustee of BatLife Europe. Office: Presteigne, Wales.