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Ecologist

Ms Heather Ridgway


Heather graduated in 2020 from the University of Hull with a degree in BSc (Hons) Zoology.

Since graduating, she has been working as an ecologist across the UK at various consultancies, whilst further building up conservation skills through regular volunteering in Scotland (Conservation Volunteers / Lothian Conservation Volunteers / Butterfly Conservation).  Heather joined GFT in 2024 for an initial 6 month internship position (which was then extended to 12 months) as part of the ongoing INNS phase 2 control programme.  Following the internship she took up the position of Ecologist at GFT in 2025 with a particular focus on delivering biodiversity restoration projects.  Heather plays an important role in the delivery of the GFT 'Flowing Forward - Restoring Galloway's Rivers' programme.  

Heather has extensive experience in protected species surveys, phase 1 habitat surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat restoration.    

In her spare time, she loves hiking, camping and drawing. 

Heather Ridgway

Ecologist

Latest News


Sparling work update

Sparling, also known as European smelt, is one of the rarest fish in Scotland and they are only known to be present in three Scottish rivers. The River Cree supports a sparling population.

GFT 6 month internship available

A paid internship is available from April to October 2026 (26 weeks) to work with Galloway Fisheries Trust on the Solway Invasive Non Native Species INNS Control and Knowledge programme Phase 2

5 year post available with GFT

Galloway Fisheries Trust have an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate. We are able to offer a 5 year post to deliver the 'Kirkcudbrightshire Dee European Eel Study and Restoration Project'.

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