A Warm Welcome to The Yeo Rivers Community Trust Website!
Yeo Rivers Community Trust (YRCT) was formed in 2018 with the aim of restoring, enhancing and creating all types of natural aquatic habitats such as ponds, streams, rivers and wetlands in Yeovil and the wider landscape in Somerset and Dorset. While our focus is on aquatic habitats, we incorporate actions to enhance and protect the environment generally by including terrestrial interventions such as tree and hedge planting, wildflower meadow establishment and habitat creation for insects and other animals wherever possible.
Since 2018, YRCT have extended their areas of interest to include environmental water management issues such as flooding, drought, surface water management, water conservation, man-made drainage systems and the impacts of climate change. Our work seeks ways to mitigate negative impacts arising from these challenges and to accentuate the positives!
As our name suggests, the community is at the heart of everything we do and our projects always aim to deliver as many benefits for the community as possible. This may be through enhancing existing habitats to increase the numbers and diversity of wildlife, enhancing the environment to provide improved recreational opportunities and experiences or to create new opportunities to enrich our community. YRCT recognise the huge potential for engagement with the environment to enhance our wellbeing, both physical and emotional, and have an established and developing outreach project to offer opportunities to get involved in our projects in a multitude of ways or simply to enjoy the environment in the way that interests you.
YRCT continues to work hard to improve our water environment in urban and rural areas and to adapt these habitats to face the challenges of climate change. We look to the community to help drive and shape our work. Please help us to build the environment we and future generations all deserve. We welcome your involvement and support in whatever way suits you!
Who Are We
Staff
Lorne Thomson - Chairperson
Lorne has been a trustee and chairperson since he established the trust in 2018. In addition to performing a voluntary executive role he also provides technical, ecological and project management advice to the trust through a consultancy agreement. Lorne has 14 years experience in the environmental sector. His career began as a consulting ecologist but his interest in rivers, ponds and aquatic habitats in general has drawn him to his current role as a hydro-ecologist. This role requires a multi-disciplinary approach, embracing hydrology, geomorphology, geology and meteorology as well as ecology which makes the role a challenging and demanding one! Lorne has a broad range of experience including, SuDS design and operation, HECRAS Hydraulic Modelling, river rehabilitation, flood risk analysis, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, a range of survey methodologies including Urban River Habitat Survey, River Condition Assessment and feasibility and modelling studies for delivering Nature Based Solutions (NBS). He has a particular interest in designing NBS interventions to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Lorne is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (ACIEEM) and a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (PISEP). In addition to a BSc(Hons) degree he is also qualified in wider environmental management, including ISO 14001, sustainability and ESG and holds the NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management (Env Dip).
Isolete Henkes - Administration Officer
Isa joined us as a volunteer in 2021 and with a keen interest in preserving our local environment, she has been supporting various YRCT projects, including our work along Dodham Brook. Originally from Brazil, where she worked as an Administrator, Isa has a strong organisational skillset and In September 2022, we were delighted to welcome her to our team as Administration Officer.
Karis Hockey - Senior Catchment Interventions Officer
Karis joined the Trust in 2022 as part of the water vole citizen science project having recently moved to Yeovil. Karis holds a MSc in Environmental Management and has worked for various environmental charities in London and Bristol (including London Wildlife Trust, RSPB and TCV).
Karis’ role involves working with landowners and local communities to design and implement Natural Flood Management features and other Nature-based Solutions.
Helen Hawke - Outreach Officer
Helen joined the Trust in March 2025 and will be taking on delivery of elements of the Wellbeing, Wildlife and Water project including working with adults with learning difficulties, our work in schools and wildlife walks. Helen has a passionate for wildlife and is amazing at helping others to learn about the natural world around them.
Matilda Thomson - Projects Assistant
Matilda has been involved in many YRCT projects and activities including litter picks, bat surveys and background work like data analysis and water sample testing. Bat surveys are the most interesting part about working for YRCT for Matilda; this is because you can learn different species of bat and the interesting characteristics that define them in their natural habitats. For GCSE’s Matilda has taken triple science, Spanish and history and thinks she will choose biology and chemistry for A-levels. Matilda hopes to be a pharmacist as her future career.
Madeleine Donoghue - Assistant Project Officer
Madi joined our team in February 2026, helping to run the engagement projects including litter picks, school groups and adults with learning difficulties groups. Madi has a FD in Outdoor Adventure management and 20 years of experience teaching outside along with many years’ experience working with children and young adults with various abilities and learning difficulties. Madi is passionate about the outdoors getting people outside and involved.
Josie Cooper - Assistant Ecologist & Monitoring Officer
Josie joined Yeo Rivers Community Trust in May 2026 as Assistant Ecologist and Monitoring Officer, following a short period of volunteering with the team. Her role supports river restoration and Water Vole conservation projects within the Yeo Catchment, combining ecological and hydrological monitoring with the design and delivery of nature-based solutions. This includes field surveys such as habitat walkovers, species surveys and water quality monitoring, as well as supporting data collection, analysis and evaluation of restoration projects.
Having recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Josie has developed a strong passion for ecology, conservation and the practical application of scientific research to environmental challenges. Alongside academic study, she has gained hands-on conservation experience through wildlife rehabilitation work with Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
Joel Mukanhairi- Apprentice Media Assistant
Joel is a BTEC Level 3 Computing student at Yeovil College and supports Yeo Rivers Community Trust with website development and digital content. He helps maintain and improve the charity’s online presence, including updating website content, newsletters, and social media integration. Joel is interested in technology, web development, and using digital skills to support community and environmental projects.
Bella Edwards – Catchment Interventions Officer
Bella joined Yeo Rivers Community Trust in August 2026 as a Catchment Interventions Officer. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from the University of Plymouth and a Level 7 PGCE in Further Education. Prior to joining the Trust, Bella taught A Level Biology and Environmental Science for two years, following an aquarist internship at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.
Bella has a particular interest in ecology and conservation, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems. Her role involves delivering conservation and restoration projects across the Yeo Catchment, including ecological surveys, habitat improvements and monitoring. She also contributes to the development and delivery of Nature-based Solutions, working with communities and stakeholders to improve biodiversity, river habitats and catchment resilience.
A few of our lovely volunteers....
Trustees
Thomas Bell
Tom is also one of the founding trustees and also fills a non-executive role at present. Tom is an ecologist and provides ecological advice to the trust on a wide range of issues
Joe Knights
Joe has spent over a decade working with adults with Learning Disabilities. Over the past few years, he has worked on many projects that involve getting involved with the local community, with a focus on gardening and the environment. Joe is a keen scyther and has introduced many locals to the joys of scything.
Yasmin Khan
Yasmin successfully won the competition to design the logo and branding for YRCT back in 2018 during her last year studying her Graphic Design Degree at Yeovil University Centre. Since then, Yasmin has designed marketing materials, started up our social media platform along with helping to design our website and has been a volunteer and trustee since 2020.
Anna Anderton
Anna became a trustee for YRCT in 2025, having been involved with our work over several years as part of her role as Forest School Lead at St Margaret's Primary School, Tintinhull. Anna brings many years as skilled teacher and outdoor educator to the trust, giving insight and guiding our education and engagement programmes.
Photographs of YRCT team and trustees taken by Holly Parsons.
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