The Rivers Trust appoints new communications director

Tessa Wardley has joined The Rivers Trust has appointed Tessa Wardley as its new director of communications and advocacy,

Wardley (pictured) was previously at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, where she her work included engagement lead for the 25 Year Environment Plan, and coordinating policy development, evidence, and analysis across government towards the development of a land use framework.

She has written seven books on engagement with the natural world, including The River Book: 101 ways to relax, play, watch wildlife and have adventures at the river's edge (2012) and The Mindful Art of Wild Swimming: Reflections for Zen Seekers (2017).

Wardley said: “Healthy rivers are critical to our social, cultural, and economic wellbeing – we have demanded much from them and in the process have neglected to protect them. There are big challenges facing our rivers and The Rivers Trust is demonstrating how we can deliver change with strong partnerships working on nature-based solutions.”