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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


11th February Meeting

Each spring the GFT organises an afternoon of presentations covering our work over the previous year. The attendees are usually various funders, supporting organisations, key stakeholders and interested parties.

Investigating the prevalence of fungal infected Atlantic salmon at Tongland fish pass.

During the summer this year, we undertook a project (commissioned by Scottish Power) examining why in some years at Tongland fish pass there are a larger number of returning adult Atlantic salmon which are heavily infected with Saprolegnia fungus, in comparison to other years.

Urr timed electrofishing results

A summary of the 2018 timed electrofishing surveys for the Urr are provided. These surveys target salmon fry and provide information on annual fluctuations and distribution across 12 sites spread over the catchment.

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