
Chief Executive
Rachel Forsyth
Rachel has many years of practical conservation experience having started out her career as a ranger and spent many hours pulling Himalayan Balsam. Since then she has worked in volunteering and community roles and managed projects looking at public access and changing land management in the uplands to benefit nature, water, carbon, cultural heritage and local people.
Prior to her role with the Aire Rivers Trust, she worked for the National Trust at Malham Tarn and was involved with delivery of Phase 2 of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme. Her real passion is working with different groups and individuals to understand their values and needs, so that we can work together on improving our rivers and give people a sense of ownership and pride over their local waterway.

Catchment Officer
Ruth McBain
Our Catchment Officer works to build and support the Aire Catchment Network (a group of organisations interested in improving the River Aire) by championing strategic priorities, building partnerships, and developing and seeking funding for projects.
Ruth brings a unique blend of technical expertise and passion for connecting people with nature. She worked for 12 years as a consultant hydrogeologist and project manager on both multidisciplinary and specialist projects, mostly focusing on the water environment, in Yorkshire and beyond. More recently, Ruth worked in outdoor learning, forest school and community engagement to develop nature connection, health & wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours.
“Now, as Catchment Officer for the Aire Rivers Trust, I can combine my technical background with my passion for natural environments and community collaboration. I’m striving to create sustainable, thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife."

Senior Project Officer
Nick Milsom
Nick manages our practical conservation programme and river restoration contractors. He has extensive experience designing and delivering woodland and natural flood management schemes.
"I believe we are at a watershed moment for the environment. We all have a role to play in protecting and conserving the environment. I am keen to work with landowners to find profitable ways to support their farm businesses to care for our river."