At the Spey Catchment Initiative, our dedicated team is driven by a shared passion for environmental conservation and a commitment to protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Spey Catchment. With a diverse range of expertise and experience, we work collaboratively to implement impactful projects and initiatives that positively impact the local communities and ecosystems.
Our Team
Roger Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed in early 2024, Roger Knight serves as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Spey Catchment Initiative (SCI). He joins SCI after over 18 years of transformative leadership as Director of the Spey Fishery Board, where he pioneered numerous initiatives to promote sustainable practices and spearheaded the founding of SCI itself.
Roger brings a wealth of experience in environmental stewardship and a profound commitment to enhancing river habitats, protecting wildlife, and supporting local communities. His vision includes expanding SCI’s restoration efforts and building strong partnerships across both private and public sectors to ensure the long-term sustainability of the catchment area.
Connect with Roger on Linkedin here:
Paul Hughes
Head of Communications and Strategic Projects
Paul leads communications and strategic project work at the Spey Catchment Initiative, drawing on a background in digital marketing, environmental communications and education, and a long-standing passion for the natural world.
He is responsible for shaping how SCI communicates with communities, partners and funders across the catchment, translating complex environmental challenges into clear, engaging and evidence-based stories.
Alongside this, Paul delivers selected projects, contributing to the development and delivery of strategic initiatives that help improve river habitats and resilience across the Spey catchment, while also providing support to the Chief Executive as required.
Connect with Paul on Linkedin here:
Phil Whitfield
Nature Restoration Officer
Phil joined the team in December 2023 to expand the team’s capacity in planning and implementing restoration projects. Phil is a Chartered Forester with long experience in planning and managing woodlands, working with communities and with a real passion for Landscape Ecology. Phil brings over thirty years of experience from both public and private sector woodland management, including in Speyside, and has a powerful belief in the importance of riparian woodlands in our landscapes and their vital role in the health of our ecosystems.
Connect with Phil on Linkedin here:
Ffion Robb
Spey Tributaries Project Officer
Ffion is responsible for developing and delivering riparian woodland and habitat restoration projects across the catchment. By working closely with landowners, land managers, communities and partners her aim is to maximise the role of healthy river systems in building climate resilience.
Ffion brings experience in river conservation, volunteer engagement and habitat restoration, most recently as River Ranger with River Holme Connections in Yorkshire.
Growing up on an upland farm in Scotland inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors and a belief in the importance of people and nature working in harmony. She has worked as an outdoor instructor and field studies tutor on Arran, before moving into river restoration and community-based environmental work.
Connect with Ffion on Linkedin here:
Duncan Ferguson
Spey Catchment Initiative Advisor
Operations Manager of the Spey Fishery Board
As the Operations Manager for the Spey Fishery Board , Duncan helps SCI with his extensive knowledge in project management and a strong background in environmental conservation. Duncan plays an important role providing invaluable advice and technical expertise, helping to ensure that our projects are strategic, appropriate and delivered successfully.
We are grateful to the Spey Fishery Board for supporting the work of the Spey Catchment Initiative by seconding Duncan’s time to SCI.
Connect with Duncan on Linkedin here:
Current vacancies
We currently have no vacancies. Please check back here or follow us on social media for updates on future opportunities to join our team and support our work to protect and enhance the Spey Catchment.
Our Board Members
More information coming soon.
Members of our Steering Group Members
More information coming soon.
