Living Seas Ambassadors
Within each of the North West Wildlife Trusts we have a Living Seas Ambassador, a Trustee who volunteers to promote and champion our Living Seas work within the Trusts and beyond.
Dr Volker Deecke, Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Milaja Nykänen
Volker is Associate Professor in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside where he is programme leader for the undergraduate conservation provision. Volker’s research interests lie in the application of behavioural research to wildlife conservation with a focus on cetaceans and other mammals. Volker is also Chair of the Ambleside Natural History Society and a Research Associate at the Vancouver Aquarium in Canada.
Volker's interests include wildlife, walking, and anything to do with the outdoors.
Joan Hunter, Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Joan has had an extensive career in Human Resources Management within the private sector. As well as being a Trustee of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, she also volunteers for both Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Joan loves to take part in Citizen Science projects, conducting surveys of threatened species and habitats. She is a keen advocate of the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature and has a particular passion for cetacean watching around the UK and worldwide.
Sam Ridsdale, Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Sam lives in Cheshire, having moved from Scotland three years ago. She works in the energy industry and is passionate about aligning infrastructure and renewable energy development with biodiversity net gain. Sam has a daft cocker spaniel and loves to spend time in nature, walking, swimming and bird watching.