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About Dippers

THE TEAM & PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS

Dr Mark O’Connell
I am an ecologist with 30 years experience in using field research to underpin conservation action. I have a particular interest in avian ecology and the use of GIS to understand species distributions (spatial ecology). I have worked in many parts of the world and across different parts of the conservation sector. This includes as an ecologist for the British Antarctic Survey, and as Head of Research at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (Slimbridge). I have also been Director of an independent ecological research and training organization focused on conservation science and capacity building in developing countries. I now bring these real-world experiences to my university teaching and research.

Dr Matt Wood
I am a field biologist specialising in the analysis of threats to bird populations, and the use of new technologies in the development of innovative approaches to bird monitoring. It’s becoming increasingly important to understand how and why bird populations are fluctuating in such a rapidly changing world. That underpins my teaching and research in ecology, evolution, marine biology, and biostatistics.

Bec Smith
I am an ecologist who has lived and worked in and around the Stroud Valleys for the last 17 years. I have been involved in the Stroud Valleys Dipper project since Jan 2024 and am looking forward to working with volunteers to uncover relationships between these dippers and local habitats which will help inform future projects in and around our local watercourses. My interest in ecology is broad with recent post-graduate work on the benefits to biodiversity provided by the installation of Large Woody Debris as natural flood management within the watercourses of the Stroud Valleys.

Chaitali Sawant
I am a data scientist and developer, providing a wide range of data support elements for the Stroud Valleys Dipper Project.It includes web-based analytics and survey data management, an online survey form integrated with the project's online species mapping system, and support for the 2026 river structure and habitat surveys.

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About Dippers

DIPPER FACTS

DIPPERS IN THE UK

DIPPERS IN STROUD