Heather Richards

Heather has more than a decade of experience leading nature recovery actions across South East England. After many years working in the Indian Ocean on endangered species research and recovery projects, she returned to the UK to join the RSPB, where she has led delivery to protect and enhance key habitats, recover priority species, and support collaborative landscape-scale conservation.

Motivated by delivering benefits for both people and nature, Heather is particularly interested in finding practical, win-win solutions that support thriving communities alongside a healthy natural environment. She is excited by the opportunities presented by natural flood management, recognising the important role rivers and streams can play in restoring ecological connectivity across the landscape.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys growing fruit and vegetables in her garden, walking, camping, and exploring the Kent coast with her husband and young children. She is also a keen advocate for swift conservation.