Christian is Legal Coordinator at River Action, working to use the law as a tool for systemic change and community empowerment. He has experience across strategic litigation, legal research, parliamentary monitoring, and environmental campaigning.
Before joining River Action, Christian worked at Greenpeace International, supporting transnational strategic litigation, and in UK political and monitoring roles, translating complex policy developments into actionable briefings. He holds a research Master’s degree in international environmental law from Utrecht University and serves as a committee member at SERA, Labour’s environment organisation, where he founded the youth-led campaign Our Earth in 2050.
He grew up in Eryri National Park in North Wales, where his connection to rivers continues to shape his commitment to protecting the United Kingdom’s waterways.
Ellie is Policy and Advocacy Manager at River Action. She previously held the role of Convenor for the Sustainable Nitrogen Alliance at the Soil Association, leading on political strategy, policy and advocacy for the coalition. Ellie helped secure an inquiry into nitrogen by the House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee within which they took up Ellie’s recommendation for a National Nitrogen Strategy. She has been closely involved in the government’s ongoing agricultural water pollution regulatory reform process. In her spare time, Ellie was the primary author of a peer-reviewed paper investigating the effect of conservation organisations’ support on community governance of marine resources.
Samir is a Campaign Researcher, previously working as an investigative researcher for several think tanks focussing on racial justice and the criminal justice system more broadly. Samir holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Bristol and has worked for several charities in Bristol, providing casework and advocacy as a means of holding power to account and amplifying voices of marginalised communities.
Outside of work, Samir likes to spend his time at sites of Neolithic history such as stone circles and other Stone Age settlements. These sites will often be found near rivers,exemplifying the relationships civilisations have had with rivers for thousands of years. As a campaign researcher, Samir will be investigating sewage pollution across the UK, adding evidence to the incredible campaigns designed and implemented by the RA team.
Alex is Senior Digital Communications Coordinator at River Action. He is a digital marketing specialist with a background in creative content, client relationship management and digital media strategy.
As a passionate activist and lover of warm weather, Alex has actively participated in environmental and social initiatives around the world such as organising the first anti-plastic straw event in China, developing the digital presence of ecotourism companies in Vietnam and teaching English in a drug rehabilitation school in Laos.
A keen kayaker and swimmer, Alex has seen the impact of pollution first hand, with the noticeable deterioration of his local rivers (Wye and Avon) and is therefore determined to be part of the solution to restore and protect Britain’s rivers.
Emma is a lawyer with broad experience spanning a decade as a litigator at global law firm Hogan Lovells plus diverse leadership, legal, policy and advisory roles in government and non-profits.
Emma has expertise in bringing strategic litigation and using the law as a tool for change and accountability. She is committed to finding ambitious and fair solutions to the interconnected climate, environmental and nature crises.
Before joining River Action, Emma was Legal Director at Good Law Project where she was responsible for leading its legal campaigns to hold power to account, protect the environment and uphold the rights of people and communities. Her work at GLP included securing several positive outcomes on the issue of water pollution.
Emma is a trustee of two social justice charities – Music of Life and Cranstoun.
Claire is Senior Campaign Coordinator at River Action. After studying environmental sciences, she has spent over a decade working in communications in science and nature, including at the NHM and Royal Society.
Prior to starting at River Action, Claire founded a creative agency for social entrepreneurs, leading on their strategy and digital projects.
Claire is a creative campaigner, and has led many public facing campaigns, including recently pressuring the government to remove POPs from upholstery materials, where she was invited to parliament.
Drew is a Engagement Coordinator at River Action. Drew studied Freshwater and Marine Biology at university before an extensive career in the charity sector.
Drew has led on awareness campaigns, conducted research for the NHS on the effectiveness of community responses to crises, and developed multi-partner strategies.
In his spare time Drew is a Trustee of Time To Be Out, a national charity that supports and advocates on behalf of LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees.
Molly is a Senior Communications Coordinator at River Action, having previously worked as a Communications Officer at Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Before her role in communications, she worked in the wilderness expedition industry as a guide, leading tours and projects across Iceland and western Canada. She has an extensive knowledge of all places cold, a love of working in remote and challenging environments, and truly enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the outdoors and her fascination with the natural world.
Originally from south Devon, Molly holds a degree in English from the University of Exeter.
Starting her PA career in 2002 in the advertising and design industry, Lucy eventually spent over 7 years working with senior directors at one of the world’s leading Management Consultancy firms. In 2015 she and her family swapped South East London for South Gloucestershire and Lucy translated her skills into a virtual freelance offering, saving her clients the overheads of a full-time high-calibre EA.
A proud Cornishwoman, Lucy is passionate about environmental issues, particularly around marine pollution and the impact agriculture and urbanisation is having on our native species’ habitats.
Lauren is Head of Development at River Action. She is a bicultural international development professional with 14 years experience in business development, partnerships, fundraising and Monitoring and Evaluation covering urban, rural and environmental development. She holds an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from LSE. Her country experience covers the UK, Egypt, Kenya, Somaliland and Cambodia.
