A Decade of Dedication
Celebrating Simone Saville’s 10 Years with Tyne Rivers Trust
Our Head of Learning and Education, Simone Saville, joined us in January 2016 as Volunteer Coordinator. We decided this was a great time to find out more from Simone about her time with TRT and what lies behind her dedication.
What first drew you to the charity?
What first drew me to Tyne Rivers Trust was how closely the role matched the work I had been training for as a Volunteer Reserves Officer at Durham Wildlife Trust. I had not heard of Tyne Rivers Trust before, but Wear Rivers Trust were based in the DWT building at Low Barns so I knew of the Rivers Trust charities. The charity’s strong focus on rivers, habitats and partnership working really resonated with me, and it felt like a chance to put the skills I’d developed earlier in my career to meaningful use.
What was the organisation like on your first day vs today?
On my first day, Tyne Rivers Trust felt small, close-knit and full of enthusiasm. Everyone was incredibly committed, and there was a strong sense that every task — no matter how small — played a part in protecting our rivers. Everyone pulled together and helped each other. Ten years on, the organisation has grown in size, reach and ambition, but that same passion and sense of purpose is still at its heart.
If you could go back and talk to yourself on Day One, what advice would you give?
I’d tell myself not to underestimate how much I bring to the charity, and to trust my experience more. I’d also remind myself that it’s okay to ask questions, take time to learn, and not feel like you have to know everything straight away. Building relationships and understanding the bigger picture are just as important as the day-to-day tasks.
What has kept you motivated and inspired?
What’s kept me motivated is seeing real, tangible improvements in rivers and habitats, and knowing that the work we do has long-term benefits for both wildlife and people. Working alongside passionate colleagues, volunteers and partners who genuinely care about the environment has been a huge source of inspiration, especially during challenging periods. During tough times I always bring my thoughts back to the river and why we exist.
What is your favourite memory?
I have had various roles at the trust over the years. One of my favourite things is being an accredited Riverfly tutor and working with such passionate volunteers. Supporting people to develop their skills and confidence and seeing how invested they become in monitoring and protecting their local rivers, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that the small things really do matter — whether that’s a single sample, a shared conversation on the riverbank, or a volunteer taking pride in their patch. Those moments add up to something much bigger.
How have you grown or changed personally or professionally during your time?
Professionally, I’ve grown in confidence and developed a deeper understanding of how individual actions fit into wider conservation goals. Personally, I’ve learned patience and resilience, and how important it is to value steady progress. I’m more aware now that meaningful change often comes from persistence and attention to detail rather than quick wins.
What are you most excited about for the charity’s future?
I’m really excited about Tyne Rivers Trust’s continued growth, both in terms of our staff team and the area we work across. As the charity develops, there’s a genuine opportunity to be involved in bigger, more ambitious projects that build on our strong foundations. In my role within Learning and Engagement, I’m particularly looking forward to exploring creative approaches we haven’t tried before, helping us reach new and more varied audiences. I want Tyne Rivers Trust to be memorable and to create exciting, meaningful opportunities for people to get involved. It’s really important to me that people understand the value of our rivers and the wildlife that depends on them, and that they feel inspired to play a part in protecting them for the future.
