CSGRT’s success is made possible by long term voluntary contributions from some key individuals.

Sue Sayer: Founder, Director and Chair

Sue Sayer is an internationally renowned researcher and author. Over 20 years, she has spent thousands of hours observing seals in the wild from land and at sea in Cornwall. To Sue there is no such thing as an average seal. Each one looks different, has a unique personality, range of habits and migration route around the Celtic Sea! Sue founded Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust – a multi award winning, evidence-based conservation charity passionately protecting Cornwall’s precious marine environment. Sue can recognise hundreds of seals by eye. Some she first met in 2000 have been re-identified over 20 years later. Telling real seal stories creates powerful emotional connections with local communities who monitor seals on their patch. Sue loves seals and is determined to ensure they thrive for future generations to enjoy.

Kate Hockley: Vice Chair

Kate Hockley has volunteered for CSGRT for 20 years as a Surveyor, Treasurer and now Vice Chairman. An ex-teacher having worked in Primary and Secondary Schools, Colleges and Adult Education, this already gave her a passion and love of the natural world and a need to help others to appreciate and conserve the environment. But once a part of CSGRT it enabled her to be actively involved. Kate saw her first seal pup learning to swim many years ago and has been completely hooked on grey seals ever since. CSGRT has gone from strength to strength, and it has been amazing for Kate to be able to be a part of this incredible body of people who all work tirelessly dedicating their time to helping the seal population. She never ceases to be thankful that her office is the beautiful coastline, and her work is to help conserve the magnificent iconic, grey seals in Cornwall.

Dan Jarvis: Vice Chair and Secretary

Dan Jarvis is a marine biologist who has been involved in wildlife conservation since 2002 when he began volunteering for British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network.  He was a founding member of Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust in 2004 and serves as the Secretary and a Trustee as well as being Vice Chair.

He worked for over a decade at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary rehabilitating sick and injured seal pups back to health for return to the wild, while leading their conservation and scientific programmes.  In 2016 Dan began working for BDMLR as the Welfare Development and Field Support Officer and he also volunteers in the role of Area Coordinator for Cornwall and Scilly.

Dan is the youngest ever recipient of the Mandy McMath Conservation Award in 2018, given annually by the European Cetacean Society, and was also the first to be chosen primarily for work with seals and in the field of animal welfare.

Marine Stories Ranger: Charlie Gill

Working in the marine conservation sector was a lifelong dream for Charlie. As a graduate of Marine and Natural History Photography, Charlie is keen to use her verbal and visual communication skills to maximise engagement and promote the vital work we do across our social media channels. She now works full time for Wildwood Escot in south Devon.

Marine Stories Ranger: Emily Williams

Emily is passionate about wildlife and the natural world. She joined CSGRT for a few hours a week to help a local charity and wildlife. Overqualified for this role given her corporate background, we are keen to learn from her considerable expertise. Emily loves gardening, horse riding and being outside with her son.

Survey and Data Ranger: Bethany Trevethick

Bethany is a marine biology masters graduate from Exeter University. Naturally, when the opportunity came up to work with CSGRT for her masters research, she jumped at the chance! After studying seals at home (while COVID bound), she is thrilled to be working with them face to face, or rather, zoom lens to face now!

Bethany is a Regional Rep for Surfers Against Sewage and Treasurer for St Agnes Marine Conservation Group.

Her free time is taken up by her wonderful canine shadow, Mina! We wish Beth well in her future career.

Phil Knight and Richard Morton

In 2015, Cornwall Seal Group morphed into registered charity Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and two new trustees were appointed – Phil Knight and Richard Morton. Having headed up science departments in both the secondary and tertiary sectors, Phil takes an active interest in environmental conservation issues and his innovative and progressive ideas help take CSGRT forward. When Richard was no longer able to maintain his highly active role as a British Divers Marine Mammal Medic, his passion for seals continued through his contributions with CSGRT. His twenty years of conservation experience in historic and botanical gardens helps CSGRT maintain a broad and holistic perspective.