THE TWEED FOUNDATION

About the Tweed Foundation

The Tweed Foundation is an independent science led river conservation charity dedicated to protecting and improving the natural environment of the River Tweed and its wider catchment.

Established in 1983, the Foundation delivers fisheries science, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, education and community engagement to support healthy rivers, wild Atlantic salmon, freshwater biodiversity and climate-resilient river ecosystems across the Tweed catchment.

Our work includes fish population monitoring, juvenile salmon surveys, habitat enhancement, fish passage improvements, water quality monitoring and long-term ecological research throughout the River Tweed system. We also deliver practical river restoration and conservation projects designed to improve aquatic habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience and support sustainable catchment management.

Education and public participation are central to our work. Through programmes including TweedStart, Go Wild For Fish and Guardians of the Tweed, we connect schools, volunteers, anglers and local communities with the science, conservation and heritage of the river through outdoor learning and citizen science.

Working alongside fisheries managers, landowners, local communities, schools, environmental organisations and catchment partnerships, the Tweed Foundation is committed to safeguarding the future of the River Tweed through science-led conservation, river restoration, education and sustainable environmental management.

Tweed Foundation Management Plan

Tweed Foundation Staff

Director

Jamie Stewart

Jamie joined the team as Clerk to the RTC and as Director for the Tweed Foundation in 2020.

Executive Administrator

Alison Gorrie

Alison started her role as the Executive Administrator for both the RTC and Tweed Foundation in 2020.

Biologist

James Hunt

Has worked at the Tweed Foundation for over 26 years and is the senior biologist.

Education & Scientific Officer

Ben McCallum

Ben manages our broad educational programme which includes our schools initiative “Go Wild For Fish” and angling initiative “TweedStart”.

Habitat Audit Officer

Matthew Little

Matthew will play a pivotal role in delivering a groundbreaking river catchment audit and restoration project for the Tweed District. His extensive practical experience in field ecology and identification makes him uniquely suited for this role, with his skills encompassing everything from UK tree and plant identification (including Scottish conifers and upland species) to fungi, mammal, bird, and freshwater invertebrate identification, demonstrating a broad and deep understanding of diverse ecosystems.

Biologist

Cody McFarlane

Cody brings a wealth of expertise to the Tweed Foundation, where she will play a pivotal role in implementing the River Tweed management plan and overseeing the operational aspects of the environmental charity's annual work programme for salmon, trout, grayling, and other vital fish species within the Tweed catchment. She brings a solid foundation in educational outreach, ecological survey techniques, data analysis, and leadership, complemented by practical experience in habitat assessments, aquatic surveys, and GIS spatial analysis.

Volunteer Co-Ordinator

Erica Chapman

Erica is a Volunteer Coordinator for Guardians of the Tweed. The Tweed Foundation's citizen science programme to promote the health of our rivers through the voices of our community

Communications & Fundraising Officer

Anne Woodcock

Anne leads communications, fundraising and events, including the Opening of the River Tweed Salmon Season in Kelso. She works across the River Tweed Commission, Tweed Foundation and the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum.

Tweed Foundation Trustees

Founded in 1983, the Tweed Foundation has been guided and supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to river conservation, fisheries science, Atlantic salmon research and the sustainable management of the River Tweed and its fisheries.

The Board plays an important role in shaping the charity’s work in environmental science, habitat restoration biodiversity protection, education and community engagement across the River Tweed and Eye catchment.

Current Board of Trustees

Charles Plowden (Chairman)
Douglas J. Dobie
John P. H. Scott
W. Allan Virtue
Hugh P. Younger
Caroline Balfour
William De la Hey
Samantha Mutters
Marcus Brooks
William Dryburgh
Rebecca Glaze

We are deeply grateful to our Trustees, who generously give their time, knowledge, professional expertise and strategic guidance to support the work of the Tweed Foundation across the River Tweed catchment. Their continued commitment, diligence and leadership help guide and support the Tweed Foundation’s work in river conservation, fisheries science, Atlantic salmon research, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and environmental education across the River Tweed catchment.

Tweed Foundation in the Media

Guardians of the Tweed

The Tweed Foundation was pleased to welcome the BBC to a recent community river monitoring event led by Erica Chapman, alongside partners from Buglife.

The event highlighted the growing importance of citizen science and the valuable role volunteers play in helping monitor and protect the health of the River Tweed and its tributaries. Participants took part in freshwater invertebrate surveys, learning how riverflies and aquatic insects can provide important indicators of water quality and river condition.

The day formed part of the Foundation’s wider programme of environmental education, community engagement and practical conservation work delivered across the Tweed catchment in partnership with organisations including Buglife.

BBC News feature

Riverlife Journal April 26

Ben McCallum featured in Riverlife. The article highlighted how the TweedStart initiative helps connect young people and local communities with the River Tweed through angling, river ecology, conservation education and environmental awareness.

Citizen Science Month April

This press release highlighting citizen science, river monitoring and conservation activity on the River Tweed was featured by media outlets across the catchment, showcasing the Tweed Foundation’s work in scientific research, conservation and public engagement.

BBC Countryfile

BBC Countryfile visited the River Tweed on the eve of the 2026 salmon season. Filming included James Hunt, Tweed Foundation, at the Gala Water fish pass, alongside features on the Tweed wheelyboat and wider conservation and fisheries work across the catchment.

Watch Episode