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Matt Duffy – Fishery Habitat Officer

Matt started his current role as Fishery Habitat Officer in October 2021 after being with the trust since 2017, initially joining in a community engagement role. His role involves looking at how fish passage can be improved within the catchment, taking on fish passage projects – be it technical fish pass or weir removal, as well as ensuring maintenance of our fish passes and that of other stakeholders. This includes looking at where in the catchment habitat improvements can be made to help fish populations thrive, by installing large woody debris. Monitoring is an important aspect of fishery work and Matt will soon be embarking on electrofishing surveys to search the catchment for salmon fry/parr, helping to establish how successful fish passage schemes have been and whether the habitat requirements are adequate. Matt also runs community engagement activities, allowing people to volunteer and learn more about the Don’s fishery.

In previous roles Matt enjoyed going out regularly with volunteer groups which he helped establish in Chesterfield as part of the Hidden Heritage Secret Streams project, and loved working in the beautiful Moss Valley on Natural Flood Management and habitat improvements. A particular proud point for Matt is the delivering of Mayfly in the Classroom sessions to primary schools in Rotherham and Doncaster.

After leaving the University of Leeds with a bachelor of science, Matt started his career on placement at the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust within their reserves team. After which he worked at the River Stewardship Company for five years delivering flood risk, habitat improvement and community engagement activities. During this time he obtained chainsaw, chipper, digger, brush cutter, pesticides, mobile elevated working platform (MEWP), working in water safely, first aid and electrofishing qualifications. Matt is currently studying a 2-year diploma in Fishery Management through the Institute for Fishery Management (IFM).

Matt has played guitar since a young age and plays gigs in a number of Sheffield-based bands, whilst also going to see other bands perform. A keen grower of fruit and vegetables at his allotment, Matt uses his produce to try out new recipes. He also loves walking and cycling with friends in the Peak District, whilst also going camping and wild swimming.

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