Rachel Walker – Chief Executive Officer

Rachel has been the Trust’s CEO since October 2024. She joined the Trust in February 2016, becoming DCRTs first Community Engagement Officer working on the ‘Living Heritage of the River Don’ project. After a promotion to Project Manager, Rachel then worked on the ‘Hidden Heritage Secret Streams’ project. One of her first duties at the Trust was to set up the volunteering programme, and it has been a particular career highlight that this has become a well-respected, valued core of the Trusts work.

From 2021 Rachel was the Trust’s Operations Director, ensuring the smooth running of the Trust, overseeing the delivery of projects, and, having studied for the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, managing the Trust’s health and safety compliance. 

Rachel has a MA in Archaeological Heritage Management from the University of York, having previously studied for a BA in Archaeology. From university Rachel started a career in museums, having worked for the Yorkshire Waterways Museum and Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust. She then worked on the Pocklington Canal as a project development officer for Canal & River Trust. Her role at DCRT now merges her love of all things heritage: built, natural, industrial and waterways!

When not in the office or out on site, Rachel works from her narrowboat. Ethel Rosina has been a long-term hobby for Rachel – restoring her and motoring along the Aire and Calder Navigation. When not flexing her DIY skills fixing boats, Rachel is an avid crafter – most recently learning traditional upholstery.