New Riverfly Partnership Co-Chair
The Riverfly Partnership has been chaired by founder member Steve Brooks, and Freshwater Biological Association Head of Science Louise Lavictoire. Louise is now stepping down from this position, and handing it over to FBA Executive Director, Simon Johnson.
A few words from Louise Lavictoire, as outgoing co-chair: “I have had the privilege of being co-chair of the Riverfly Partnership, alongside the wonderful entomologist Steve Brooks, since 2022. Originally, I was brought on to support Steve and the wider Riverfly team with line-management of staff and project resourcing, ensuring that our team at FBA had the necessary support to do the amazing job that they do. During my tenure as co-chair, I have been truly humbled by the work that the team do in supporting hubs and monitors, and in awe of the dedication of Riverfly volunteers to monitor river macroinvertebrates across all UK countries.
“With the expansion of the FBA’s species recovery work, it is necessary for me to take a step back from my co-chairship, and pass the baton on to long-time Riverfly supporter and FBA Executive Director Simon Johnson. I know Simon will bring much enthusiasm and dedication to the role. I look forward to watching the continued growth and development of Riverfly and thank Steve, the Riverfly team, hub coordinators and the monitors for their support during my time as co-chair.”
Simon Johnson, who will be taking on co-chairship: "It’s a great honour to be taking on the role of Co-chair of the Riverfly Partnership. Over nearly two decades, the partnership and its army of super-dedicated citizen science monitors have achieved some amazing outcomes for our rivers, streams, becks and burns.
“It's a critical time for the Partnership. We are planning the next phase of its evolution and are striving to secure the financial resilience of one of Europe's longest-running freshwater citizen science initiatives.
“I'm super excited to be working alongside my co-chair Steve Brooks, the Riverfly Team, Advisory Group, our funders and the vast network of hubs and volunteers that make the partnership so uniquely special.
I look forward to seeing even good stuff happen in 2026 and beyond!"
