Our team
"Real change happens when good science meets practical action. Blue carbon projects thrive not in isolation, but through innovation, trust, and shared purpose."
Pete Raines MBE, CEO, Blue Carbon Trust
FRGS FRSB FLS
Pete Raines MBE
CEO
Pete is an entrepreneurial conservationist and CEO focused on pioneering blue carbon initiatives and securing sustainable finance for marine conservation projects. With over 40 years of leadership and award-winning experience in international “Citizen Science” programmes, he was awarded the MBE by HM King Charles for ‘Services to the Protection of Biodiversity’. He has also received accolades including the Worldaware Business Award, Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards and the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
After graduating with a BSc in Marine Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Wales, Pete founded Coral Cay Conservation, leading it for 27 years and developing a sustainable international ‘Citizen Scientist’ approach to reef and rainforest conservation. He later served as interim-CEO of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Director of International Operations at Coral Restoration Foundation International, and CEO of Coral Restoration Foundation Europe, with a focus on partnerships and sustainable finance.
Pete has a long-standing commitment to volunteering, serving as trustee of the Chagos Conservation Trust and as part of the Chagos Environment Network, which successfully lobbied for the designation of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. He also managed two scientific research expeditions to Chagos and currently serves pro bono as a Director of CLEAR Caribbean.
He is a Chartered Geographer (CGeog), Chartered Biologist (CBiol), and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and the Linnean Society of London (FLS).
Bridget Marshall
CHAIR
Bridget is a senior executive, environmental lawyer, and governance expert, now focused on advancing blue carbon conservation initiatives. With extensive leadership experience across legal, regulatory, and environmental sectors, Bridget has a keen interest in designing robust governance frameworks for marine conservation projects, ensuring transparency, compliance, and long-term sustainability. She has many years experience of developing environmental policy and has worked closely with Scottish Government including a 4 year secondment where she led policy development on environmental regulatory reform.
She is passionate about nature-based solutions to climate change, particularly the protection and restoration of coastal blue carbon ecosystems such as seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and saltmarshes. She has volunteered with both seagrass and saltmarsh restoration projects in Scotland and was involved in an early mangrove conservation project in Tanzania 30 years ago. Bridget has a unique combination of legal expertise, policy development skills and strategic leadership to drive impactful conservation outcomes through securing funding and building cross-sector partnerships. She is keen to work with others on both policy development and advocacy work for marine conservation and blue carbon.
Cath Downie
TRUSTEE
Cath is a highly experienced project manager and former cybersecurity professional who has transitioned her strategic and risk management expertise into the marine conservation sector. After a distinguished career delivering major government programmes and holding industry-leading cybersecurity certifications, she is now dedicated to advancing projects that protect and restore vital marine ecosystems.
Currently studying International Marine Science at Heriot-Watt University, Cath focuses on the conservation and recovery of blue carbon habitats, particularly seagrass meadows, saltmarshes, and mangrove forests, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and coastal resilience. A qualified diver with strong fieldwork experience, she combines scientific understanding with a practical, solutions-focused approach to habitat monitoring and restoration.
She is passionate about driving science-based, measurable conservation initiatives that deliver real environmental impact. With deep experience in governance, compliance, and stakeholder collaboration, Cath brings a rare blend of strategic insight and hands-on capability to marine conservation projects.
Inspired by community-led marine initiatives, she has successfully fundraised for the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Orkney Snorkel Trail, which promotes awareness of local seagrass habitats and the importance of protecting Scotland’s blue carbon ecosystems.
Holly Greenwood
CONSERVATION INTERN
Holly is a dedicated student in her final year of undergraduate studies at St Andrews University, where she is pursuing a degree in Geography and Sustainable Development. Her academic studies and personal interests have fostered a deep passion for coastal restoration and blue carbon initiatives. Holly is researching this further in her dissertation as she explores the crucial role of saltmarsh ecosystems, calculating the carbon stored in different zones along the Firth of Forth and then aims to present the findings in an accessible format. This intends to bridge the gap between academic and public knowledge around saltmarshes. By highlighting the environmental significance of these habitats, Holly hopes to raise awareness and encourage action in blue carbon conservation.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Holly actively participates in various volunteer projects centred on coastal restoration, including initiatives for seagrass, saltmarsh, and oyster conservation. Her commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems is driven by a holistic understanding of sustainability and a desire to enhance resilience against climate change. Holly utilises her strong research skills to identify impactful projects and charities, producing insightful reports that support the mission of the Blue Carbon Trust. Through her work, she seeks to not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also foster community engagement and stewardship in coastal restoration efforts.