Meet the Team

Gardiner Mitchell is a professional photographer and videographer whose work blends scientific accuracy with compelling visual storytelling. A trained biologist and graduate of Queen's University Belfast, he began his career in DuPont's environmental monitoring laboratory, specialising in water quality assessment and environmental analysis.

After more than 30 years teaching biology—ultimately serving as Head of Science at Faughan Valley School—Gardiner expanded into professional photography and videography. His early commissions for Tourism Ireland and Trout & Salmon magazine evolved into a significant portfolio of environmental and conservation‑focused films.

Gardiner has produced major projects for DAERA, the Loughs Agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and AFBI, covering topics such as nutrient management, river catchment restoration, salmon research, and large‑scale monitoring programmes including SeaMonitor and CatchmentCARE.

As co‑founder of Countryside Management Training, he has filmed and produced more than 50 educational videos on river catchments. His work translates complex environmental processes into clear, engaging visual narratives—supporting high‑quality online learning and strengthening public understanding of freshwater ecosystems.

Ken Whelan is one of Ireland and the UK's most respected fisheries scientists, with a career spanning research, policy, conservation, and public engagement. He began his work with the Inland Fisheries Trust in the 1970s, later serving in senior roles with the Central Fisheries Board and as CEO and Director of the Salmon Research Agency.

Following the SRA's integration into the Marine Institute, Ken became an Executive Director before establishing his own fisheries and environmental consultancy in 2009. He is Vice President of the Atlantic Salmon Trust and previously served as its Research Director (2009–2023). Ken is also President of the Institute of Fisheries Management (UK & Ireland) and an Adjunct Professor at University College Dublin.

Internationally, he has held major leadership roles including President of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and Chair of the International Atlantic Salmon Research Board. He helped coordinate the landmark SALSEA Programme, one of the most ambitious salmon-at-sea research initiatives ever undertaken.

Ken is deeply committed to science communication. He has produced and presented numerous films, documentaries, and training programmes, and regularly contributes to RTÉ's Mooney Goes Wild. His work with community groups across Ireland has helped build local capacity in freshwater and marine stewardship.

Patrick McCabe MSc is an environmental scientist and consultant specialising in river catchment management, source protection, and water quality assessment. He operates Hydrec Environmental Consulting, where he provides technical support on hydrology, catchment characterisation, and the design of practical monitoring programmes for community and stakeholder groups.

Patrick also works as a Source Protection Officer with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), supporting rural water suppliers across Ireland in safeguarding drinking water sources, implementing risk‑based protection plans, and strengthening local capacity in environmental stewardship.

With extensive field experience, Patrick has recorded and presented a wide range of training videos for Countryside Management Training, covering topics such as waterways, river processes, catchment pressures, and water quality testing techniques. His clear, practical teaching style helps learners understand complex hydrological concepts and apply them confidently in real‑world settings.

Patrick's work blends scientific expertise with hands‑on field knowledge, making him a highly valued contributor to CMT's mission of delivering accessible, evidence‑based environmental training.