Environment Secretary has
today (3 February) confirmed Sir William Worsley as the
new Chair of the Forestry Commission.
The announcement comes as Sir Harry Studholme’s time as Forestry
Commission Chair ends after seven years in post.
Sir William will step down as the government’s Tree Champion, a
position he has held since June 2018, when he takes on his new
role.
Environment Secretary said:
“With his great expertise in forestry and passion for nature and
trees, Sir William will play a pivotal role in leading the
Forestry Commission at a critical time as it moves into its
second century.
“Tree planting will play a crucial part in the government’s bold
action to combat climate change, and the Forestry Commission has
a vital role in delivering our ambitious plans for England’s
forests and woodlands.
“I also want to thank Sir Harry for his dedication in leading the
organisation for the past seven years and wish him all the best
in future endeavours.”
Commenting on his appointment, Sir William said:
“Trees, woods and forests are so important to us – improving our
landscapes, helping capture carbon, improving our general
wellbeing and providing a renewable resource in the timber they
produce.
“It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join the Forestry
Commission. As Chair, my aim will be to celebrate, protect and
deepen the impact of its excellent work, not only for the sake of
our environment but also for the huge benefits that our success
brings for society.”
Ian Gambles, Chief Executive Officer of Forestry Commission,
said:
“Sir William’s appointment is great news for the Forestry
Commission and the wider forestry sector. He is one of the UK’s
most engaged environmental champions for forestry.
“I am confident that Sir William will bring the expertise and
vision required to set a bold direction for the country’s
forests and woodlands and I look forward to working closely with
him.”
Sir William will take up the role on 10 February and will be in
post for three years.
He currently holds the posts of Chair of the National Forest
Company as well as Chairman of the Howardian Hills AONB Joint
Advisory Committee. He will be standing down from his role as
National Forest Company Chair in May to allow for a new
Chair to be reappointed.
Once Sir Harry’s term ends, he will be working on a range of
projects in alternative energy, carbon capture and
climate change mitigation as well as managing his own forestry
and farming interests in Devon.
Sir William biography:
- Sir William will be standing down as government-appointed
National Tree Champion with confirmation of his appointment. He
has been the government’s National Tree Champion since June 2018
and as part of this role, has worked on the developing English
Tree Strategy, which will be consulted on in spring, by engaging
stakeholders to understand how policy changes can support our
trees, woodlands and forests.
- Sir William Worsley is currently the Chair of National Forest
Company and will be standing down from this position in May so a
new Chair can be recruited.
- He is current Chairman of the Howardian Hills Area of Natural
Beauty Joint Advisory Committee and holds several other
non-executive positions including previous appointee to the
Independent Panel on Forestry.
- He began his career as a chartered surveyor and for several
years worked with the Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
as former President and Chairman of the board.
The Forestry Commission:
- Established a century ago, the Forestry Commission (FC) is
the non-ministerial government department responsible for
protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of
woodlands.
- The Forestry Commission works with two agencies: Forestry
England, which manages the Public Forest Estate, and Forest
Research, the principal organisation for forestry and tree
related research.
- Forestry is a devolved matter, with a range of agencies
leading the sector in the devolved administrations. The Forestry
Commission leads the sector in England and looks after the
English Public Forest Estate through Forestry England. Forestry
Research continues to operate across the whole of Great Britain.
- Further details about the Forestry Commission structure can
be seen at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission
