Background

Originally qualified as a Chartered Forester, wide ranging experience, academic study and professional development has provided me with knowledge not just of forestry and its contribution to rural development but related areas such as agriculture, land reclamation, recreation & tourism and renewable energy.

 

Job roles have included both the public and private sectors. As a local authority Forestry and Land Management Officer I worked on what was then the largest land reclamation and afforestation scheme (>1000 ha.) in England. A move to North Yorkshire as Director of Yorwoods extended my experience to working on advice & information provision, market & business development, training and managing delegated grant aid schemes. Promotion within the Forestry Contracting Association to National Operations Manager saw me developing and managing business and workforce development projects across England & Wales.

 

My work has involved me working with a wide variety of partners including local communities (parish councils, residents groups etc.), businesses and their representatives, local & national government (National Park Authorities, AONB’s, County & District Councils etc.) and various public agencies (English Heritage, Environment Agency, HLF, Natural England, etc.).

 

Academic qualifications include an Honours Degree in Forestry (University College of North Wales) and both Professional Certificates and Diplomas in Business Management (Open University Business School). I am also a qualified Project Manager and maintain a very active programme of continuing professional development.

 

I am a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a member of the Association for Project Management and a wide variety of related associations societies and networks.

 

In April 2004 I was appointed a non-executive Director of The National Forest Company, with part of my responsibilities including chairing both the Land Acquisition and Woodland Economy Working Groups. Other appointments include the Yorkshire & The Humber Rural Affairs Forum and the Forestry Commission Regional Advisory Committee for Yorkshire & The Humber.