Joined the charity as a trustee

October 2026

Why did you choose to give your time and get involved with the charity?

The Forest is close to where I live and the constituency I used to serve as MP, so I understand its importance to our local community, the wider environment, and its biodiversity. I arranged carbon offsetting iniitatives and investment in the Heart of England Forest as part of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 because I believe in the work the charity does. 

Q&A 

What expertise do you bring to the trustee role?

As a former Secretary of State for Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), I’ve been involved in trying to increase the tree cover of the UK and know the challenge of trying to find land suitable for reforestation. 

What aspect of the charity’s work interests you the most?

I am keen to see the application of cutting-edge science to the challenge of climate change affecting forestry. Also, the efforts to bring people who have little access to woodland and green space to this inspiring place.

How do you think the Heart of England Forest is making the most difference?

Clearly, the transition of land generously donated by the forest founder into a resilient and sustainable forest is a major achievement; we just need to do a lot more if it.

What are the challenges facing the charity over the next 12 months?

There is huge pressure on land use, notably for housing, so the charity faces the challenge of securing more land for trees, and I hope I can help us secure what we need. Another major challenge is the vulnerability of native broadleaved trees to climate change.

What 3 words would you use to describe the work of the Forest?

Essential, exceptional, and enduring