Joined the charity as a trustee

October 2026

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

I have been drawn to Felix Dennis’ vision since I first visited the forest in 2016. The generosity of spirit to dedicate an entrepreneur’s wealth for the benefit of future generations beyond his lifetime is totally inspiring and worthy of support by others, including me.

Q&A 

What expertise do you bring to the trustee role?

Tree planting is something I do as a passion and as part of my own business activity. I am a Chartered Surveyor and experienced in the acquisition and management of land. I am an experienced Board member and hope to lend this to our deliberations and governance. Having recently retired as a Forestry Commissioner, I am well-versed in the public policy which seeks to incentivize what we do.

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

The capacity to achieve landscape-scale change like very few others, thanks to the legacy investments at our disposal. The Heart of England Forest will be a nationally significant project as it approaches its target woodland area in years to come.

I also love tree planting and maintenance, and seeing nature create something large, valued and beneficial from small roots.

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

By virtue of its start on its mission, and by maintaining what it has created so far. Also, by taking others on its journey, whether employees, contractors, volunteers, or members of communities in which the Forest is growing.

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

Finding land to buy and plant, and maintaining the woodland once planted in the face of drought, pestilence and disease.

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

Visionary. Restorative. Noble.