Heather’s appointment comes after Jon Snow, the charity’s previous Chair of nine years, stepped down last year to take up the role of Honorary President. 

"I am delighted to welcome the arrival of Heather as our next Chair who will no doubt steer the charity to more success and continue the immense contribution that the Heart of England Forest is having on our environment and local communities. It goes without saying that I am thrilled to continue my involvement with the charity as its first Honorary President and I stand ready to help in any way I can."

Heather brings considerable leadership experience to this role, namely in Local Government where she worked as a Westminster City Councillor between 2010-2022, as well as international experience, and a life-long interest in the environment and a love of trees.

During her time at Westminster, Heather was the Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Parking, Public Protection and Licensing, and most recently Communities and Regeneration. In addition, she sat on the Climate Change board, organised the first Greener City Action Plan for Westminster, and renewed the Biodiversity Plan.

Steve Eddy, Acting Chief Executive at the Heart of England Forest, says: “We are delighted that Heather is joining the Board of Trustees. Her strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and wealth of experience of being a board chair will be invaluable in this pivotal role for the charity.”