Former chief executive of RSPB Barbara Young appointed new Chair of Forestry Commission

                                                  

Baroness Young - enthusiastic about new challenge

THE former chief executive of the RSPB, Baroness Young of Old Scone, has this week been appointed the new Chair of the Forestry Commission -  the  government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.

Barbara Young was at the helm of the bird protection charity between 1991 and 1998 when she resigned to become Chair of English Nature - the predecessor to Natural England.

She takes the reins of the Forestry Commission, in succession to Sir William Worsley, for a four-year term starting on February 10.

Says she: It will be a great privilege to join the Forestry Commission team at a time when the importance of trees, woods and forests for the economy, local communities, resilience and security, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing is great and growing."

The Minister of Nature, Mary Creagh MP, comments: "Baroness Young  brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished background in the environmental sector. 

"I am excited to work with Barbara to deliver our strategy of helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests." 

Baroness Young, who is 77, was Chair of the Woodland Trust from 2016 to 2024 during which time, she led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact, expanding woodland creation and the protection and restoration of ancient woodland across the UK.

She holds an MA (Honours) in Classics from the University of Edinburgh, is a Chartered Environmentalist, and has received numerous honorary degrees and fellowships in recognition of her contribution to public life, environmental protection and education.

At the Forestry Commission, she will work alongside Richard Stanford who is its Chief Executive.