Western Forest appoints first director

Western Forest, England’s first new national forest in more than 30 years, has appointed Jamie Audsley as its first director to lead the creation of the landmark initiative across the West of England.

Stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the West of England, Western Forest aims to create at least 2500 hectares of woodland and tree habitats within its first five years. 

The programme is hosted by the Forest of Avon Trust and supported by £7.5 million of Government funding.

Jamie joins from Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, where he served as chief executive, leading large-scale nature and climate recovery programmes and building strong public and private partnerships. 

His previous roles include head of future nature at the RSPB.

In his new role, Jamie will focus on delivering Western Forest’s long-term vision, working with landowners, communities, businesses and partners to accelerate tree planting, nature recovery and investible environmental projects across the region.

Jamie said: “It’s clear local people are looking for something real, and a new national forest can be just that. 

“We don’t need another fuzzy concept, rather – a forest we can all access and a plan that makes sense to everyone.

“Western Forest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring trees and woodland into more of our everyday places – from trees on farms to boost incomes, to villages and the edges of towns and cities, improving access to nature and our mental health. 

“Our first job is to work with farmers, communities and partners to create a tangible plan for what this will look like, then get on with delivering it. 

“In the next 12 months people should expect to see more projects taking shape, more trees going in the ground and more chances to get involved – whether you’re a landowner thinking about how trees can work to benefit your farm, a business or individual looking to invest in natural capital, or a local resident who wants healthier places to walk, cycle and spend time.”

Alister Rankine, chair of Forest of Avon Trust, added: “Jamie brings the perfect mix of leadership, partnership-building and delivery experience to ensure Western Forest moves quickly and credibly from ambition into action.

“This is about making it easier for landowners, communities and businesses to be part of something big – planting trees in the right places, restoring habitats and creating long-term benefits for people and nature. 

“People across the region will have a chance to shape the plan, what it looks like and means to them.”

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