John Lockhart to join the Forest Services Board

The Forestry Commissioners have appointed John Lockhart, Chairman of forestry and environmental planning consultancy Lockhart Garratt, as a new non-executive to the Forest Service Board, for three years commencing on 1 August 2020.

Welcoming him to his new role, Sir William Worsley said:

"John’s appointment completes a strong non-executive team required to lead, challenge and support Forest Services at this pivotal time. With his wealth of commercial forestry experience, John is the perfect complement to Hilary Allison, Liz Philip and Sandy Storrie. John’s expertise will be invaluable in guiding improvements to our offer to landowners, vital for achieving our woodland creation and management ambitions."

John said: "I have always sought to work alongside Forest Services in support of our shared objectives. As a non-executive I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and experience to the Forest Services Board. My aim is to provide constructive independent criticism and challenge, together with real support and an absolute focus on finding practical and deliverable solutions."

About John Lockhart

As Chairman of Lockhart Garratt since its inception in 1998, John has helped develop the company to become one of the leading independent forestry and environmental planning consultancies in central England. His personal focus has been on exploring and expanding opportunities for lowland forestry and woodlands in England. Clients have included several major lowland forest properties, local authorities, the Royal Forestry Society and the National Forest Company.

John was also Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Rural Professional Board and supported the development of guidance and understanding around Natural Capital, Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure opportunities in the rural sector. He has long worked closely with Forest Services, representing the land management sector on behalf of RICS, including on the Applicants Focus Group, National Tree Safety Group, and the Ash Health and Safety Task Force. Most recently he has worked with Forest Services on blended finance for forestry, the Woodland Carbon Guarantee, Biodiversity net gain and to bring large scale woodland creation projects forward in conjunction with strategic development proposals.

John commented: "I feel passionately about developing the business case for trees, forestry and woodland in recognition of the huge benefits that they provide to society and the role they can play in enhancing our Natural Capital and so I welcome this opportunity to positively influence strategy."

All appointments to the Forestry Commission are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The appointments comply with the Ministerial Code of Governance on Public Appointments. There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be declared. John has declared that he has not taken part in any political activity in the past five years.