Forestry England North England Director
Bellingham, Northumberland with regular travel throughout the North District and occasional travel nationally
Forestry England cares for more land and trees than any other organisation in England. From small woodlands on the fringes of towns and cities, to vast areas such as the ancient New Forest, for over 100 years we have been growing, shaping and caring for
Annual timber production is nationally important, at over 550,000m3 and the current planting programme is in excess of three million trees per annum. The District covers some of England’s most remote and beautiful landscapes and contributes significantly to both the regional economy and health and wellbeing agendas across the north of England. It includes 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and is a major contributor to nationally significant biodiversity projects. There is also an extensive built and agricultural non-woodland estate.
The North England Director is responsible for implementing Forestry England’s strategy across the District, preparing long-term management plans, business plans, and capital investment programmes. It has a broad range of accountabilities including all aspects of programme delivery in the District including forest planning, timber production and regeneration, wildlife and environmental land management and recreation and commercial visitor services. Leading a team of c.140 dedicated and professional staff, the post-holder also needs to build productive strategic relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, and to think creatively and innovatively in exploring new opportunities and partnerships to increase the commercial and natural capital value of the estate, improving its financial sustainability.
What really matters is that you can lead and inspire a large team, that you have good commercial acumen and that you can develop strategy and translate it into deliverable objectives. Relationship building along with high levels of political sensitivity and understanding will also be key. The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 12 January 2026.