Forestry England
North England Director
Location: Bellingham, Northumberland with regular travel throughout the North District and occasional travel nationally
Salary: £73,970 to £81,434 plus attractive benefits
This is a unique opportunity to lead an iconic part of the Forestry England estate in the North of England.
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
the nation’s forests.
North England Forest District is the largest in England, covering 61,000ha of forest and 25,000ha of open land in Cumbria, County Durham, Gateshead, Lancashire and Northumberland. 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.
To be successful you will need to bring a track record of senior leadership and a good understanding of the land-based sector. Your skills and experience are as important as your knowledge and so we are open-minded as to where your land-based sectoral experience has been gained. 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. Above all, you will be motivational, enthusiastic and be confident and credible to improve outcomes within the District and beyond.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to one of England’s most valuable natural resources, which delivers economic, health and well-being and environmental benefits to our nation.
If you have the blend of skills and experience, and the energy, drive and commitment that we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
To find out more, please contact our recruitment advisers for an informal and confidential discussion:
* Orla Brennan – orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com
* Julie Myers – julie.myers@gatenbysanderson.com
The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 12 January 2026.