The National Forest Company (NFC) has made two appointments to its team.

Lynne Richards has joined as head of fund-raising. She brings substantial experience from  working in the private sector.
She has been head of sponsorship and development at Brighton Dome and Festival and director of the award-winning Business Community Partnership, in Brighton.

Ms Richards said: "I felt really inspired by the story of a forest in the making and the sheer scale and impact of The National Forest is impressive.

"This is what motivated me to move away from friends and family in the south to come and live here.

"I've spent the past few weeks exploring the forest area and I've discovered many beautiful locations and met wonderfully friendly people."

She said she planned to help create more woods and build up sponsorship.

Matt Brocklehurst joined as forest development manager, after nine years in woodland management with the Forestry Commission.

Most recently he worked in Sherwood, managing works, planning and design, and wildlife, recreation and conservation management.

He said: "I was keen to get involved with one of the most inspirational and ambitious woodland-creation projects in England and the opportunity came at the right time in my career to take up new challenges.

"It is an exciting time to be here and I am looking forward to working with the landowners and other partners to continue the creation of this innovative, multi-purpose forest."

Sophie Churchill, chief executive of the National Forest Company, in Moira, said: "The National Forest is still a forest in the making, so refreshing our approach is vital.

"Lynne and Matt are already making a great contribution."

Source: Leicester Mercury

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