Our people

The National Forest is driven by a passionate group of people who believe that a positive future is possible and want to be part of making positive change happen.

Our staff team

The National Forest is made up of a passionate staff team who are delivering on our ambitions and targets. They drive all of our work. From planting trees to fundraising; each member of our team plays a vital role in creating the Forest and helping to grow a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Operations

This team is responsible for forest creation, urban planting, woodland management, priority habitat management, outdoor learning, recreation, arts and creativity, volunteering, encouraging access, green economy and sustainable tourism. The team also hosts and project manages the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership scheme and Midlands Forest Network.

Senior Lead

Louise Driver
Director of Operations

Planning, Research, Strategy and Projects

Sam Lattaway
Head of Land Policy & Research

Heather Gilbert
Research & Evidence Manager

Sarah Brown
Grants Officer

Finlay Ratcliffe
Research Support Officer

Philip Metcalfe
Green Infrastructure & Planning Manager

Eilish Gardner
Green Infrastructure & Planning Officer

Jo Gilkes
Heart of the Forest Programme Manager

Julie Attard
Charnwood Forest Development Manager

Susan Kilby
Charnwood Forest Heritage Education Officer

Alison Brand-Barker
Charnwood Forest Community Engagement Officer

Jack Matthews
Charnwood Forest Geoheritage Conservation & Interpretation Officer

Helen Smith
Charnwood Forest Finance & Administration Officer

Charlotte Garner
Midlands Forest Network Project Manager

Zita Milwain
Midlands Forest Network Project Coordinator

Community, Education and Wellbeing

Gill Forrester
Community & Wellbeing Manager

Hollie Davison
Project Officer

Zoe Sewter
Volunteer & Wellbeing Officer

Tourism Development

Richard Drakeley
Tourism Development Manager

Arts and Creativity

Jo Maker
Arts & Creativity Manager

Forestry and Estate

Stuart Dainton
Head of Land Management & Estates

Rob Cleaver
Forest Creation Manager

Simon Greenhouse
Forest Estate Officer

Ed Hiorns
Woodland Manager

Ross Phillips
Woodland Advisor

Development

This team is responsible for fundraising with businesses, grant-making bodies and individual donors, product development, marketing and communications.

Senior Lead

Carolyn Sankey
Director of Development

Fundraising

Chris Ward
Product Development Manager

Jim Vickrage
Fundraising Manager

Carla Robinson
Fundraising Officer

Marketing and Communications

Vicki James
Marketing Manager

Carolyn Bointon
Press Officer

Evie Holmes
Marketing Officer

Corporate Services

This team is responsible for finance, audit and risk, governance, property, human resources, safety, health and wellbeing, information technology and administrative support.