Yorkshire landowner lands top job with National Forest Company

Sir William, a businessman, farmer and forester who runs Hovingham Estate, his family business in North Yorkshire, takes over from Catherine Graham-Harrison OBE, whose term of office comes to an end this month.

The National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, the biggest environmentally-led regeneration project in the country. The Forest spans 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and includes the former Midlands coalfield.

He brings a wealth of experience to the role, as a former President of the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association, a member and former chairman of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Advisory Committee, and former member of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Sir William said: “I am delighted to be joining the National Forest Company at such an important time.

“The National Forest may cover 200 square miles of the Midlands but it really is a success story for the whole country and shows just how woods and trees can transform the landscape, economy and communities.

“The progress of The National Forest over the last 25 years has been phenomenal, and I look forward to helping lead it in the next stage of its development.”