THE outgoing chief executive of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is to take on a similar position within a conservation charity. 

Shireen Chambers, who will end her 15-year association with the ICF at the end of June, has been confirmed as the first-ever chief executive officer of Future Woodlands Scotland, a group working to create and conserve native woodlands. 

Joining midway through the £2 million Future Woodlands Fund pilot - which aims to plant one million trees by November 2023 - she will take up her new role role in August and be tasked with driving forward the charity's objectives. 

She said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join and lead the team at such a pivotal time.

Forestry Journal: Shireen Chambers is standing down from the ICF in June Shireen Chambers is standing down from the ICF in June

"As we look forward to the future, I am excited to work with the passionate staff and Board of Trustees, as well as existing and new partners to build on the charity’s excellent work. I am also keen to further our role to campaign for and celebrate collaborations that will help us see a Scotland in which trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate.” 

During her time with the ICF, Shireen, who studied forestry and soil science at Bangor University, played a key role in the launch of the Development Woodland Officer programme and was appointed an MBE by the Queen in 2019's Birthday Honours for her contribution to the industry. 

She added: “Trees have an amazing ability to inspire people and to have a positive and far-reaching impact on the environment. Over the past few years, we’ve been seeing an increased interest in trees as a solution to enhanced biodiversity. I plan to bring my experience, energy and enthusiasm to help Future Woodlands Scotland enhance and extend the green and woodland spaces of Scotland.” 

READ MORE: Shireen Chambers standing down as ICF's executive director

Tim Hall, chair of Future Woodlands Scotland, said: “The trustees and staff are delighted that Shireen is to head-up the charity as our first-ever CEO.

"She has all the drive, skills and passion necessary to build on all that Future Woodlands Scotland has achieved over the last 10 years and to lead the organisation through its next ambitious phase."