THE chair of the Forestry Commission has told of his "personal mission" to expand England's woodlands and forests for everyone. 

Sir William Worsley made the comments after being reappointed to his role for a second term, which will run until February 2026. 

During his first stint in office, the former National Forest Company chair led the implementation of the England Trees Action Plan - which sets out the government’s long-term vision to enhance the country's treescape between now and 2050.

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This includes work to triple the rate of tree-planting by the end of the current Parliament in 2025. However, efforts continue to fall short of the 7,000 hectares/year target, with fewer than 2,260 ha of new woodland created in the 12 months prior to March 2022. 

Sir William said: "Healthy and productive trees bring a range of environmental, economic and social benefits - capturing carbon, powering our thriving forestry sector and improving the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Forestry Journal: Sir William Worsley said it is his personal mission to improve planting rates in England Sir William Worsley said it is his personal mission to improve planting rates in England

"I am therefore delighted to be re-appointed as Chair of the Forestry Commission.

"I am proud to have overseen the implementation of the England Trees Action Plan, which is driving our ambition to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament.

"It is my personal mission to build on these efforts to protect and expand our nation’s trees, woodlands and forests for the benefit of all."

Richard Stanford, Forestry Commission chief executive, said:"I am delighted that Sir William will continue his fantastic work as chair of Forestry Commission for another term – his passion and experience have proved invaluable to the organisation and forestry sector as a whole." 

Sir William has been chair of Forestry Commission since 2020. From June 2018 to his appointment as chair, he was the Government’s Tree Champion. He began his career as a chartered surveyor and for several years worked with the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as former president and chairman of the Board.