THE former environment secretary who tried to sell off England's forests has landed a role on the board of Natural England. 

Dame Caroline Spelman was given a senior position with the government’s nature watchdog and will set its strategy and policy, as well as overseeing the use of public money. 

But her appropriateness for the role has been called into question by her handling of the controversial plan to change the ownership of 258,000 hectares of state-owned woodland in 2011. Widely criticised at the time by industry figures – including by members of the Independent Panel on Forestry – the government was later forced into an embarrassing U-turn. 

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Admitting full responsibility, Dame Spelman said at the time: “I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the public forest estate and I take full responsibility for that. I am doing so because it is quite clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many honourable members are not happy with the proposals we set out.”

She went on to add: "If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they bring. My first priority throughout this period of debate has been securing a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests."

Other trustees announced on Friday include Mel Austen, a professor of ocean and society at the University of Plymouth, and Lynn Dicks, who leads a research group working on sustainable agriculture and insect conservation.

The shadow environment secretary, Jim McMahon, raised questions over the appropriateness of Dame Spelman's appointment. 

“It appears the conveyor belt of Conservative cronyism is alive and well,” he told The Guardian.

“The decision to appoint the former secretary of state for the environment who attempted to sell off England’s forests to the board of Natural England raises serious questions of judgment from Defra ministers." 

Forestry Journal: Bishop James Jones led the Independent Panel on Forestry, and was highly critical of the plans Bishop James Jones led the Independent Panel on Forestry, and was highly critical of the plans

Announcing the positions, Natural England chair Tony Juniper said: “Our Board plays a crucial role in supporting our organisation as we deliver for the environment and support the government’s targets to halt and reverse nature decline.

"There are huge opportunities for Natural England to shape this landscape, whether through our specialist advice and guidance which is supporting the roll-out of the Environmental Land Management Schemes, or creating new and better spaces for Nature through our growing Nature Recovery Network.

“I very much look forward to working with Mel, Lynn and Dame Caroline, who each bring a range of skills and experience that will help us deliver on these ambitious plans."