Woodland Trust announces appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as charity’s new chair

The Woodland Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as the charity’s new chair. He will take up the role in June 2024 when current Chair, Barbara Young – Baroness Young of Old Scone, steps down after eight years as Chair.

All at the Woodland Trust wish to thank Baroness Young for her unwavering commitment to the cause of woods and trees, for her expert guidance, governance, and counsel over the past eight years.

Lord Hall, appointed a CBE in 2005 and created a life peer with the title Baron Hall of Birkenhead in 2010, brings a wealth of experience gained from an extensive career as the 16th Director-General of the BBC between April 2013 and August 2020, and Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House from April 2001 until April 2013.

His many career achievements included the launch of Radio 5 live, BBC News 24, BBC News Online and BBC Parliament.

A devotee to the improvement of skills and education in cultural industries, he founded and was Chair of Creative & Cultural Skills, Chairman of the Musical and Dance Scheme, Chair of Stratford East Theatre, and he was Chair of the Cultural Olympiad Committee and a member of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Lord Tony Hall said: “I love trees. I am a member of the Woodland Trust because I believe the benefits to us all of being amongst trees or in woodland is huge and brings real joy. And I know millions of others feel that way too. I believe strongly that whoever you are and wherever you live that is something you should be able to enjoy. We are also at a defining moment in the fight to tackle global warming and the crisis in nature. The Woodland Trust is at the forefront of offering solutions to what needs to be done. I am excited to be working for a cause that will leave our environment – our landscapes and wildlife – better than we found it.”

Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust Chief Executive said: “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have had such excellent leadership from Baroness Young and to have someone with such high calibre as Lord Hall as a worthy successor.

“Throughout the process to recruit a new chair Tony demonstrated a deep commitment to the cause and the purpose of the Woodland Trust, broad experience of chairing and governance, sensitivity and humility in manner, intelligence and curiosity of mind, and a genuine interest in advancing inclusivity.

“The Woodland Trust will be protecting, creating and restoring more trees and woods than ever before in our history, contributing to resilient landscapes for the health of people, wildlife, and the planet. We hope to inspire people up and down the country to visit woods, plant trees, treasure wildlife, and enjoy the overwhelming benefits that woods and trees offer to our lives, at a time when they face unprecedented threats from inappropriate development, climate change and pests and diseases. We are very excited for the positive impact we will have in the years ahead with Tony’s support and leadership.”