The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), UK’s only charity dedicated to the protection of our nation’s old trees, is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Alcock-Ferguson as our first Chief Executive Officer.
Laura is joining the ATF from The Campaign to End Loneliness.
ATF’s Chair, Russell Miller said:
“The UK is home to a huge number of ancient trees, many of which are internationally important habitats in their own right. The ATF pioneers the conservation of ancient trees and our first CEO will increase our capacity to preserve, protect and celebrate these priceless trees.”
Laura Alcock-Ferguson said:
“I’m pleased to be joining the Ancient Tree Forum at a time when the urgency of protecting biodiversity and the natural world is paramount. There is huge biodiversity within ancient trees and ATF’s specialism in protecting them, built over the last 20 years, is needed by many landowners across the UK in order to maintain and protect these cultural and natural assets. ATF’s skill is already sought and shared worldwide. I look forward to working with partners, funders, those in the industry and volunteers and citizen scientists, to bring these beloved and threatened trees into greater care and protection for future generations.”
Laura has 20 years of experience in the private and charity sectors. She is currently handing over the leadership of the Campaign to End Loneliness where she has worked since 2010 to move loneliness from a little-understood issue to a policy priority. Prior to that, she worked in partnerships, campaigning, grant giving and fundraising and has also held trustee positions in national and local campaigning, environmental and conservation organisations. Laura has been a volunteer wildlife surveyor and has volunteered across the UK as a wildlife reserves volunteer.
The CEO post has been funded by two major private donors and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Laura Alcock-Ferguson will start at the ATF on 1 October 2019.
For more information visit www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk