Chairman for the past 8 years, John Everard (pictured left) is stepping down and taking on the job of Treasurer & Membership Secretary. Mike Seville (right) is the new Chairman. As Head Forester of the Royal Estate at Sandringham he brings with him a wealth of practical experience – having overseen the estate’s move to CCF Systems several years ago.
John Everard (left) & Mike Seville (right)
These two appointments have come about due to the tragic death of John Niles whilst hill-walking in Scotland. John had been CCFG Treasurer since 1996. Woodland Heritage Trustee and colleague, David Rice, paid the following tribute “the death of John Niles, my friend and colleague for 33 years is a great personal loss. From shared Dartmoor days to CCFG foreign tours, I was fortunate to enjoy his company and enthusiasm for varied interests. Though of differing political persuasions, we were unanimous in our concern for and promotion of forestry and conservation in the widest sense. I, and all who new John, will miss his thoughtful contributions to field meetings and considerable input to the many organisations that he supported”.
An 8 hectare field, known as Strawberry Hill, in the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire is being given over to natural regeneration (50%) and local provenance planting (50%). It will be known as The John Niles Memorial Woodland and will be created and managed by schools and volunteers to provide a lasting tribute to John’s enormous contributions and achievements, both locally and nationally.