New Chair and Deputy Chair elected for the New Forest National Park Authority

June 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Julian Johnson said: ‘I feel greatly privileged being elected Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, and for having the opportunity to become     more closely involved with the workings of the Forest, for which I have an immense affection going back many years.

‘My interest in wildlife and the environment remains as vivid as ever and I am now looking forward to devoting more time to the National Park and working with our new Chief Executive and her team.

‘We are deeply indebted to Clive Chatters who has so ably chaired the Authority over the past three years.’


Deputy Chair Vicky Myers added: ‘I am looking forward to working with and supporting Julian Johnson in his new appointment.’

Clive Chatters, previous Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Both Julian and Vicky have a wealth of experience that will stand them in good stead. I look forward to working with them in the future as a member of the New Forest National Park Authority.’

Alison Barnes, Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Our new Chair and Deputy Chair have been Authority members for a significant period of time; they have close links to the Forest, which is important when taking on these roles. I will be working with them and I look forward to learning from their experience.’

A series of other appointments were also made to external bodies.
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Notes to Editors:
Julian Johnson, Chair
Julian has lived in Wiltshire for over 35 years but has long-standing connections with the New Forest.  He was in the Army for nine years, where he served in the UK and West Africa. He then joined one of London’s leading advertising agencies.  He moved into the manufacturing industry, retiring as a director for overseas activities.  He was elected to Wiltshire County Council in 1993, later becoming Chairman of the Transport, Highways Planning Committee and then Council Chairman for 2001/02.  

He chaired the Regional Planning and Transport Group in the south-west and sat on a number of committees.  Julian has served on many local bodies including the New Forest Committee.  He enjoys travelling widely and in 2000 he became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.


 Dr Vicky Myers, Deputy Chair
Vicky was born in Salisbury and her family have lived in, or close to, the New Forest for most of their lives. After completing a BSc in Oceanography, she spent three years in Etosha National Park, Namibia, carrying out research projects. This included a field study of habitat utilisation of a group of white rhinos and appraisal of the status of the species across the country. Her research resulted in a PhD in conservation biology. Since 1999 she has been working as a Ranger in the New Forest. She has gained a comprehensive understanding of conservation and management issues on crown land. She continues to appreciate the uniqueness of the New Forest through her role supervising the Forestry Commission’s Volunteer Ranger Service.

Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.