Woodland Heritage is delighted to announce the appointment of Louisa Pharoah as its new Chief Executive.
Louisa brings more than 25 years’ experience in the charity sector, with a strong track record in fundraising, partnership development, team leadership and organisational strategy. She joins Woodland Heritage from Bristol Dockyards (previously SS Great Britain Trust), where she was Director of People and Development, leading fundraising, people and volunteering. During 2025, she helped launch new fundraising initiatives that raised over £2 million.
Previously, Louisa was Director of Development and Citizen Engagement at the Soil Association, where she led fundraising and supporter engagement and contributed to the organisation’s strategic direction. Her experience across the charity sector, including sustainability and environmental issues, will support Woodland Heritage’s ambitions to champion sustainably managed woodlands and promote the value of home-grown timber.
Huw Davies and Clare O’Reilly, Co-Chairs at Woodland Heritage, said: “Louisa brings a wealth of experience in charity leadership, fundraising and building partnerships. Her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose will be hugely valuable to Woodland Heritage and complement the skills of the current staff and Trustees.
Louisa Pharoah, Chief Executive, Woodland Heritage
“She joins us at an important time, as we look to build on the charity’s strong foundations, strengthen connections across the woodland and timber sectors, and increase our impact. We’re delighted to welcome her and look forward to working together to take Woodland Heritage forward.”
Commenting on her appointment, Louisa said: “I’m delighted to be joining Woodland Heritage. I’m excited to be working with an organisation that brings together so many different people with a shared interest in the future of sustainable woodlands.
“My time at the Soil Association gave me a real appreciation of the connections between how we manage our land, the resources we use and the choices we make. I’m looking forward to learning from woodland owners, foresters, craftspeople and timber users, and exploring how we can work together to raise awareness of the value of sustainably managed woodlands and home-grown timber.
“There’s a huge amount to learn, plenty of people to meet and lots to get stuck into. I’m looking forward to working with the team, trustees, members and partners to build a strong future for Woodland Heritage and the woodlands we champion.”