Alex has over 20 years’ specialist experience within the forestry sector. Most recently, he was Forest Management Director for Forestry England, responsible for the timber, recreation and estate management of 35,000ha of forests, leading a team of 180 people across the east and south east of England. Alex has also held key roles with the Forestry Commission, where he developed and delivered flagship green space projects in the East of England and London, and is a former Committee member on the East Land Quality Forum.

Rhodri Thomas, Head of Rural at Strutt & Parker, said: “We continue to see huge interest in the sector, with investors ranging from traditional forestry investors to those for whom ESG and environmental outcomes are the priority. Recruiting Alex to the business shows our commitment to reinforcing the strength our forestry business and our desire to capitalise on the important opportunities surrounding natural capital and woodland creation. With Alex leading an already strong and diverse team across the England, Wales and Scotland, we aim to continue to deliver on sales, grow our asset management portfolio and increase our investment work.”

Alex Brearley, Head of Forestry UK at John Clegg & Co, said: “This is such a pivotal time for forestry with the growth in interest from investors, through the carbon markets and corporate ESG initiatives. There are very strong indications that forestry will continue on an upward trajectory as timber becomes more commonplace as a sustainable building material throughout the UK.

“Now is a golden age for forestry, and I’m excited to be taking on a leading role for John Clegg & Co. I am looking forward to working with experienced colleagues across the UK to ensure we are taking a leading role in the forestry market, building on the strong credentials of the business and taking advantage of being part of the global BNP Paribas Group.”

John Clegg & Co, has been advising private individuals and traditional rural estates with amenity woodlands through to government agencies and institutional or private investment funds for over 50-years. Today, as part of Strutt & Parker and BNP Paribas Real Estate, the team offers unparalleled expertise across all sectors of the real estate market, and provides unique access to global clients, macro intelligence and financial services and products.

The arrival of Alex follows the appointment of Sasha Laing as a Woodland Carbon & Natural Capital Advisor and Shaun Mochan as an Asset Manager in Scotland, as well as Hugh Williams as a Forestry Sales Agent in England. They join a UK wide team, working alongside the Strutt & Parker forestry teams in Lewes and Northallerton.

Alongside selling and buying woodland and providing independent forest asset management and investment advice, specialisms include providing professional guidance on the planting and management of woodlands on estates, improving timber quality, felling and the processing of timber ready for sale, advice on the latest grants and schemes including the England Woodland Creation offer and the Woodland Carbon Code.