November 2025. Tim Liddon FICFor

What is the 'day job?'

I was the Forestry Director for Tilhill. Now retired after a 40-plus-year career in forestry from Somerset to Wick!

What do you do outside of the Trust?

Mainly granddaughter duties and wildlife photography.

How long have you been involved with The Scottish Forestry Trust?

I joined The Scottish Forestry Trust as a Trustee in January 2022. However, I have been involved with the Trust for many years with embryogenesis and Hylobius abietis.

Why did you become a Trustee?

I wanted to put something back into research as it is a critical part of our industry, particularly tree improvement in a rapidly changing world.

How do you view the role of a board member? What motivates you?

For me, I see the role as a moderator to balance science with field experience. Motivation comes from what the future can be.

What do you bring to the Trust?

Many years of invaluable experience, mainly in commercial forestry – a lot of good and some not so good to learn from. I have experience in forest planning, new planting (both commercial and habitat restoration), forest restructuring, and graduate and early career development.

What do you gain from involvement with the Trust?

I continue to learn, and enjoy seeing the funding applications that succeed to fruition.

In your opinion, what are the most important challenges and opportunities facing the Trust?

One of the most important challenges is identifying good science to fund, fast enough to make a positive mark on climate change.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about over the next 12 months?

I look forward to seeing the Trust growing significantly over the coming years, and continue to support great projects that deliver robust research.