Chris Hardy

Home staff Chris Hardy

Chris provides management and strategic leadership to the Centre for Forest Management which comprises of 90 staff and 6 Science Groups.

The purpose of the role is to ensure that the Centre aligns with the strategic direction of Forest Research, delivering excellent science and providing data and input to Government for inclusion in policy decisions, in addition to responding to potential threats and risks. Delivering relevant, high-quality applied research on time and to budget enables our funders and customers to effectively utilise data, models and statistical packages to deliver environmental, societal and financial benefits.

Chris spent a decade working in technical and commercial roles at a large private-sector Forest Nursery. He then spent several years as Head of Forestry England’s Plant and Seed Supply unit, before joining Forest Research in 2023. Chris has experience and expertise in leadership, change management, business management, customer relationship management and project management.

Chris has a degree in Environmental Science from Lancaster University and an MSc in Plant Pathology from Harper Adams University. He is currently completing an MBA at Lancaster University Management School.

Affiliations

Professional Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters

BSc (Hons), MSc, MICFor

0774 810 6228

chris.hardy@forestresearch.gov.uk

Head of Science Centre - Forest Management

Senior management

Northern Research Station