Our Board

Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt KCVO OBE DL

Chair

Much of Sir Nicholas’s life has been spent establishing and managing not-for-profit SMEs. President Emeritus of the RHS, having served as President from 2013 to 2020, Sir Nicholas continues to work in the horticultural and agricultural sphere, providing guidance through various chairmanships.

Lord Field of Birkenhead

Cool Earth Co-Founder

Bringing over 50 years of campaigning experience to our board, Lord Field is well-equipped to help The Queen’s Green Canopy achieve its mission. Co-founder of Cool Earth, a charity committed to halting deforestation in rainforests, Frank also helped launch The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a global network of forest conservation projects.

Samantha Cohen CVO

Deputy Chair and Co-Chair of Cool Earth

Samantha Cohen is Co-Chair of Cool Earth and CEO of The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). Serving the Royal Household for 18 years, Samantha served as Her Majesty The Queen's Assistant Private Secretary and Press Secretary.

Matthew Owen

Director of Cool Earth

As Director of Cool Earth, Matthew’s dynamic leadership has lead the innovative charity from strength to strength. Passionate about working with rainforest communities to combat climate change, Matthew's experience makes him uniquely positioned to inspire and guide The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Geraint Richards MVO

Head Forester, The Duchy of Cornwall

With 25 years experience as Head Forester for The Duchy of Cornwall, Geraint’s specialist knowledge is an invaluable resource. Presented with the Royal Forestry Society Gold Medal for Distinguished Services to Forestry by our Patron, His Majesty The King, Geraint is highly involved with a number of forestry and arboricultural initiatives.

Colonel Dan Rex MVO

CEO, The Queen's Green Canopy

Seconded from the Ministry of Defence to lead The Queen's Green Canopy project, Dan is an experienced Army Officer having served with the Brigade of Gurkhas. Colonel Rex also served as Equerry to Her Majesty The Queen.