Dame Fiona Reynolds: 'incredibly proud'

The head of the National Trust has announced she is stepping down from her post.

Dame Fiona Reynolds said she would miss working for charity but was proud of what the trust has achieved in the 11 years she has headed the organisation.

The National Trust has been at the forefront of opposing coalition Government plans to change planning laws in England.

Dame Fiona will take up the post of Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge next year, the first woman master in the college’s history.

As a geographer and walker with a keen interest in landscape, she has overseen the addition of more areas to the 250,00ha (617,000 acres) of countryside under the charity’s care.

The Trust said during this time she has championed the importance of access to the outdoors and nature for people’s wellbeing and promoted local and seasonal food with a drive to create 1,000 new allotments on its land.

Most recently, this included the acquisition of the 250ha (617-acre) Llyndy Isaf estate near Snowdon after a public appeal raised £1m in seven months from 20,000 donors.

Dame Fiona said: “As a graduate of Cambridge I am thrilled to be going back to head one of its finest colleges.

“I have loved every minute leading the National Trust and working with our passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters.

“I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved in the last 11 years.

“There is no organisation like it and I will miss it terribly. But it is time to allow someone else an opportunity to make their mark.”

The 53-year-old will continue in her post here until her successor is in place. She plans to use the interval between leaving and moving to Cambridge in September 2013 to write a book about her years with the Trust.

Simon Jenkins, National Trust chairman, said: “Fiona has presided over a triumphant era in the history of the National Trust. Her strategic vision and personal leadership have made it one of Britain’s most popular institutions.

“She guided us with panache, first to financial solvency and then to four million members. We shall miss her, and wish her every success in the future.”