Man with a mission!

The Forestry Commission has appointed a 35-year-old outdoor enthusiast to help shape future recreational facilities in 200,000 acres of woods in the north east of England.

Alex MacLennan, a keen mountain biker, has taken up the role of district forester for recreation, communities and tourism to spearhead new developments and manage existing trails, visitor centres and educational service.

He has spent the previous eight years overseeing woods in southern Scotland and during that time helped create and manage parts of the renowned "Seven Stanes" mountain bike routes.

Alex managed the award-winning Glentress Forest, near Peebles, which has held the title of the best UK Mountain Bike Trail two years running, and also oversaw the Red Bull Downhill trails at Innerleithen and the Newcastleton cross-country routes.

Now he's crossed the border with a passion to create similar world-class facilities, while extending opportunities for all woodland users. He said:"Our forests in the north east attract thousands of people each year. They are a massive asset, both economically and socially, and we need to continually improve facilities to keep pace with public expectations. But there's an even bigger challenge. That's to get many more people of all backgrounds to visit woodlands and cherish them. The health benefits are clear and are being highlighted by our Active Woods campaign."

Alex will look after forests including Kielder, Hamsterley, Chopwell and Rothbury. Strengthening their tourism appeal for all visitors, whether nature lovers, walkers, bikers or horseriders, is a priority.

He was born near Inverness and spent his childhood working on a Highland croft, making him well versed in all aspects of country life. Prior to his success in the Borders, Alex had other postings in the Highlands and Wiltshire during 18 years with the Forestry Commission.

Two more appointments have been made by the Forestry Commission to bolster its recreational team.

Richard Gilchrist, 34, who has served as recreation ranger at Chopwell Wood, near Gateshead, for the last seven years, has taken up the role of chief recreation ranger for Kielder Forest District. Elsewhere, 29 -year-old Sarah Walker has taken up the reigns as Kielder Castle ranger.

For more on the Forestry Commission visit www.forestry.gov.uk