Worthing woman ‘blown away’ to be made an MBE in King’s New Year Honours List

Josephine Lavelle, the director of marketing and engagement for Forestry England, received the award for services to forestry.

She said: “I’m completely blown away and deeply honoured to receive an MBE for services to forestry. It’s something I never imagined, and I feel truly humbled to have my work recognised in this way.

“When I got the letter, I assumed it was a big bill, and steeled myself to open it. When I did I completely broke down in tears, much to the alarm of my eight year old daughter who found me in the kitchen crying. I had to explain that they were tears of shock and joy, and not sadness!

“This honour belongs as much to the incredible people I’ve worked alongside over the past two decades, and to the freedom, trust, and creativity that Forestry England and the wider Forestry Commission give their teams to be adventurous, ambitious, and make a real difference.

“I’ve always believed that people protect nature only when they feel a genuine connection to it. Now, more than ever, we need to be bold and creative in bringing nature into people’s lives, making it relevant and accessible to everyone.

“I hope this recognition shines a light on the vital role of our natural environment and inspires more people to connect with nature, value it, and play an active part in shaping its future.”

According to the Forestry England website profile for Josephine, she brings more than 25 years of strategic leadership experience in forestry, environmental stewardship, and tourism, having worked across charitable, corporate, and public-sector organisations to deliver meaningful impact and sustainable growth.

It adds: “She leads Forestry England’s National Engagement portfolio, overseeing communications and marketing, membership, filming locations, corporate partnerships and fundraising, cultural and artistic programming, and learning and education provision nationwide.

“She sits on the UN’s European Forest Communications Network and represents England on the European Forest Pedagogic Network. She has been instrumental in introducing millions of new people to forests.

“A passionate advocate for the power of nature in people’s lives, Josephine is committed, professionally and personally, to helping people connect with the natural world as a foundation for its long-term protection. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she founded a Sussex based social enterprise that pioneers imaginative and unconventional ways for communities to connect with nature, and she actively supports local education and mental health groups.”