Former head of the UK Field Army, Lieutenant General Sir Barney White-Spunner, has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Countryside Alliance and Director of the Countryside Alliance Foundation.

His role comes into effect from 9 February, and he takes on overall responsibility for the organisation.

Country supporter

Barney will be based in the Alliance’s London Headquarters. Kate Hoey MP, will remain Chairman of the Board of the Countryside Alliance.

Barney is a writer and countryman with first-hand knowledge of farming and wide countryside interests. He lives in Dorset with his wife and three children, and is a long term supporter of all country sports.

As well as being a regular contributor to The Field magazine, he was a former editor of Baily’s Hunting Directory and President of the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles.

Military career

He has had a distinguished military career and was knighted in 2011. He commanded British forces in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq and then took over as the Army Commander in 2009. He left the Army in December 2011.

Commenting on his appointment Barney said: “I owe so much in my life to the countryside and I am now really looking forward to giving something back."

Countryside Alliance Board Chairman Kate Hoey MP added: “I am absolutely delighted that Barney is joining us. His leadership will be invaluable in the challenges facing the British countryside.”