(with kind permission of Norman E Haighton/Northumbria Biker)
To the memory of
Roy Lister Robinson OBE
Baron Robinson of Kielder Forest and Adelaide
A member of the Forestry Commission from its
inception in 1919 and its chairman from 1932-1952
Born 8th March 1883 died 5th September 1952
His ashes are scattered in this forest which owes
its existence to his creative energy and vision
Roy Lister Robinson OBE
Baron Robinson of Kielder Forest and Adelaide
A member of the Forestry Commission from its
inception in 1919 and its chairman from 1932-1952
Born 8th March 1883 died 5th September 1952
His ashes are scattered in this forest which owes
its existence to his creative energy and vision
The Robinson Memorial stands in a fire break in a remote
spot within Kielder Forest, about 3 miles south of Kielder Water. It is a
fitting tribute to the life and works of Lord Robinson (otherwise known as Sir
Roy Robinson), who, though born in South Australia in 1883, spent a sizeable
chunk of his existence dedicated to the forestation of Britain.
Arriving in England in 1905, he followed an academic course
which led him, eventually, to become the guiding light of the formation of the
Forestry Commission in 1919. He spent the last 20 years of his life as its
chairman, leading the charge for an extensive government plantation programme
and the establishment of our National Forest Parks. He was handed an O.B.E. in
1918, knighted in 1931 and raised to the peerage in 1947.
He seems to have had a special attachment to Kielder Forest, and
even returned there in 1948 to fell the first tree! He also spearheaded similar
campaigns throughout the Commonwealth, and even died abroad whilst leading a
delegation to Canada in 1952. The following year his ashes were scattered in
Kielder Forest, and the Robinson Memorial cairn now marks the spot.
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