Ambassadors
Creating positive social and environmental change
We are proud to have highly regarded, leaders and experts committed to raising the profile of Forests With Impact. These supporters bring a wealth of knowledge to us and are vital in helping us to achieve our goals.
Welcoming Gary Badley as a Forests With Impact Ambassador
We are delighted to announce Gary Badley, Senior Responsible Owner of the Property Transformation Programme and Director of Property Services for HMPPS at the Ministry of Justice, has joined Forests With Impact as official Ambassador to the programme.
Gary has been an invaluable supporter of our programme for some time, and we are truly honoured to formalise his involvement through this ambassadorial role. Through his roles in the Ministry of Justice, Gary’s leadership reflects a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to rehabilitation. His commitment to sustainable practices and building hope, pride, and purpose within the prison system aligns perfectly with our own vision.
Currently, Gary is championing a programme to re-establish prison farms across the UK—an initiative that not only produces homegrown food but also promotes prisoner wellbeing and opportunities for meaningful employment, all while reducing the environmental impact of the prison system. His efforts demonstrate a deep belief in rehabilitation that offers tangible, lasting benefits to both individuals and the planet. Beyond this, Gary’s dedication to the arts through his role as a Trustee of Koestler Arts reflects his passion for encouraging creativity and self-confidence among prisoners, further underlining his commitment to purposeful reform.
We are incredibly aligned with Gary in our shared vision for a more holistic approach to rehabilitation. We both believe in the power of meaningful opportunities to reshape lives, reduce reoffending rates, and positively impact communities at large. For us, the future is about investing in people, communities, and the planet, and having Gary’s support as we grow our programme is invaluable.
On accepting the role of Forests With Impact Ambassador, Gary shared: “I am proud to support innovative social enterprise’s such as Forests with Impact that unite individuals and organisations committed to reducing reoffending in the UK. This belief in purposeful rehabilitation, alongside positive environmental action, is key to changing the course of many lives post-release. It’s a win for both people and the planet.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gary and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service for their continued support. Together, we will continue to grow Forests With Impact, transforming lives and making a lasting difference.
Raphael Rowe Joins Forest With Impact as an Ambassador
We are beyond thrilled and honoured to announce that Raphael Rowe—acclaimed journalist, presenter, and campaigner for social justice—has joined Forests With Impact as our Ambassador.
Raphael’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment, aligning perfectly with our core values. Wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 12 years, Raphael’s experience sparked his passion for advocacy, especially for those facing injustice and exclusion. Today, he’s known for his fearless investigative journalism on shows like Netflix’s ‘Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons’ and his unwavering commitment to giving a voice to those marginalised in society.
His personal journey from wrongful imprisonment to becoming a powerful voice for change and founding the Raphael Rowe Foundation whose mission is to rethink, rehumanise and reintegrate, he will play an instrumental role in amplifying our mission. Raphael’s insight into rehabilitation, resettlement, and social reintegration makes him a perfect fit for Forests With Impact and brings a unique and vital perspective to our work. We are excited to work together to continue to grow our impact.
Raphael on Joining Forests With Impact:
“I’m excited to be part of tackling environmental and social challenges together. It’s not often you see such a multitude of impacts through one programme. Forests With Impact’s work in giving people and nature a second chance is something I deeply connect with. We all need opportunities to rebuild—and I’m ready to help drive this forward.”
Links from our Ambassadors
Raphael Rowe Foundation
We want to end dehumanisation of people in prison and build safer societies.
Koestler Arts
We encourage people in the criminal justice system to change their lives by participating in the arts.