Landscape architect and horticulturist Carolin Göhler has been revealed as the new president-elect at the Landscape Institute, saying she looks forward to “a new chapter to build a progressive and inclusive” organisation.

The announcement comes after what has been a controversial year for the Landscape Institute, after its previous president-elect Brodie McAllister was removed from the position and as a trustee, sparking some members to call an EGM earlier this year, though the EGM was “unofficial” and the Landscape Institute urged members to not attend.

From June next year, Göhler will become the 45^th president of the Institute, serving a two-year term. She has previously held the positions of chair for the south east branch, treasurer, and – for two years, up until 2021 – undertook the role of vice-president.

Göhler becoming president marks a “new chapter for landscape professionals at a critical time for nature and climate,” says the Institute. The chartered landscape architect has more than 10 years’ experience as a CEO in the charity sector and has worked for a number of heritage gardens and parklands including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the National Trust. She also aided the development of Cambridgeshire’s greenspace strategy.

Through her presidency, Göhler aims to be ‘an ambassador the landscape professions’, calling it a “privilege to represent and celebrate our collective achievements” but “we can achieve so much more.”

“The President’s role requires representation of our profession and promotion of our work, benefitting the public, individuals and nature alike,” says Göhler. “We have a big role to play to mitigate, reduce and positively combat the climate and biodiversity emergencies, for perhaps never before has the value that landscape professionals can bring to all aspects of life been so important – in urban, rural and wild environments.”