The planning system and woodland

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The planning system and woodland

Good planning is essential to protect ancient woodland. The Woodland Trust is campaigning to achieve better protection of ancient woodland through the planning system at a national, regional and local level throughout the UK.

To find out more about what we are doing in each country in the UK click on the links below:

Planning protection for English woods

We worked to achieve better protection of ancient woodland in Planning Policy Guidance Statement (PPS) 9

Planning protection for Scottish woods

Planning developments are one of the largest threats to ancient woodland and we continue to pressure the Scottish Government

Planning protection for N. Ireland woods

With Northern Ireland having such lowly woodland coverage, planning policy should offer absolute protection to this finite and precious resource.

Planning protection for Welsh woods

The Welsh Assembly provided protection for all ancient woodland from “significant damage” due to planning developments in 2002

Local and Regional Plans

We responded to over 200 local and regional plans across the UK a year to try to achieve better protection for ancient woodland at a local level.

We also deal with individual ancient woods under threat on a case-by-case basis and are currently actively involved in fighting over 350 cases of woods under threat from development.

Plans for Stansted Airport expansion WTPL/Nick Cobbing (Click to Englarge)

Land use planning is important for protecting ancient woodland

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.

The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).
A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.
Registered office: Autumn Park, Dysart Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL.
The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.
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