Many of our oldest and most special trees are not legally protected. Urge Government to change the law and prevent further tragedy.
They're living legends. Pieces of history. Your heritage. They've witnessed centuries of change and been part of our landscape for generations. They're also vital havens for wildlife and important carbon stores, bringing health and wellbeing benefits for people and nature alike. But despite their immeasurable value, our oldest and most important trees are desperately vulnerable.
Public outcry at the inexplicable fellings of the Sycamore Gap tree and the ancient Whitewebbs Oak in Enfield show how important these trees are to people as well as to nature. Our oldest and most important trees need legal protection now.
With your support, we've been pushing hard for change and we’re now at a critical point: we can demand specific, powerful legal measures from Government.
We’ve launched the Important Trees petition on the official Government website calling for three clear actions. With enough signatures, Government is compelled to respond and consider new legislation. Join us in demanding the protection these irreplaceable trees deserve.
Better protection for our oldest trees is long overdue. Tell Government to protect our most important trees now.
Sign the petition nowTogether with leading experts, we’ve pinpointed the threats our living legends face and what it will take to protect them. To ensure these unique trees can stand strong for centuries to come, we urge Government to take three actions.
Our oldest buildings are legally protected, but our most important trees are not. Creating a new Heritage Trees List could give trees of cultural, historical, and heritage value enhanced Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) that recognise their irreplaceable status.
All trees over a certain size require a licence to be felled, but citing reasons like health and safety can easily bypass this - often without thorough review. Safety is important but clear evidence should be provided before trees of such value are cut down. For ancient trees, any safety risk must be rigorously proven before granting a felling licence to stop irreplaceable habitats being lost when evidence is insufficient.
A major Government-commissioned report on tree protection from the Tree Council strongly recommended developing an action plan for trees. This critical process has stalled. We want Government to work with us and our expert partners immediately to create an action plan for lasting protection. Our combined expertise is ready and waiting to help secure the future of our living legends.
We’re closer than ever to securing protection, but we need your help to drive change. Your voice will make a difference.
Better protection for our oldest trees is long overdue. Tell Government to protect our most important trees now.
Sign the petition now
