
Protecting trees and woods
Report a threat
Have you found a possible threat from development to an ancient wood or tree? Let us know - we could help.
Senior conservation adviser
In July 2018, the Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It increased the protection of England’s ancient woodland and veteran trees – something we had long campaigned for. But sadly this new policy has not had an instant impact.
Applications that will damage or destroy these irreplaceable habitats are still rolling in. We’re continuing our efforts to raise awareness of the stronger protection and why it’s important.
For nearly two decades, we have:
In 2014, I gave evidence to the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee’s investigation into the 2012 NPPF. We were delighted when the Committee later recommended ancient woodland should get the ‘wholly exceptional’ protection enjoyed by built heritage.
We continued lobbying the government to deliver this recommendation. In 2017, we produced our first Planners’ Manual for Ancient Woodland and Veteran Trees. This again proposed the wholly exceptional test for planning policy.
Our campaign was finally successful in 2018. The NPPF stated that development should be refused unless there are ‘wholly exceptional’ circumstances, such as large infrastructure projects.
We got straight to work making sure England’s Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) were fully aware of the changes. Our tasks included:
Among those we met at the conference was planning minister James Brokenshire MP. The Secretary of State of Housing, Communities and Local Government took a copy of the manual and told us about his love for trees.
A year on, we have seen a 25% drop in cases in England - some councils have definitely taken this message on board.
But there is still a lot to do. We still have over 400 English cases of ancient woods and trees threatened by development. These vital habitats face direct losses and indirect impacts to make way for:
We have posted a copy of the revised planners’ manual to every head of planning in England. We’ve also offered to meet them to discuss strengthening their policies.
Persistence pays. This won’t be the last lobbying we need to do to protect our precious habitats, but with your support we will get there:
Protecting trees and woods
Have you found a possible threat from development to an ancient wood or tree? Let us know - we could help.
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