Campaigns news

Betty Beech's struggle continues in Ripon

20 December 2024

For two years we’ve been supporting community campaigners to protect a beloved veteran beech tree, known locally as ‘Betty Beech’, from development.

In December 2022, Ripon Cathedral submitted a planning application to significantly expand the cathedral. The plans would destroy a prized urban park and 11 mature trees, including Betty Beech, which is a keystone of the city’s biodiversity and natural heritage. Immediate outcry and sustained objection followed, including from public figures like our ambassador Dame Judi Dench who voiced her support.  

Following a tireless local campaign and multiple rigorous objections from our team, the proposals have been altered. They now retain Betty Beech, but include drastic pruning and would impact the tree’s root protection area, as well as denying the buffer zone all veteran trees should have.

These new proposals would likely cause the tree’s decline and demise, demonstrating why loss and deterioration of veteran trees are equal breaches of national planning policy. As such, these plans are entirely inappropriate and unjustified. We’ll continue to object to them, and to support the local campaigners in protecting Betty Beech.

Living Legends petition delivered to Downing Street

21 November 2024

On 18 November we handed the Living Legends petition into No 10 Downing Street. This couldn’t have happened without thousands of people showing their support for our oldest and most special trees. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition.

Ancient and veteran trees have immense cultural and ecological value. They deserve legal protections that reflect their importance to local communities and local ecosystems.

Submitting the petition to parliament is just the first step. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Woods and Trees allows us to discuss the best ways to protect, restore and expand woods and trees with MPs and Lords from across the political spectrum. On 9 December, our APPG is meeting to discuss the Living Legends petition. The more MPs that attend, the more momentum we can build to introduce proper legal protections for ancient trees. Please urge your MP to attend the APPG meeting. 

Thank you: Living Legends petition hits 100,000 signatures

9 October 2024

On 8 October, our Living Legends petition hit 100,000 signatures. This couldn’t have happened without your ongoing support and we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone.

Ancient and veteran trees are irreplaceable in local ecosystems, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life, and acting as carbon stores. They also play an irreplaceable role in local communities, where they’ve been present for generations. They deserve to have the same sort of legal protections our ancient monuments and endangered species do.

Every single signature has shown the power of people coming together for nature, and because of you, we are now ready to take the next big step: presenting our petition to the governments of the UK.

If you haven’t signed yet, there’s still time! We’re building even more momentum as we head into the next phase of the campaign, and every signature counts.

Tree Protection Bill submitted in Northern Ireland

24 September 2024

Tree advocates across the UK have reason to celebrate: a proposal for a Tree Protection Bill has been submitted to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. Submitted by Peter McReynolds MLA, this Private Members' Bill seeks to safeguard Northern Ireland’s oldest and most special trees and woodlands.

The bill aims to strengthen the protection provided by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), create a special new ‘Heritage Tree’ designation, and safeguard these heritage trees, along with ancient woodland, from development threats. It represents a huge step forward for tree protection in Northern Ireland, which is one of the least wooded regions in Europe. Read more about the bill in our press release.

Alongside the Heritage Tree Bill recently proposed in England, this marks a significant milestone in our Living Legends campaign which aims to secure nationwide legal protection for our oldest and most special trees. Add your voice to the call by signing and sharing the petition today.

Support tree payments for Scottish farmers and crofters

23 September 2024

The Scottish Government is currently looking at how it can financially support farmers and crofters. Together with the Scottish Soil Association, we've held positive talks with Scottish farmers and crofters which have highlighted how beneficial trees are for their land. 

Trees work well with existing farming practices to provide shelter for livestock and regulate soil conditions to help growing crops. They also help absorb air and water pollution, combat soil erosion, aid water management, provide vital habitats for Scottish wildlife and produce valuable materials like timber, fruit, firewood, and food for farm animals.

It's clear Government support should include payments to help farmers and crofters plant trees on their land. If you live in Scotland, add your voice to our campaign and help create a vision where trees and woods play a greater role in the Scottish countryside.

Loch Lomond’s woods saved from development

18 September 2024

On 16 September, we celebrated a major campaigning victory when Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority rejected a planning application for ‘Lomond Banks’ - a large resort with woodland lodges, hotels, a monorail, water park and other facilities.

Often dubbed ‘Flamingo Land’ after the applicant's Yorkshire theme park, this development would have resulted in the loss of at least 0.36 hectares of valuable long-established woodland - about half the size of a football pitch - as well as significant disturbance to the remaining woodland habitat.

The decision to refuse planning permission was announced following a six-hour public hearing which we attended alongside multiple Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and others. The precise and compelling objection letters submitted by our specialist woods under threat team no doubt played a part in this triumphant result.

Ask your MP to attend the All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting

27 August 2024

The next All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Woods and Trees meeting is on 11 September. This is the first meeting since the General Election and we need your help persuading MPs to attend. 

The more MPs that participate in an APPG, the more impact it has. The APPG has already been instrumental in helping us secure greater protection for ancient woodland, through the Environment Act (2021) and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023). Now we want to meet as many MPs as possible to discuss: 

• England's need for a new Tree Action Plan to help the UK meet net zero and nature recovery targets
• using a tree equity approach to increase people's access to the benefits of trees
• how woods and trees can contribute to a planning system that delivers homes and green infrastructure while helping nature recover and communities adapt to climate change.  

Personal emails from constituents convince many MPs to attend an APPG, so please contact your representative and explain why you’d like them to attend the APPG for Woods and Trees on 11 September.

Hope for woods and trees threatened by Lower Thames Crossing?

19 August 2024

Together, we've spent years campaigning to show that proposals for a new tunnel linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames are unacceptable. Though full details still haven’t been revealed, indications suggest 10 veteran trees and 7.2 hectares of precious ancient woodland would be lost.

The Planning Inspectorate was expected to make a final decision this summer on National Highways’ (formerly Highways England) Development Consent Order (DCO) application. Due to the General Election, this has been deferred until 4 October. Meanwhile, the new Government has made welcome commitments to tackle the climate and nature crises. Could it provide the positive change we need and prevent this scheme causing so much destruction? We'll keep putting pressure on the Planning Inspectorate to reject the application.
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General Election: what next? 

8 July 2024

Thank you to the thousands of you who took part in our campaign to email your local candidates ahead of the General Election last week. This was an important opportunity to influence future policy and a crucial time to tell potential MPs how important woods and trees are to you.

Voting may be over, but there's still lots to do. Decisions made about nature in the next five years will have an impact that lasts for generations. To secure the future of our environment, election campaign promises must become reality. We can't effectively counter the climate and nature crises without planting new trees and protecting existing ones. We need new legislation to safeguard our oldest trees and woodlands.  

We intend to work with new MPs from all parties to ensure woods, trees and woodland wildlife are an important part of the political agenda.

Help make sure local and national authorities take action against the destruction of our natural environment. Take part in our upcoming campaigns and make your voice heard. 

Marching together to Restore Nature Now

25 June 2024

Last Saturday, we marched from Marble Arch to Parliament Square with 60,000 others to urge future politicians to restore nature.  

The huge turnout demonstrates the public demand for stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crises. We need to create a brighter, healthier future for people and wildlife.

It’s a critical time for woods and trees. They can’t speak for themselves but they all benefit when you take action. Together we can stand up for the environment and safeguard the UK’s woodland heritage for the future. 

The General Election is an important opportunity to ask candidates to champion woods, trees and woodland wildlife. There's still time to contact them before 4 July. 

Help us take action this General Election 

10 June 2024

The General Election on 4 July is fast approaching and it's more important than ever to urge candidates to champion our woodlands, trees, and wildlife. The decisions they make over the next five years will have impacts lasting generations.  

Your voice makes a difference. You've already helped change government policy on important issues, for example:

• planning applications that would impact ancient woodlands now have their own specific protocol.
• Government has committed to improving access to natural environments after thousands of you signed the Nature for Everyone petition.

These changes couldn't have happened without your support. But we still need action in several key areas. We need new legislation to protect our oldest woods and trees. And we need to plant trees and protect our woods if we're to tackle the climate and nature crises. Join us in telling decision makers these measures are vital. Message your General Election candidates today. Together we can create a brighter, healthier future for people, wildlife and climate. 

Clean-up ordered for illegal waste dumping at ancient woodland 

31 May 2024

Action has finally been taken to clean up the devastating waste that has been dumped at ancient Hoad’s Wood in Kent over the past year. The impact of an illegal landfill site on four acres of this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been utterly appalling, but the first steps towards recovery can now begin.  

The Ministerial Direction issued by Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Defra, ordered the Environment Agency to clean up what amounts to about 30,000 tonnes of waste at this ancient woodland. This is enormously welcome. The local campaigners and fellow conservation organisations that have raised awareness of this matter deserve huge recognition. 

With this great news in mind, we must also think about next steps. We will be supporting local campaigners in their push for an investigation into how this happened despite early reporting of the illegal dumping to authorities. Action must be taken to prevent such events from being repeated. 

Preservation prevails: Clatterbury Oak saved 

23 April 2024

We’re thrilled that the ancient Clatterbury Oak in Essex has been saved thanks to Uttlesford District Council's refusal of the planning application threatening its existence. 

After being alerted to the development we sprang into action and objected to the proposals, supporting the valuable work of local campaigners rallying people to save the tree. 

The applicant's blatant disregard for the tree was clear. They were informed that the proposed access road for the five new houses needed relocation due to its unsuitability, but opted to revise the road in a manner that would result in the oak's loss. The developers dubbed the revisions an 'ideal opportunity' for the tree's removal. 

It is paramount that we oppose such developments and challenge attitudes that endanger our oldest and most cherished trees. 

While the Clatterbury Oak's immediate safety is assured, its proximity to a road presents ongoing challenges for its preservation. That's why we must continue pushing for greater protections for these irreplaceable trees and secure help for the landowners responsible for their management. Sign our petition for better protection for our most important trees.

Election candidates must stand up for woods and trees

4 April 2024

This May, thousands of candidates across England will stand in local and mayoral elections looking to represent you. Your local authority is the first line of defence for woods and trees. It has the power to make important decisions about development and tree protection in your areas, so join us in urging your candidates to:

• increase tree canopy cover
• protect ancient woodland and veteran trees
• ensure equitable access to the benefits of trees
• lead urgently needed nature recovery efforts
• protect against tree pests and diseases.

World record attempt draws attention to threatened Darwin Oak 

28 March 2024

On 23 March, we came together with Better Shrewsbury Transport and local campaigners to protest the construction of a road that threatens several ancient and veteran trees. They include the 550-year-old Darwin Oak believed to have offered shade and a restful spot to Charles Darwin himself.

We invited you to join us at the Darwin Oak donned in your finest Darwin attire for a world record attempt. 101 Darwin's showed up to express their solidarity with the majestic ancient oak. Thank you for joining us for a fantastic day!

Show your support by signing campaigner Rob McBride's petition to save the Darwin Oak and by joining our call to legally protect our oldest and most important trees.

Join us in Shrewsbury on 23 March to unite against road scheme

13 March 2024

Do you live near Shrewsbury? Join us on Saturday 23 March to show unity against a road that threatens several ancient and veteran trees, including the 550-year-old Darwin Oak believed to have offered shade to Charles Darwin himself.

Ancient and veteran trees like these living legends are vital to biodiversity, carbon storage, and our natural and cultural heritage.

Show your support by joining us in Shrewsbury and channel the spirit of Charles Darwin by dressing up with us to set a record for the most Darwins in one place!

Let's make history together and ensure the preservation of these irreplaceable trees.

Ancient woodlands saved in East Sussex! 

23 February 2024

Following a long struggle against proposals for a residential development of over 400 dwellings outside Uckfield, East Sussex, we are thrilled that the Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the developer’s appeal. 

The proposed development is in an area of farmland surrounded by swathes of ancient woodland, including our own Lake Wood site. This diverse woodland supports many important plants and animals, including five species of bat and the yellow-necked mouse. This ancient wood and the species within it would have faced serious deterioration from disturbance and pollution if proposals went ahead.

The determined efforts of the local community and other conservation organisations have paid off. The appointed planning inspector concluded that the proposals violate planning policies specifically crafted to safeguard ancient woodland and protected species.  

We deal with hundreds of cases every year where ancient woods are threatened with destruction or deterioration from new development. This appeal decision is welcome confirmation of our concerns for ancient woods where new residential development is proposed nearby. We hope to see more decisions like this in the future, giving ancient woodland the protection it deserves

Extra line of defence for woods thanks to your help

30 January 2024

Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are now required to consult the Secretary of State where they're considering approving a planning application affecting ancient woodland. 

The change is a result of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) publishing a Direction on LPAs in England on 26 January. It follows more than 5,000 of you asking your MP to support an Environment Bill amendment to legally protect ancient woods in 2021. While Government rejected the amendment, this Direction is the first of three commitments it made to protect ancient woodland from development threats. Your support was critical to this success – thank you!

We welcome this extra layer of protection and will monitor how LPAs interpret and use it to ensure it really makes a difference for ancient woodland.

Government’s focus should now be on closing loopholes in policy and ensuring no further loss of ancient woodland to development.

Shrewsbury road scheme threatens ancient Darwin Oak

22 January 2024

On 31 October 2023, the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road was approved despite thousands of objections, including our own. The road scheme threatens nine ancient and veteran trees, including the 550-year-old Darwin Oak, and will cause the deterioration of many others.

Ancient and veteran trees are vital for biodiversity, important carbon stores, and a key part of our natural and cultural heritage. The Darwin Oak is no different. Campaigners say that the Shropshire-born Charles Darwin may once have sat under the branches of this mighty ancient tree. But just like the rest of the UK's ancient trees, it has no automatic right to protection, despite its environmental and cultural significance.

The scheme must be reconsidered to save these precious trees and the species they support, and stop the emissions associated with road building before construction begins. Please sign local campaigner Rob McBride's petition to save the Darwin Oak and join our call for legal protection for all significant trees.