Government plans could leave woods, trees and other important habitats vulnerable to destruction for development if we don’t speak up. Tell your MP that nature should be protected and restored.
Protections for important woods, trees and wildlife are in danger if the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill goes ahead in its current state. These ecosystems provide vital biodiversity, store carbon, and enrich our landscapes and our lives, but it’s all at risk if crucial regulations are watered down. Tell your MP how important nature is to you and urge them to speak up for important habitats today.
In March, the UK Government introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – new legislation to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure, renewable energy, and 1.5 million homes by 2029.
In its current form the bill weakens long-standing protections for nature in order to prioritise development. Growth is important, but it cannot be at the expense of the natural world we all depend on. The UK is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
in Great Britain is at risk of extinction
that once thrived in the UK have been lost
in UK species populations on average since 1970
Ancient woodlands cover just 2.4% of the UK. Their complex biodiversity has developed over centuries, making them irreplaceable. If we lose them, they are gone for good.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill threatens to reduce the protections for natural ecosystems, like ancient woodland, which are already under threat. Current plans include a one-off charge to developers to offset harm or destruction to woods and trees. Although measures are suggested to replace these requirements, such as investment into nature-friendly plans, they don’t go far enough and leave nature vulnerable. This isn't an abstract threat - it's permission to destroy the places we love and the nature we depend on.
Air pollution removal by vegetation is worth £12bn to the UK economy.
Trees and woods are critical infrastructure that support communities and improve quality of life for millions of people daily. They are havens for wildlife, improve our wellbeing, clean our air, cool our neighbourhoods, and so much more. They work silently day and night to make our streets healthier, our towns and cities more vibrant, and our ecosystems more resilient.
Alongside environmental organisations, the Government’s own Office for Environmental Protection raised concerns about the overall regression in protection under the original plans. We thought Government was listening when it introduced amendments to the bill and promised a ministerial statement to assure our priorities, so we put our campaign on hold. But we’re still waiting for that statement, and the amendments still lack clear protection for irreplaceable habitats. The bill continues to undermine what little safeguards our natural world has, so we’re asking for your support again.
We’re urging the Government to:
Help ensure the Planning and Infrastructure Bill doesn’t cost the earth. Use our simple template to urge your MP to demand assurances that the bill will maintain the vital environmental safeguards nature needs.
Woods and trees must be valued and kept safe from development.
Contact your MP
