ANCIENT trees across the north west are at risk from destruction if a change in Government policy goes unchallenged.
For the first time, the level of planning policy protection for ancient and veteran trees could be lower than the protection given to ancient woodland. The Woodland Trust is calling for these irreplaceable habitats to be given equal protection from development, just as they’ve always had.
The Trust currently has 794 ancient trees recorded on its inventory in the north west, 61 of which are outside a designated area such as a national park or Site of Special Scientific Interest meaning they have much less protection, these special trees would be at risk from development, resulting in the loss of precious habitat.
Kaye Brennan, Woodland Trust
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