Review protections for important trees: amend Forestry Act & list heritage trees
Review and strengthen protections. Amend the Forestry Act 1967 to explicitly define and set a higher evidence bar for exempting any ancient tree felling from licences. Publish and maintain a list of heritage trees with protected status as proposed in the Heritage Trees Private Members Bill 2023-24.
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- 05 FEB 2026Government respondedDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsGovernment reply
Ancient and veteran trees and ancient woodlands are irreplaceable habitats in national planning policies. Tree Preservation Orders also prevent some trees from being felled or significantly modified.
Read full response - 04 FEB 2026