Woodland Trust launches call to better protect Cambridgeshire’s ‘ancients’

The charity’s ‘save our ancients’ campaign follows Government proposals in the recent housing white paper to add ancient woodland and aged and veteran trees to the current list of policies that restrict development in England. But unless amends are also made to national planning policy this will not lead to an increase in protection for our ancients, which are irreplaceable.

The Trust has recorded 265 ancient and veteran trees in Cambridgeshire and is aware of one threatened ancient wood.

The white paper is open for public consultation and the Trust is urging people to speak up for Cambridgeshire’s ‘ancients’. Current policy states that developments that impact on ancient woodland should be refused permission ‘unless the benefits outweigh the loss’.

This loophole has led to more than 700 ancient woods currently being at risk from development across the UK. In comparison, any loss of our built heritage is deemed to be ‘wholly exceptional’. The Trust wants ancient woodland and trees to be protected along the same lines.

Kaye Brennan, Woodland Trust campaign lead said: “Our ancient woods and trees are increasingly recognised as ‘natural heritage’ - they should enjoy at least the same level of protection as built heritage. They are an intrinsic part of Cambridgeshire’s fabric but they are being failed by current planning policy.

“While this loophole exists they are so vulnerable, but we have an excellent opportunity to change their fate - we need the public to help us make this happen.”

Support the charity’s call to ensure planning policy is amended to ensure any loss to our ancients from development is ‘wholly exceptional’ at woodlandtrust.org.uk/actnow before 2 May.



The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters.

The Trust has three key aims:  i) protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable, ii) restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life, iii) plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering over 22,500 hectares. Access to its woods is free.

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For further information contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 581121 or email [email protected]