Saving Our Ancient Woodlands And Trees - The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Today, less than 2% of the UK's Landmass is classed as Ancient Woodland. In England Woodland is Categorised as "ancient" if it has existed since 1600AD and predates the time when planting became more common (Laura Briggs, The Ecologist 2016 : https://theecologist.org/2016/aug/01/why-we-need-better-protect-britains-ancient-woodlands)

Ancient Woodlands and Trees have been around for decades, even centuries. They have lived long enough to see things we couldn't and long enough to be the homes of so many living beings.              

Photo Credit: Woodland Trust

That's right! We humans are not the only living beings around! We are not the only ones who feel, who have emotions, who love and who have families.

Photo Credit: Woodland Trust 

We are not the only ones trying to survive in this world. But we have the ability to understand that we are the only ones destroying the homes of so many living creatures who have done nothing to hurt us. How is it right to destroy these beautiful Ancient woodlands and trees who protect us. Give us the air we breathe, take up carbon dioxide and the pollution we emit into our own atmosphere as well as protecting us by being natural flood prevention mechanisms.

We as humans seem to think short term solutions like cutting down trees, woodlands and forests to create spaces for roads, rail lines, houses and even buildings is the best solution for an over growing population. Not even thinking about the consequences they will have on future generations. 

Saving our ancient woodlands, it's not just about saving the future of so may living beings who could soon become extinct. It's also about protecting our own future, our children's future and/or our grandchildren's future. We are all connected. Whether we realise it or not.

This is how the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) comes into play. 

The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. It provides a framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. (The National Planning Policy Framwork, 2012 : 1)

The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development (The National Planning Policy Framwork, 2012 : 6). However, this Framework does not contain specific policies for nationally significant infrastructure projects. It also doesn’t provide strong enough protection for Ancient Woodlands. It contains a 'loophole' allowing developments to destroy irreplaceable ancient woods and trees, separates aged and veteran trees from this protection and removes existing wording that they are ‘irreplaceable’.

Photo Credit: Woodland Trust

The Government is now updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England with stronger wording which will provide better protection for Ancient Woodlands.

Together, if we put enough pressure on the government to ensure that they do add better protection when they update the NPPF as they will also be under pressure from developers and consultants to not bring in this change. 

We must make sure the government does not separate aged and veteran trees from the protection and recognise that both Ancient Woodland and Ancient Trees are irreplaceable habitats. 

Our Ancient Woodlands are refuges for wildlife and have huge historical and cultural significance. They are beautiful places, beautiful living beings and parts of nature we will never get back if we do not make our voices heard.

Photo Credit: woodlandr.uk

So stand with the Woodland Trust. Help Save Ancient Woodlands and Ancient Trees Now by going to this website and adding your name! http://bit.ly/ProtectAncients

"Be Part Of The Change You Want To See!"