brentwood.gov.uk

The Woodland Trust would like to see no loss of ancient woodland as a result of development. We would also like to see ancient woodland buffered from new development.

Ancient woods are irreplaceable. They are our richest terrestrial wildlife habitats, with complex ecological communities that have developed over centuries, and contain a high proportion of rare and threatened species, many of which are dependent on the particular conditions that this habitat affords. For this reason, ancient woods are reservoirs of biodiversity, but because the resource is limited and highly fragmented, they and their associated wildlife are particularly vulnerable.

Their long continuity and lack of disturbance means ancient woods are often also living history books, preserving archaeological features and evidence of past land use, from earthworks to charcoal pits. They are also places of great aesthetic appeal, making them attractive for recreation and the many benefits this can bring in terms of health and well being.

With only 2.4% of the land area in Great Britain, it is essential that no more of this finite resource is lost. This means that ancient woodland must be protected absolutely from permanent clearance, but also that it must be protected from damaging effects of adjacent and nearby land-use that could threaten the integrity of the habitat and survival of its special characteristics.

It is not possible to replace ancient woodland by planting a new site, or attempting translocation. Every ancient wood is a unique habitat that has evolved over centuries, with a complex interdependency of geology, soils, hydrology, flora and fauna.

We are pleased to see that you expect biodiversity to be incorporated in and around developments. We would also like to note that trees are particularly important for new developments, as they deliver on so many levels:

These include for both landscape and biodiversity (helping habitats become more robust to adapt to climate change, buffering and extending fragmented ancient woodland), for quality of life and climate change (amenity & recreation, public health, flood amelioration, urban cooling) and for the local economy (timber and woodfuel markets).

Therefore we would like to see mention of the importance of tree planting for new developments.

The Independent Panel on Forestry says:

"Ensure woodland creation, tree planting and maintenance is part of the green space plan for new commercial and housing development'

It also recommends:
'Government to commit to an ambition to sustainably increase England's woodland cover from 10% to 15% by 2060, working with other landowners to create a more wooded landscape'.

The panel report emphasises the value of local authorities setting woodland creation targets:
"New Local Plans are the opportunity for communities to have more tree cover in their local area. More local authorities could follow the example of Sefton Borough who are increasing their tree cover, and the Greater London Authority who have a target to increase tree cover from 20% today, to 25% by 2025, and a further 5% by 2050.