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Our Government can now 'Take measures to
prevent loss or damage to ancient woodland and trees’ |
25th
November 2002
The England Biodiversity Strategy: Working with the Grain of Nature
launched in October aims to conserve natural ecosystems and is a major step
forward for ancient trees.
Pictures: click to enlarge
More development
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The English Biodiversity Strategy was launched
by the RT Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for the Department of
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 24 October 2002.
Clearly stating that the Government will 'Take measures to prevent loss
or damage to ancient woodland and trees, and their uniquely rich
biodiversity, from development.', this strategy is a major step forward
for ancient trees.
The English Biodiversity Strategy is essentially made up of five main
sectors, woodland and forestry being just one of these. Chapter 6 of
Working with the Grain of Nature, along with Appendix 3, will be of
special interest to anyone who is concerned about ancient trees. This
chapter sets out a vision for the management of woodlands and forests and
contains many references to ancient trees. Some of the objectives of special
relevance to ancient trees include:
Conservation and enhancement of woodland biodiversity, particularly that of
ancient semi-natural woodland, veteran trees and wood pastures.
Protection of woodland, especially ancient woodland and ancient trees from
external threats such as those posed by industry, development, mineral
extraction, pests, climate change and changes in land use.
The increased recognition of the importance of ancient trees in other
habitats e.g. on heathland or grassland.
This newly launched Government strategy was prepared in partnership with a
broad range of stakeholders in the public, voluntary and private sectors and
makes biodiversity an important consideration in the management of urban,
agricultural, woodland, marine and freshwater environments. As well as
guiding the Government's and its partner's action, this Strategy seeks to
involve society as a whole in the conservation and enhancement of
biodiversity and to further increase public understanding of biodiversity
issues. The England Biodiversity Group will oversee the Strategy's
implementation, take stock of progress annually and publish a full report in
2006.
A copy of Working with the Grain of Nature can be downloaded as an
Acrobat file from
DEFRA's website and hard copies are also available free of charge. |
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