News and comment on current environmental issues:         "Rogue Department" intent on destruction Department for Transport’s airport expansion plans run contrary to Government policies on environment 14 December 2006 Annual targets needed to keep on low carbon path Woodland Trust calls for dual action to curb emissions and protect native woodland 15 November 2006 I Count, You Count, We All Count Find out more about what happened when 25,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square to stop climate chaos. 4 November 2006 Climate change: Hottest issue, coolest event of the year Come and be counted on Saturday 4 November 3 November 2006 Ken Livingstone backs Stop Climate Chaos Ahead of huge event in Trafalgar Square 3 November 2006 A Stern message on climate change Woodland Trust response to the Stern report 31 October 2006 I Count campaign – Blair’s last chance to stop climate chaos 4ft high ice sculpture of the Prime Minister’s head encased around a first edition of the book ‘I Count' 11 October 2006  Shadow environment minister tours inspirational woodland site MP Greg Barker sees multi-million pound project within pioneering Green Arc 11 September 2006 Iolo Williams challenges Welsh Assembly to take a lead in protecting and enhancing Wales' woodland ….as Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust) launches its eight-point Woodland Challenges for the Wales 8 August 2006 Timid energy review fails to count Government's consult-and-dismiss approach has resulted in a feeble fudge 11 July 2006 European day of action on aviation takes off Woodland Trust backs rumble at the runways to oppose airport expansions 08 June 2006 Thought it was a cold year? Our confused climate continues to warm up Spring's still warmer than it was 30 years ago 29 May 2006 Are airports terminal for our bluebells? Airport expansions threaten ancient woodlands supporting acres of dazzling bluebells 05 May 2006 Bulldozer threat to ancient woodland shows our heritage is still in danger Pencoedtre Wood, Barry, is of such high ecological value that the CCW is evaluating it with a view to possible designation as SSSI! 11 April 2006 Government fails on climate change UK to miss self-imposed reduction targets. 28 March 2006 Brown could go greener Chancellor is heading in the right direction – but could do much more, says the Woodland Trust. 22 March 2006 650 supporters carbon date MPs as pressure grows for action on climate change Woodland Trust supporters join others to lobby decisions makers 2 March 2006 Blair’s warm words on climate change leave campaigners looking for action Prime Minister meets representatives from Stop Climate Chaos 28 February 2006 Council of Animals convenes to fight airport plan Schoolchildren dress up as favourite woodland creatures to give voice to forgotten victims 18 January 2006 Climate change - it's not down to toxic trees Trust calls for more tree planting not less 12 January 2006 Flight paths to oblivion Expansion of three of Britain’s biggest airports comes under-fire from the Woodland Trust 21 December 2005 Cross-party approach needed on environmental protection Woodland Trust welcomes renewed focus on the environment. 9 December 2005 Opencast developers seek permission to destroy irreplaceable ancient woodland to increase coal yield New planting can in no way compensate for the loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland.  7 December 2005 Over 1,000 objections to relief road Call to scrap wasteful scheme 1 December 2005 Weymouth road will make traffic worse - official Dorset County Council traffic modelling shows proposed route will result in more congestion 18 October 2005 Will Weymouth's road spoil "green" Olympics? Relief road not part of Olympic bid 6 October 2005 Huge coalition to combat climate change New movement will mobilise millions 1 September 2005 New planning policy leaves England years behind Scotland and Wales Planning Policy Statement 9 does not give strong enough protection to irreplaceable ancient woodland 16 August 2005 Fine words at G8 summit - but we need action now 11 July 2005 Ancient woodland policy welcomed - but more commitment needed 29 June 2005 Make you vote count for the environment and for your growing future Quiz your prospective MPs on their green credentials 14 April 2005 Carwyn’s ‘holding direction’ gives glimmer of hope for threatened ancient woodland at Wenvoe Minister to consider ‘calling in’ Vale of Glamorgan UDP during week commencing 11 April 7 April 2005 General election The General election is scheduled for 5 May - find out what you can do to help the Trust during the election 5 April 2005 Ancient Woods under Threat in Scotland Please sign our petition to the Scottish Parliament to try to halt the destruction 4 April 2005 Woodland Trust response to Budget 2005 See our comment on ePolitix under ‘Environment’ 16 March 2005 Actions speak louder than words Mr Brown Woodland Trust applauds Chancellor’s words but will there be action in the Budget? 15 March 2005 Sustainable Development Strategy welcome Trust encouraged but warns action is needed – read more on our ePolitix site 8 March 2005 Trust welcomes Environmental Stewardship scheme Read the Trust’s comment on the new farming schemes on our ePolitix site 4 March 2005 Early promise from Environment Bill Woodland Trust is encouraged by the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill but this early promise must not be lost 10 February 2005 Commons - ground for ancient trees and woods David Kidney MP leads House of Commons debate on Tree Protection 8 February 2005 Ancient monuments to be axed Biggest loss of ancient woods likely: Woodland Trust Scotland calls for protection for hundreds of threatened woods 2 February 2005 UK has the biggest obligation to European conservation David Kidney MP in joint call with tree-loving author Bill Bryson for parliamentary action 2 February 2005 Make Space for People - with woods Woodland Trust calls for more woods close to people 11 November 2004 Trees or traffic – it's your choice Help protect your ancient woods – don’t drive a road through them 6 October 2004 Angela Smith MP recognises North Down efforts Minister supports Woodland Trust’s large-scale tree planting campaign 20 September 2004 Renewed environmentalism needs ongoing energy Woodland Trust response to the Prime Minister’s speech on climate change 15 September 2004 Woodland Trust reaction to draft planning statement PPS9 A welcome step but it should go further 8 September 2004 Beeslack Wood trees destroyed Tree Preservation Order breached 3 September 2004 Anti-road protestors threaten conservation charity Protestors occupation causes disturbance – worse in store if legal action taken to protect site. 5 August 2004 Response to Defra's Rural Strategy 2004 The Trust took part in a briefing on ePolitix.com highlighting different organisations responses to the strategy. 22 July 2004 New weapon launched today in fight to save UK's ancient woods and trees from destruction Woodland Trust unveils new tool for planners, environmentalists and public 15 July 2004 Environmental groups join forces to save Wales' largest remaining piece of ancient woodland from the chainsaw massacre Local people are being asked to comment on a plan without knowing what the impacts will be, as no Environmental Impact Assessment has been provided 12 July 2004 Forestry felled by grant scheme suspension Government cancellation of woodland funding runs contrary to policy 29 June 2004 Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust) welcomes the Assembly Government's first steps towards restoration of irreplaceable ancient woodland Survey is a useful start, the challenge now is to carry out timely and effective restoration of all coniferised ancient woodlands, says the Woodland Trust 25 June 2004 Woodland Trust circumnavigates the globe in Earth month 2004 Christmas Card Recycling Scheme recycles 43.5 million cards 28 April 2004 Urgent demand to save our ancient trees now! Call to action - protect and cherish nature's ancient giants 26 April 2004 How to plan for a better quality of life Woodland Trust research reveals easy, cost effective way to make a difference 26 March 2004 Assembly government must put its principles into practice if our woodlands are to be properly protected, says Coed Cadw Irreplaceable ancient woodland is being smothered now, and will continue to be, until action is taken to restore it, says the Woodland Trust 20 January 2004 Planes, trains and automobiles - but it's the end of the road for ancient woodland Woodland Trust angered by lack of concern for UK's rarest habitat 23 December 2003 Minister praises Woodland Trust for Community Woodland Network Alun Michael addresses Community Woodland Network Groups at Westminster reception 23 December 2003 Environmental Disaster at Weymouth Woodland Trust furious - anti-road fight will continue 18 December 2003 Airport White Paper flies in the face of good sense Ill-placed and unnecessary expansion will damage UK's richest wildlife habitat 16 December 2003 New alarm call from woodland birds New bird survey shows fall in bird numbers 2 December 2003 Northern Ireland's ancient woodlands come under spotlight First ever inventory of Northern Ireland's ancient woodland 18 November 2003 Haskins: a wasted opportunity Woodland Trust welcomes report but is concerned that it raises as many questions as it answers 11 November 2003 Bats used in latest road rage fight Wild bats could save rare Weymouth wood in newest challenge to road plans 15 September 2003 SFA meets SNP Perth MSP visits new native woodland 12 August 2003 Highest worldwide forestry standard for Woodland Trust woods The Woodland Trust successfully maintains its FSC certification for another five years 5 August 2003 'Environmental vandalism on a huge scale' warns Woodland Trust The impact of new road schemes must be recognised 4 July 2003 Terry brings Waite to airport protest Historic environment faces destruction 25 June 2003 Woodland Trust supports clear thinking for clearer skies Comment on IPPR's the sky's the limit report 21 May 2003 Final call for ancient woodland as BAA supports airport growth Woodland Trust fury at threat to rare wildlife habitats 12 May 2003 Enjoying Scotland's outdoors Scottish Natural Heritage are consulting on a Scottish Outdoor Access Code outlining rights and responsibilities under the Land Reform Act 16 April 2003 Public plays its trump card for Woodland Trust Michael Meacher announces successful 2003 Christmas Card Recycling Scheme 7 April 2003 Return of the native? - NGOs call for a radical change in Welsh Assembly's forestry policies Wales may lead UK in broadleaved forestry policy following current replanting review 31 March 2003 Woodland Trust Scotland joins 'everyone' campaign 51% say environmental issues are likely to affect how they vote. To find out how you can make a difference log on to www.everyonecan.org and have a look at our manifesto - click here 25 March 2003 Vote for Welsh Woodland! The first of May will be a crucial day for the environment and woodlands in Wales. Click on 'View this' for the statement in English and click here for the statement in Welsh. 10 March 2003 Stop chopping down our precious trees!' Musician's call for greater protection for rare woods Environmentalist and songwriter, Terry Jacks, demands urgent action to protect threatened woods: Woodland Trust guide explains how to save local trees - see 'View This'. To download booklet, click here 10 March 2003 Run-a-way destruction at Gatwick airport Expansion proposals threaten UK’s biggest concentration of ancient woods 28 February 2003 Fine words, now let's see some action Woodland Trust warns of an opportunity not to be missed. 24 February 2003 Prescott's concrete plan shrouded in green mantle - 5th February 2003 Comments on Prescott's sustainable communities statement 5 February 2003 Seeing Red over Orange - charity will fight road - 28th January 2003 Woodland Trust slams Dorset County Council call for Weymouth "Orange" route 27 January 2003 Weymouth warning: road proposal based on exaggerated economic benefits Planning authorities across the UK can learn from Dorset road study, says environmental coalition. Read the critique of Weymouth Relief Road Economic Impact Study - for the Word version click here and for the acrobat file click here 16 January 2003 Newsletters The Trust's newsletters for the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies are now online 14 January 2003 MSP launches nation's favourite recycling scheme MSP launches recycling scheme 9 January 2003 Response to the Government's Strategy for Sustainable Food & Farming The Trust took part in a briefing on ePolitix.com highlighting different organisation's responses to the strategy 13 December 2002 Gatwick development would be a disaster for ancient woodland Woodland Trust warns on worrying airport development 27 December 2002 Airport growth threatens massive environmental destruction Woodland Trust warns of terminal decline for rare habitats due to biggest loss of ancient woods since Channel Tunnel development 20 November 2002 Concrete burial for ancient woodland under airport expansion plans Tree funeral was held by the Woodland Trust at Department for Transport on eve of National Tree Week 19 November 2002 Coalition formed to save 117 acres of Monmouth's ancient woodland from the chainsaw Hendre Woods golf course application set to be first major test for new Welsh planning rules on ancient woodland 3 October 2002 Wildlife flight from terminal development Woodland Trust needs help to protect rare habitats from local airport growth 1 October 2002 England bottom of European tree league An opportunity not to be missed: The Woodland Trust urges the Government to invest in tree planting to improve the quality of people's lives 11 September 2002 Blair goes good will hunting Prime Minister shows leadership, but action must follow 2 September 2002 Woodland Trust welcomes launch of UK Forest Partnership For Action - but still more to do Talk is easy, but we need more than rhetoric - now get on with it. To read the full document click here. 29 August 2002 Leisurely destruction of ancient woods Woodland Trust dismayed that damaging activities are allowed to continue 22 August 2002 Make the most of Meacher Woodland Trust welcomes Minister's attendance at World Summit 9 August 2002 The Odd Man Out Woodland Trust says Meacher's exclusion from World Summit puts UK at disadvantage 6 August 2002 Sue Essex speaks up for ancient woodland Welsh Environment Minister to speak at Coed Cadw meeting at Royal Welsh Show 23 July 2002 Best laid plans are green not concrete The Woodland Trust encourages John Prescott to rethink reforms to planning system 19 July 2002 One step forward Comprehensive Spending Review has positive signs on Curry report but detail raises questions 17 July 2002 No extra time for planted ancient woodland: race to reclaim Britain's forgotten inheritance The Woodland Trust unveils first comprehensive study into the ecological and economic implications of restoring planted ancient woods. For the acrobat file click here 3rd July 2002 Woodland challenges for Scotland 2002 Woodland Trust issues call for action to protect Scotland's native woods. To download the acrobat file, click here 26th June 2002 Woods keep the world beautiful Children say Government should set an example. 21st June 2002 Welcome relief but Brown Budget could be greener The Woodland Trust found mixed messages for charities and the environment in this year's Budget. 18th June 2002 Planning for destruction? Woodland Trust says planning reforms will lead to unfettered development and environmental damage. 18th March 2002 From wildwood to concrete jungle A report commissioned jointly by the Trust and WWF-UK showing that ancient woods are still being lost to development, that there is no monitoring of ancient woodland losses and that local authorities attitude to these issues vary. Download summary click here (.pdf file, 135k) Download full report click here (.pdf file, 170k) Download MS Word report click here (.doc file, 867k) 5th February 2002 Towards a more sustainable future The Trust's response to the report of the Policy Commission on farming and food 30th January 2002 Michael Meacher backs card recycling scheme Environment Minister supports nationwide scheme 16th January 2002 Changing the colour of the countryside Woodland Trust vision offers new options for UK’s landscape 26th December 2001 New Parliamentary Newsletter is now online Includes articles on Planning, the Future of the Countryside, DEFRA, Johannesburg Summit, Renewable Energy, the English Forestry Forum and more 7th November 2001 Warning signs for environment from Minister’s speech on planning review The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland charity, today found cause for concern in Planning Minister Lord Falconer of Thoroton’s address to the CBI Conference on the need for planning reform. 6th November 2001 Promising signs: but further guidance needed Woodland Trust calls for revisions to Government’s plans for English forestry 16th October 2001 Woodland Trust fuels debate on Energy Policy Trust demands recognition and investment for wood fuel 17th September 2002 Our Policy & Conservation section includes papers on a wide range of topical issues.  Take a look and find out more under 17th September 2001 Good win for the new National Football Centre Warm welcome for Football Associations's re-designed plans 9th August 2001 Foul called on Football Association Plan National Football Centre welcomed but re-design needed to save ancient trees 26th July 2001 HELP! They're chopping down our trees! Free Woodland Trust booklet explains how to save a wood (download booklet...) 17th July 2001 Hastings by-pass proposals defeated Woodland Trust says: Great news this time, many battles ahead 12th July 2001 Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust) lays down the gauntlet at Cardiff Bay The Assembly needs to build on the Wales Woodland Strategy if it is to fulfil its commitment to sustainable development 9th July 2001 A Greener Future - a Woodland Trust manifesto Read what the Trust asked all parties to do during the election to enhance our woodland heritage and the wider environment. Download as an Adobe Acrobat file in English (more...) or Cymraeg (Welsh) (more...) 7th July 2001 Planning policy review offers chance to save Wales' 'Rainforests'! 22nd May 2001 Government response to Commons report: welcome words, action now needed for sustainable forestry  The Woodland Trust welcomes the fact that MAFF has accepted most of the recommendations made by the Agriculture Select Committee in its report into the work of the Forestry Commission 27th April 2001 London Mayor backs Yellow Pages UK recycling and tree planting campaign Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, celebrated the results of a national recycling survey, which shows a staggering rise in the number of Yellow Pages being recycled by the capital’s residents 6th April 2001 Commons forestry report: Government action now needed  The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes the recent recommendations of the Agriculture Select Committee in its report on the Forestry Commission 7th March 2001 Call for Government to match stated concern for overseas forests with action at home Woodland Trust 'Manifesto for a Greener Future' shows how 6th March 2001 Local Government Minister launches national Christmas card recycling scheme Hilary Armstrong MP backs appeal to urge the public to recycle seasonal cards 3rd January 2001 Brands Hatch woodland saved The Woodland Trust welcomes the decision by members of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) to endorse a deal with Octagon, owners of Brands Hatch, to hold the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit for the next 15 years 18th December 2000 Rural White Paper - a step forward but more vision is required - 28 November 2000 The Woodland Trust welcomes the Government's newly published Rural White Paper 28th November 2000 Tree-lined streets and leafy suburbs ignored The Woodland Trust welcomes general approach of Urban White Paper, but is concerned about lack of weight given to urban trees. (more...) 17th November 2000 Woods for all The Woodland Trust calls for the social benefits of woods and trees to be recognised in the Urban and rural White Papers 25th October 2000 Changing the climate of debate The Woodland Trust cautiously welcomes the Prime Minister's speech to the CBI / Green Alliance 24th October 2000 The Environment - the poor relation in Prescott's super ministry  The Woodland Trust disappointed to see the environment treated as a poor cousin in the comprehensive spending review 19th July 2000