This growing threat to our woodland

This growing threat to our woodland

THE WOODLAND Trust is arming residents with the tools and information to fight threats to woods and trees in Cornwall.

A number of our ancient woods are currently under threat from development. Ancient woodland is the UK's most wildlife-rich habitat and can never be replaced and yet less than two per cent remains, with more being lost every year.

It is an ongoing battle and one we know we can fight more successfully with the help of local communities. There are a number of small patches of ancient woodland in central Cornwall, including some around the Helford River in the south coast western section of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and many little pockets around the creeks of the Fal and on the Roseland in the south central section of the AONB.

Other sections include Devichoys and Cosawes woods on the A39 outside Falmouth and Tehidy Woods near Redruth. Significantly two patches near Calenick outside Truro abut the farmland at Higher Newham where a housing development was recently thrown out because of the threat to the AONB.

A local community group leading a campaign to save trees and woodland is the most effective way to fight a threat. Local authorities are often more open to listening to the voice of their own communities, backed by a national organisation like the Woodland Trust or the AONB Partnership rather than just an organisation in its own right.

The Woodland Trust has launched downloadable step-by-step guides to assist communities in navigating the planning system and learn how to run a successful campaign from public meetings to press campaigns and sources of funding.

As well as the environmental benefits of providing homes for wildlife and absorbing climate change-causing carbon dioxide, trees can increase the value of houses, dramatically improve air quality, reduce pollution and help prevent floods. And yet the UK is the least wooded country in Europe, with just 12 per cent, rather than an average of 44 per cent. Of this, just two per cent is ancient – our oldest woodland, which is the UK equivalent of the rainforest. In theory, these woods are protected by national policy and should not be developed.

However, loopholes in the system allow this protection to be over-ridden if a developer can prove an economic need.

If these woods were buildings they would be protected to the highest grading. But natural heritage is not afforded the same importance, despite the fact many ancient woodland sites date back far beyond that of the built environment. We want to support people that are acting locally to protect woods and trees and have specialist advice, small set-up grants and campaigning tools all available to support local action groups. Do visit our website and let us know if you are fighting a threat. The earlier stage we can begin, the greater chance of success. You really can make a huge difference.

To find out more, please visit www.woodwatch.org.uk and for more on this and many other environment issues, visit www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk.

● The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.