How can the Government protect the UK’s vital ancient woodlands? MPs explore
On Wednesday, MPs will hold a one-off evidence session exploring how the UK can better protect its critical ancient woodlands.
Ancient woodlands are areas in England that have been continuously wooded since 1600. These areas are rich in biodiversity, being home to more threatened species than any other habitat, according to the Woodland Trust, and the soils and veteran trees they contain are important carbon stores.
In the 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) the Government set several new targets on woodlands, including to improve woodland biodiversity, commercial viability and to bring more private funds into woodland creation and restoration.
Meeting details
MPs will explore the environmental benefits of these habitats, the threats facing them, and how they can best be managed. They will likely ask how Government policy can help to protect and sustain ancient woodlands, such as through planning protections and the new targets for woodland management in the revised EIP.