Written questions

Trees: Conservation

Commons · Question 126178 · Tabled 10 Apr 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 16 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by Scott Arthur

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a statutory national register of heritage trees.

Answer

Answered by Mary Creagh, 16 Apr 2026

Ancient and veteran trees are our most important trees and considered irreplaceable habitats. They are protected through planning policy, and local authorities can grant additional protections to individual high-value trees through Tree Preservation Order...