ANCIENT trees across Yorkshire and the Humber are at risk from destruction if a change in Government policy goes unchallenged, it is claimed.

For the first time, the level of planning policy protection for ancient and veteran trees could be lower than the protection given to ancient woodland. Now the Woodland Trust is calling for these irreplaceable habitats to be given equal protection from development, as they have always had.

The Government’s review of planning rules means only ancient woods would be given greater protection.

The Trust currently has nearly 900 ancient trees recorded on its Ancient Tree Inventory in Yorkshire and the Humber, 311 of which are outside a designated area such as a national park or Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning they have much less protection. They are located as follows:

* 832 in North Yorkshire, 289 of which are outside a designated area;

* 14 in the East Riding, 10 of which are outside a designated area

* 41 in West Yorkshire, 10 outside a designated area

* Eight in South Yorkshire, two outside a designated area.

In March, Prime Minister Theresa May announced welcome plans to overhaul England’s planning policy to afford ancient woodland much stronger protection.

However, ancient and veteran trees were not included in the policy amendments, and have even been separated from ancient woodland as ‘irreplaceable habitat’ for the first time, effectively downgrading their status.

Kaye Brennan, lead campaigner for policy and advocacy at the Woodland Trust, said: “This may seem like a subtle shift but it’s a significant change to policy and must be challenged. It makes no sense for the Government to improve protection for one irreplaceable natural habitat, but not another. Ancient trees have been left out in the cold. The UK is known across Europe for its incredible natural heritage.”

"These living monuments have witnessed centuries of history, and they are still very relevant today. They deserve to be given a future – but that’s at risk unless they get the protection they so badly need, and deserve – just like ancient woodland would have.

“The Government needs to understand that the public believes as we do that ancient trees deserve the same protection as ancient woodland.

"A consultation open until 10 May gives us all the Government’s ear.

"We’ve made it easy for people to respond and to ensure this increased protection will also apply to ancient trees, and won’t be watered down.”

The Trust is calling on the public to respond to the consultation via a simple form at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/actnow