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Closed Establish a presumption against felling of mature trees in England

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We are losing native broadleaf trees at a tremendous rate. Felling can have massive impact on wildlife, biodiversity, environment, wellbeing and ultimately climate, yet few trees have Tree Preservation Orders, and there is little policy protection for the remainder.

Policy needs to protect our tree resource and slow the decline of canopy cover. There is little point planting new trees if we continue cutting down mature trees. Young transplants cannot ‘replace’ the canopy of a single hundred-year old oak, and cannot provide significant benefit for years. How much simpler and more effective to retain existing habitats. A licence should be required for the felling of any mature tree, and be granted only in exceptional and clearly defined circumstances.

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  • Petition closed

  • Related activity

    Tell MPs what you think about the Climate Assembly’s recommendations for net-zero emissions

    MPs from six select committees of the House of Commons joined together to set up a citizens’ assembly on climate change to look at how the UK should reach its commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
     
    The Climate Assembly UK brought together 108 people from across the UK. Together they were representative of the wider UK population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, where in the UK they live, whether they live in an urban or rural area, and how concerned they are about climate change.
     
    They worked together to create recommendations to Government.

    How can you help? 

    MPs want to know what you and your communities think about the recommendations made by the assembly.

    Discuss these questions with your school, workplace, family or community group and submit a joint response. It’s a great opportunity to hear others’ views on these issues and to share the outcomes of your discussions with MPs.

    Share your answers via this online survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/A464RU/

    Please return your responses by Friday 20th November 2020.  

    Read more about the Assembly and its recommendations: https://www.ukparliamentweek.org/en/blog/tell-the-climate-assembly-what-your-group-thinks-about-their-recommendations/

    Information provided in the survey will be used to inform the select committees’ ongoing work on net zero greenhouse gas emissions.  

    What is a Select Committee?

    Select Committees are cross-party groups of MPs. They are independent of the Government. 
     
    Find out how Select Committees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_2RDuDs44c

  • Petition published

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 5 May 2021.