Government must protect London’s historic trees

All London trees over 100 years old should automatically be designated a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to help protect the city’s historic trees from unnecessary removal.

In April, local residents were outraged, when an historic 500-year-old oak tree was removed by a Toby Carvery restaurant near Whitewebbs Park, despite being listed on the Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory.

The London Assembly Environment Committee has today written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for stronger protections for London’s trees.

This includes bringing forward legislation for trees over 100 years old being given TPOs, and carrying out a review of legislative protections for tree protection in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Leonie Cooper AM, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, said:

“Protecting our trees should be a priority for all of us. They help provide the oxygen we need, cool the environment, support wildlife with food and shelter, and make our city a greener place.

“The Mayor has set targets to increase canopy cover by ten per cent by 2050. Achieving the target will not only require the planting of new trees, but also ensuring that existing trees are sufficiently protected.

“However, the removal of the ancient oak tree in Enfield, which shocked local residents, highlights the need for stronger protections.

“We urge the Secretary of State to take forward the recommendations in our letter to protect trees for future generations and to make London a greener city.”

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