16th April 2025
Ancient Tree Forum Deplores the Loss of the Ancient Oak at Whitewebbs Wood
The Ancient Tree Forum is deeply saddened by the recent destruction of an historic oak at Whitewebbs Wood. This ancient tree, a living monument and vital part of our shared ecological and cultural heritage, was an irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and a symbol of resilience over centuries.
“Ancient trees are globally significant, rare, and irreplaceable,” said Richard Powell, Chair of the Ancient Tree Forum. “The loss of this oak highlights the urgent need for stronger protections to preserve these important natural monuments, which are essential to biodiversity and cultural history.”
The Ancient Tree Forum is calling for more robust legislation and stricter regulations to prevent the damage or loss of ancient trees. Once lost, these unique habitats cannot be replaced. We urge local authorities, landowners, and the public to take immediate action to protect these invaluable ecological treasures. Additionally, the Ancient Tree Forum emphasises that dead, dying, and decaying trees are not automatically unsafe.
Professional veteran tree consultants and arborists regularly advocate for sensitive management techniques and mitigation measures, including managing the surrounding environments and foot traffic, to maintain the integrity and biodiversity of ancient trees and their associated wildlife for as long as possible. It’s important that organisations get this specialist advice to help protect and conserve ancient trees.
Contact:
Bob Warnock
Director, Ancient Tree Forum 07877 735503
robert.warnock@ancienttreeforum.org.uk Ancient Tree Forum
Notes for the Editor:
The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) has pioneered the conservation of ancient trees for over 25 years and is the only UK organisation focused solely on ancient and other veteran trees. Our vision is for ancient and other veteran trees, their wildlife, and their heritage and cultural values to be safeguarded now and in the future. Our published material and training has sought to raise the profile and importance of ancient and veteran trees, including how to identify and manage them, which is constantly evolving. We have been influential in achieving recognition of their high biodiversity and cultural value in policy and guidance.
15 April 2025
Exmouth Tree Project says:
Posted April 18, 2025 at 9:25 am
Well said!
Woodland Trust petition here: https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/99702/petition/1