Latest Articles

Over the last three months we have started our newsletter with planning appeal updates relating to veteran and ancient trees. Sadly there isn’t a fourth contradictory appeal this month. However, it is interesting to see that legal protection of veteran and ancient trees was discussed in the House of Lords on 24th April. This was raised following the felling of the Enfield Oak and reference is made to the Tree Council‘s recommendations for greater statutory protection for irreplaceable habitat. A standout comment was from Baroness Enfield:

“Does this not show that current legal protections, even for nationally significant trees, are totally inadequate?”

In other news, further upcoming updates to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) are expected. These include a new 0.2ha area-based exemption, removal of the self/custom build exemption, an exemption for temporary permissions of up to five years, and changes to the biodiversity gain hierarchy for minor development. The new exemptions will only apply where Priority Habitats aren’t impacted, and the ‘de-minimis’ position is still under review.

There hasn’t been much to report on the upcoming revision to BS5837 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction’. However, it is anticipated that this will be published in November 2026. We will be sure to provide any further updates as the revision progresses.

Lastly, as the majority of trees are now in full leaf, or will be imminently, it is a good time of year to undertake Tree Vitality Assessments (TVAs). This is particularly important for trees with known physiological conditions that require ongoing monitoring, or those trees on development sites that could have been impacted by construction works.

Subscribe to Tree Frontiers News – A newsletter that helps keep you abreast of interesting facts and information from the world of arboriculture and related industries.

Tree Frontiers News

  • Case Study: Private Development in the Cotswolds We were asked to provide arboricultural advice regarding the extension and redevelopment of a cottage in the Cotswolds. Plans included a subterranean p

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    06 May, 2026

  • We were approached by a local architect team to assist in a scheme at a private residence in the Vale of White Horse district. The client’s vision was to convert an existing outbuilding into an

    Author Imageadmin
    06 May, 2026

  • The Marlborough School – Meet the Employer Event For the third year in a row we were delighted to attend the ‘Meet the Employer’ event at The Marlborough Church of England School in

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    06 May, 2026

  • White Poplar (Populus alba) This month we are focusing our attention on one of the UK’s naturalised species, namely the white poplar. This deciduous tree grows up to heights of around 20m and forms a

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    30 April, 2026

  • This month’s tree is also known as a Chilean Pine and it’s common name comes from the struggles a primate may have when trying to traverse it…. We can certainly say it is a tree clim

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    01 April, 2026

  • We were approached following a holding objection from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) Tree Officer, for a planning application for a new annexe. No arboricultural information had been submitted as

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    01 April, 2026

  • This month’s tree is a native to North America, with an edible fruit, highly sought after timber and historical symbology of prosperity for indigenous Americans. We spotted one in Oxford Botanic

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    27 February, 2026

  • Planning consent has been granted for the redevelopment of Christ Church College’s Faculty of Music to provide graduate accommodation. This was a complex project with the site located within the

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    27 February, 2026

  • Following Chipping Norton School’s Human Library event last month, it was great to be able to attend a similar event at Burford School this month. Children spoke to business representatives for

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    27 February, 2026

  • Tree of the month This month’s tree is a native to Britain, symbolically linked with protection, fate, and transformation because of its use in making spinning tools. Ironically, the fruits are

    Author Imageadmin
    30 January, 2026

Industry Articles

Biodiversity Net Gain: What’s changing and what it means for you

Over the past two years, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has begun reshaping how development and nature coexist. BNG is projected to prevent 6,000–10,000 hectares of habitat loss each year (roughly the size of Nottingham) while encouraging earlier, more nature‑led design decisions. These shifts are embedding nature recovery into planning, creating more sustainable, resilient places that benefit housing, infrastructure and the environment alike. The result? Greater certainty, fewer late‑stage redesigns, and smoother progress for development.

Building on these lessons, DEFRA has released a series of key updates to strengthen and streamline how BNG functions across the planning system.

Council failing led to tree swing death – inquest

A council manager has told an inquest that a tree which fatally crushed a 12‑year‑old girl should have undergone recommended maintenance, but no firm plan was ever put in place.

Brooke Wiggins died just days before her 13th birthday when a large branch snapped without warning as she played on a rope swing, causing the tree to collapse on top of her.

The beech tree, overseen by Surrey County Council, had been flagged for ivy removal during a review in May 2022 — work that might have revealed a concealed crack — but the recommendation was never acted upon.

Planning committee reform: statutory consultation on draft Regulations and guidance

The government has launched a statutory consultation on proposed Regulations and guidance to reform planning committees, seeking views on changes intended to improve consistency, transparency and decision‑making across the planning system.

National Forest reaches 10 million trees in landmark milestone

The National Forest has reached the landmark milestone of planting ten million trees – marking 30 years of transforming the industrial heartland of England into one of the “most ambitious and successful regeneration stories” in the country.

ICF welcomes England’s Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy

The Institute of Chartered Foresters has welcomed the new England Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy, calling it a significant step forward for woodland management and species conservation. The strategy outlines how England’s remaining red squirrel populations can be protected through targeted habitat work, strengthened strongholds and long‑term monitoring, while emphasising the vital role of skilled forestry and wildlife professionals. Paired with the grey squirrel policy statement, it forms a coherent national framework that tackles ecological pressures and supports a more resilient, biodiverse woodland landscape.

How the historic environment can improve Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery outcomes

Historic England has published a new report examining how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat creation interacts with the historic environment in England, highlighting that heritage considerations are frequently overlooked in off‑site BNG delivery. Drawing on legislation reviews, stakeholder feedback and case studies, the report identifies limited guidance, cross‑sector barriers and inaccessible resources as key obstacles.

It recommends further research, a single accessible repository of information and clear, practical guidance to ensure habitat creation supports both nature recovery and the conservation of historic places.

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