Written question asked by David Davis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 April 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to introduce statutory protection for ancient woodland in England.

Answer: David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce statutory protection for ancient woodland in England. [105226] Mr. Morley: A number of measures are already in place to protect all woodland in England, including ancient semi-natural woodlands, where the biodiversity and cultural heritage values are the highest. In particular, the felling of any type of woodland is controlled through felling regulations. Additionally, many woodlands are subject to further controls because they are within designated areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Special Areas of Conservation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 105226; 402 c635-6W;402 c637W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Conservation Cultural heritage Biodiversity Environment protection Forests Protection Tree felling Sites of special scientific interest Special areas of conservation Statutory instruments
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk