Overview

This bill aims to enhance the protection and care of significant trees in England by creating a national register of "heritage trees" and providing them with increased legal safeguards.

Description

The bill designates "heritage trees" as those identified by Natural England due to their exceptional historical, landscape, cultural, or ecological value. Natural England will create and maintain a national register of these trees, accepting public nominations following a set process involving notification to landowners and the public, with opportunities for comment, and an expedited process for urgent cases. The bill mandates the creation of "heritage tree preservation orders" by the relevant planning authority within a short timeframe of a tree's listing. These orders grant heritage trees the same protections as trees under existing tree preservation orders. The bill also requires reporting on tree condition, empowers authorities to take steps to maintain trees, allows for partnerships to ensure tree care, and introduces harsher penalties for damaging heritage trees. The Secretary of State will make regulations to implement various aspects of the bill, some requiring parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs will arise from Natural England's administration of the register, the enforcement of preservation orders, and potential government intervention in tree maintenance where landowners fail to act. The exact financial implications will depend on the number of trees listed and the level of enforcement needed.

Groups Affected

• Landowners: Will be affected by the legal obligations to protect heritage trees on their land, including potential costs for maintenance and the limitations on development.
• Planning Authorities: Will be responsible for issuing and enforcing heritage tree preservation orders, increasing their workload.
• Natural England: Will be responsible for managing the national register and determining which trees qualify, increasing their workload and responsibilities.
• Developers: May face restrictions on development near heritage trees.
• The Public: Will benefit from enhanced protection of significant trees and have the opportunity to nominate trees for inclusion in the register.
• Individuals harming trees: Will face increased penalties.

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