The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has urged constituents to make their views known on the Government’s plan to increase power of local communities to protect local trees and woodland. The consultation, which closes on 28th February, gives everyone the opportunity to express their opinion on DEFRA’s plans which include councils having to report when they fell trees in the local area and consult with local residents before they fell trees on streets and roads.
Commenting Eastleigh’s MP, Mims Davies, said:
“It’s really important that the views of local people in Eastleigh are at the heart of any future decision regarding the future of our urban trees. While many of my constituents continue to feel that their concerns for our local woodland are ignored by the Lib Dem administration on Eastleigh Borough Council, the Conservatives in Government are listening and taking action!”
This latest move to protect Britain’s trees follows changes championed by Eastleigh MP Mims Davies within the National Planning Policy Framework giving ancient woodland and veteran trees protections in line with some of Britain’s oldest historic buildings, churches and cathedrals.
Commenting further, the Eastleigh MP said:
“Our woodland is an important part of our local area and as Eastleigh Borough Council continue to threaten woodland in our area, residents should take this opportunity to make their views known. Like local people, I am keen to see even greater protections for all of our trees wherever they may be and hope that the consultation will send a clear message in favour of greener urban areas.”
Also commenting, Forestry Commission Director of Forest Services Richard Greenhous said:
“The Forestry Commission recognises that our trees and woodlands are under increasing pressure, especially in and around urban areas. With this consultation we hope to be able to better protect more of our cherished woodlands from illegal felling.”
To take part in the consultation, visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/forestry/protecting-trees-and-woodlands/