ANCIENT trees in Somerset are at risk from destruction if a change in Government policy goes unchallenged, according to the Woodland Trust.

The trust claims that for the first time, the level of planning policy protection for ancient and veteran trees could be lower than the protection given to ancient woodland.

The Woodland Trust is calling for these irreplaceable habitats to be given equal protection from development.

A spokesman said the Government’s review of planning rules means only ancient woods would be given greater protection, adding that the many magnificent trees across the region deserve the same treatment.

The trust currently has 1,862 ancient trees recorded on its Ancient Tree Inventory in the South West, 421 of which are outside a designated area such as an SSSI meaning they have much less protection.

Of those, 536 are in Somerset.

New policy wording proposed by the Government in the revised National Planning Policy Framework will state “development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons".

However, ancient and veteran trees were not included in the policy amendments, and have even been separated from ancient woodland as ‘irreplaceable habitat’ for the first time, effectively downgrading their status.

It means these special trees would be at risk from development, resulting in the loss of precious habitat.

Kaye Brennan, lead campaigner for policy and advocacy at the Woodland Trust, said: “This may seem like a subtle shift but it’s a significant change to policy and must be challenged.

"It makes no sense for the Government to improve protection for one irreplaceable natural habitat, but not another. Ancient trees have been left out in the cold.

“The UK is known across Europe for its incredible natural heritage; these living monuments have witnessed centuries of history, and they are still very relevant today.

"They deserve to be given a future – but that’s at risk unless they get the protection they so badly need, and deserve – just like ancient woodland would have.

“The Government needs to understand that the public believes as we do that ancient trees deserve the same protection as ancient woodland.

"A consultation open until May 10 gives us all the Government’s ear.

"We’ve made it easy for people to respond and to ensure this increased protection will also apply to ancient trees, and won’t be watered down.”

The Trust is calling on the public to respond to the consultation via a simple form available if you click here.