Campaigners call for new British charter for trees

Conservation groups want a new national charter to save trees and woods from the 'unprecedented threat' of development, disease and climate change

A coalition of UK conservation groups is calling for a new national charter for trees, woods and people.

Led by the Woodland Trust, 48 conservation and cultural groups have launched a campaign for a new charter in 2017, the 800-year anniversary of the signing of the original Charter of the Forest by Henry III. This protected and restored the right of people to access and use the royal forests - crucial at the time for grazing livestock, collecting firewood and foraging for food.