Give mature trees same protection as heritage buildings, say campaigners

Destruction of more than 100 trees in Plymouth highlights weakness of protections, says Woodland Trust

Mature and veteran trees should have the same protections as heritage buildings to stop destruction on the scale carried out in Plymouth this week, campaigners have said.

The Woodland Trust is calling for an English Heritage-style body to enforce greater protection for trees - including those which have value to the attractiveness of a town or city.