Planning decision due in mid-August 2001The Woodland Trust and the Ancient Tree
Forum1 have formally objected to the Football Association's planning application for a new National Football Centre, west of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The proposed development could destroy some the Europe's most spectacular ancient
trees2. The Trust welcomes the development of a centre of football excellence, but says the process is being rushed. With better research, layout and design, many of the ancient trees in
parkland3 (which is a site of biological importance) could be saved. Current plans threaten many of the trees and their immediate
environment.
Jill Butler, the Woodland Trust's ancient tree expert, explains: "Byrkley Park is the best parkland in the county and is one of the top sites in the UK for ancient trees. It therefore has great significance in mainland Europe because northern Europe has very few ancient trees or wood pasture left. The park retains at least 77 ancient trees, of which 58 are ancient oaks. The planning application does not reflect the importance of the site and the potential to restore this already damaged parkland. The environmental survey work the Football Association has had done is simply
inadequate.
"The Football Association and East Staffordshire Borough Council appear to be trying to 'fast-track' approval for this planning application. Sufficient care and thought just hasn't been given to the historic landscape setting for this
centre."
Understandably, the Association wants development to begin as soon as possible and the Council is keen for the town to benefit from the prestige the centre would bring. The Woodland Trust, together with English Nature (the Government's conservation watchdog) have both objected to the plans because the site, Byrkley Park, is a Grade 1 County Site of Biological Importance which contains many ancient trees, some of which may be over 600 years old. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has also objected to the planning
application.
Jill Butler says: "All that we are asking for is that proper independent surveys are done and that the buildings, some football pitches and the mini golf course be re-positioned on the site to minimise damage to the trees. We don't object to the development as a whole, but are very anxious to preserve irreplaceable, special trees. Oliver Rackham, the leading landscape historian has said that a single ancient oak tree is worth ten thousand oaks of a hundred years old. He also said that old trees are a speciality of England. The Woodland Trust believes we can have top class parkland and ancient trees enhancing first class football
facilities."
end
For media enquiries contact: The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail
media@woodland-trust.org.uk
Notes to editors
1The Ancient Tree Forum: The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) has always pioneered the conservation of ancient trees and is the main UK organisation concerned solely with their conservation. The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of the importance of their protection, encouraging research, promoting best conservation practice and increasing people's enjoyment of old trees. Details are available from the ATF website:
www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk
2Ancient trees: Ancient trees are a vital part of our natural and cultural landscape. It has been estimated that Britain may be home to around 80% of northern Europe's ancient trees. They harbour a unique array of wildlife and echo the lives of past generations of people in ways that no other part of our natural world is able to. The Trust and the Ancient Tree Forum wish to see this priceless legacy conserved for the benefit of all in our society and revitalised for future generations through the creation of a succession of future ancient
trees.
3Parklands: Parklands have been identified as a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Lowland Wood Pasture and Parkland. Parklands are also of significant value as historic and designed landscapes and as settings for historic houses. Parklands, which are very closely related to wood pastures, are defined as having ancient and old trees scattered through open grazed landscapes. Wood pastures and parkland may have deep-rooted links with the prehistoric 'wildwood', which once covered much of lowland Europe. Where there are trees of 600 or more years old there are probably only 10 generations of trees linking back to the last ice age.
The Woodland Trust: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity. It has 250,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims: a) No further loss of ancient woodland; b) Restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; c) Increasing new native woodland; d) Increasing people's awareness and enjoyment of
woodland.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,100 sites in its care covering approximately 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres). It offers free public access to nearly all of its sites. Further news can be accessed via
www.woodland-trust.org.uk
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