Protect our trees

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Conservation charity Trees for Cities has called on Mayor Boris Johnson to establish a scheme similar to the listing of historic buildings.

It would prevent landowners from cutting down important trees because they infringed on building plans.

"A lot of these trees have been here for hundreds of years and are true London landmarks," said Graham Simmonds of Trees for Cities. "Yet they have very little protection, and are at huge risk of simply being cut down in the name of progress."

The organisation has already identified 40 "Great Trees" around London which it says deserve to be protected.

Mr Simmonds said: "There are potentially thousands of trees in London that are old enough and enough of a landmark to be protected. There has to be a change in legislation for that to happen, but we will certainly be asking the new Mayor to begin that process.

"This requires a change in the way people view these tress. Too many landowners see them as dispensable assets.

"Plans can be redrawn and pavements moved around trees. In many cases they can improve designs."

Trees which could be protected include the ancient plane in Barn Elms playing fields, which is thought to be the oldest in the capital, and a rare hybrid strawberry tree in Battersea Park.

At present, trees can be protected only through the sometimes laborious process of applying to a local authorities for a tree preservation order.

Mr Johnson has already made a commitment to spend £1 million a year planting 10,000 street trees to improve London's environment.

Since it was set up, Trees for Cities has planted 100,000 trees in the capital. It has attracted famous backers including Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow.

He said: "Street trees make such a positive contribution to the urban landscape."