Heritage Trees Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Creates a legal framework to protect heritage trees in England and places duties on landowners, managers and public authorities to safeguard them.
• Establishes a process to recognise heritage trees as valued assets and to protect them accordingly.
• Requires guidance, monitoring and reporting to support ongoing stewardship and conservation.
• Supports public awareness and access to information about heritage trees.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 1st Reading in the Lords (5 December 2023). It will proceed to committee stage for detailed examination and potential amendments, followed by further readings.