By Karim Hammam
Campaigners warn that government housing targets and recent planning reforms are increasing pressure on England's ancient woodlands, despite protections designed to prevent their loss.
Protections and policy changes
Ancient woodlands, defined as areas existing continuously since at least 1600, are protected under the National Planning Policy Framework only in "wholly exceptional circumstances" such as major infrastructure projects. The Labour government's pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 and the creation of a "grey belt" designation for poorer quality open spaces have raised fears that these habitats will face greater development pressure.
Developments near protected sites
The BBC has identified dozens of sites where planned developments sit immediately next to ancient woods. Approved plans for 450 homes within yards of Hook Wood in Gillingham, Kent, have sparked concerns about devastating impacts on local wildlife. Ancient Woodland UK chairwoman Lucy Grabe-Watson said existing protections are struggling and that alerts from local groups have risen since recent planning reforms.
Local opposition in Derby
In the East Midlands, more than 1,500 people have objected to plans for about 150 houses bordering Chaddesden Wood Nature Reserve in Derby. Resident Helen Cherry, who has lived nearby for 40 years, said building to the woodland's edge would leave the 400-year-old site "closed on all sides" and undermine its protected status. Derby City Council refused the plans in 2025, but locals fear developers JGP Properties Limited may return with amended proposals.
Concerns in South Yorkshire
In Rossington near Doncaster, over 2,000 residents have backed a campaign against a 130-home development surrounding Gelster Wood. Beekeeper Gary Cantrill said the 350-year-old farmland absorbs vast amounts of rainwater, and concreting it over would create flood risks. Ecological consultant Matt Shardlow warned that even without tree removal, development can damage root systems, alter drainage, and introduce noise, light, and pet predation that drive out sensitive species.
Calls for stronger safeguards
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said protections have improved but remain inadequate. Head of nature policy Carl Bunnage argued the "wholly exceptional circumstances" clause acts as a loophole for developers, with housing and economic growth often outweighing nature conservation. A government spokesperson said national planning rules explicitly require refusal of developments causing loss or deterioration of ancient woodland, with very limited exceptions for nationally significant infrastructure, and that a revised framework published in August contains clearer policies for assessing such proposals.
