Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Make felling any tree 150 years or older a criminal offence.

Closed 490 signatures

What the petition asks

Make felling any tree 150 years or older a serious criminal offence that is punishable with a custodial sentence.
Ancient trees have very high ecological value that contributes to supporting biodiversity and the wider ecosystem. They also have significant cultural, historical, and spiritual value. Trees cannot protect themselves and are irreplaceable, so they should be given greater protection. Deterrents should be put in place to stop people felling them through acts of vandalism or in the pursuit of development.

Timeline

6 Oct 2023 Petition opened for signatures
6 Apr 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 490
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 6 Oct 2023
Closed 6 Apr 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.