Fears Grow as Pressure to Build Homes Reaches Ancient Woodlands

Housing Plans and Woodland Protections

Ancient woodland is land that has remained continuously wooded since at least 1600. Campaigners describe these places as irreplaceable and among the richest habitats for wildlife in the UK.

The government’s target is 1.5 million new homes by the end of 2029. Campaigners say the grey belt policy could make it easier to build beside ancient woodland on land previously covered by green belt protections.

The BBC found dozens of sites where proposed developments are immediately next to woods. Ancient Woodland UK chairwoman Lucy Graebe-Watson said current protections were already under strain.

Concerns Near Chaddesden Wood

Residents near Chaddesden Wood Nature Reserve in Derby are concerned about proposals on land bordering the woodland. The wood is surrounded by housing on several sides, and campaigners want to preserve it.

A former cafe owner who walks her dog in the area said the wood has stood for at least 400 years and contains mature hazel and oak trees. She also described the open view across fields towards the Derbyshire Dales.

Littleworth Lane Campaign

In Rossington, near Doncaster, residents have formed the Preserve Littleworth Lane campaign group. The group says the route’s rural character and wildlife are important to the community. Plans for about 120 homes at Pithill Farm Meadows are under consideration, with part of the proposed development close to the woodland edge. Local beekeeper Gary Cantrill said residents felt their village was being treated as an easy target.

Cantrill also raised concerns about flooding, saying fields currently absorb large amounts of rainwater. Ecological consultant Matt Shardlow warned that noise and light could affect wildlife even if trees remained standing.

Government and Wildlife Concerns

Shardlow said disturbance could drive sensitive species away from woods. He also warned that pet cats could affect ground-nesting birds, bats and other animals. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework had strengthened protections for irreplaceable habitats. A representative argued that allowing development in wholly exceptional circumstances could leave a loophole, particularly where housing is scarce.

The government’s housing department said planning rules require refusal of developments that would cause ancient woodland to be lost or deteriorate. It said a revised framework published in August gave clearer guidance for proposals affecting irreplaceable habitats.