Initial Consultation document

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and a leading voice in bringing to the attention of government, land owners and the general public the state of the UK's trees and woodland. We champion and deliver the most dynamic solutions to protect and revitalise our natural environment - the recreation of wooded landscapes on a national scale.
We campaign to ensure that laws governing environmental protection are enforced and that the government is held to account on environmental pledges. We also campaign vigorously with the support of local communities, to prevent any further destruction of ancient woods.
And, to further protect the UK's natural environment, we've built up an estate of our own managed woodland covering over 73 square miles across the UK, of which a third is irreplaceable ancient woodland. With a supporter base of half a million we were the first, and remain the most significant contributor to woodland protection, restoration and creation in the UK. We are experts in a natural resource that has the potential to transform the UK's natural environment and ensure its continued
survival.
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees
Ancient woodland, veteran and ancient trees are irreplaceable natural resources. Ancient Woodland is land that has remained constantly wooded since AD1600. The length at which ancient woodland takes to develop and evolve (centuries, even millennia), coupled with the vital links it creates between plants, animals and soils accentuate its irreplaceable status. The varied and unique habitats ancient woodland sites provide for many of the UK's most important and threatened fauna and flora species cannot be re-created and cannot afford to be lost.
Ancient and veteran trees are especially important for wildlife. Along with their historical or cultural significance, our ancient trees are loved by communities because of their special appearance, the rare fungi, plants and animals they support and the stories associated with them. Ancient and veteran trees can be classified due to the presence of ancient and veteran features.
As such, the Woodland Trust aims to prevent the damage, fragmentation and loss of these finite irreplaceable habitats from any form of disruptive development. Approximately one quarter of priority UK BAP species are associated with woodland habitats. Forests, woods, and trees make a significant contribution to biodiversity, and ancient sites are recognised as being of particular value.
Due to their longevity, ancient woodlands are more species rich, and are often refuges for specialist woodland species that struggle to colonise new areas.

National Policy
The recently revised NPPF states:
175. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and

Footnote 58 elaborates: For example, infrastructure projects (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat.

Policy Specific Comments
We welcome the recognition of the importance of ancient woodland, aged and veteran trees for both biodiversity and landscape as set out in pages 27 and 28. However we would like to flag the revised wording set out in the NPPF, the term 'aged' has been replaced with 'ancient as this is seen to better align with the practical interpretation of the NPPF.
The Woodland Trust warmly welcomes Norfolk's proposed approach (set out on page 67) to Areas of Search for silica sand extraction; the 250m exclusion zone for dust is a best practice approach. As such we strongly support Policy MP2: Spatial Strategy for mineral extraction.

Sites
The following sites have be found to affect ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.

MIN 45 - land north of Coxford Abbey Quarry (south of Fakenham Road), East Rudham. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contains Coxford Wood which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Size of affected woodland 23.73 ha. Grid reference TF82315566.

MIN 38 - land East of Fritton marshes. Proposed for mineral extraction. Contain veteran beech. Grid reference TG46390076.

MIN 202 - land south of Reepham Road, Attlebridge. Proposed for mineral extraction. Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) and is adjacent to the site boundary. Size of affected woodland 19.8 Ha. Grid reference TG14163195

AOS J - Land to the east of Tottenhill. Proposed for an area of search for mineral extraction. Two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane. Grid reference TF65105491


MIN 45
We strongly support the Council's initial conclusion that the site should not be taken forward due to the presence of ancient woodland.

MIN 38
Again the Trust supports the Council's position not to allocate the site but would like to add the presence of a veteran beech tree (as noted on the Ancient Tree Inventory) as a further reason not to take this site forward.

MIN 202
We welcome the recognition of Mileplain Plantation, which is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) adjacent to the site boundary. Planning authorities and inspectors increasingly act to prevent the direct destruction of ancient woodland. However, the damage and impacts posed to ancient woods by nearby development are not so widely appreciated. The Trust opposes MIN 202 in its current form due to the potential impact on ancient woodland. Any future application should be subject to a substantial planted buffer of 50m to ensure the integrity of the ancient woodland.

AOS J
We would like to highlight the presence of two veteran oaks to the east of Craven Lane which are listed on the Ancient Tree Inventory but are not listed within the constraints for AOS J. These trees must be listed as a constraint. In the event of any application coming forward these veteran trees should be subject Policy MP2.