Following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Government published a White Paper setting out its programme for sustainable forestry (Sustainable Forestry: the UK Programme Cm 2429 January 1994). Paragraph 3.2 of the White Paper states that one of the Government’s policies is to operate a general presumption against the loss of woodlands and forests to other uses and to control the felling of trees.

The Government’s Panel on Sustainable Development has stressed the importance of ancient, long established and semi-natural woodlands (as designated by Scottish Natural Heritage), saying that, "Ancient woodlands are one of the richest habitats in Britain". They deserve full protection because of their scarcity, their bio-diversity and their fragility. The Government is committed to protecting biodiversity and has identified a number of key habitats and species that are under threat nationally. These are detailed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and include broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland and coniferous woodland. As a result, the Government has asked local authorities to work in partnership with other bodies and individuals to produce Local Biodiversity Action Plans to ensure that key habitats are protected. More specifically, local authorities are asked to contact the local Conservator of the Forestry Authority when considering development proposals that could cause damage to ancient, long established and semi-natural woodlands.

The woodlands are shown on the Environmental Policy Designations maps (see Definition).

1. There will be a presumption against any development likely to have an adverse effect on the integrity or character of an ancient, long established or semi-natural woodland.

2. The Council shall consult the Strathclyde Conservator of the Forestry Authority regarding any proposals in, or near, an ancient, long established or semi-natural woodland.

3. Within ancient, long established or semi-natural woodland, no new structures or landscape works will be considered unless absolutely necessary and then only if carefully sited and constructed and if future maintenance arrangements can be demonstrated to be in place.

4. Proposals for the appropriate enhancement of the landscape and/or removal of unsympathetic structures within ancient, long established or semi-natural woodland will be viewed favourably.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DESIGNATION

Environmental policy designations cover the built and natural heritage of Glasgow. These areas are important because of their environmental quality, biological diversity and/or their historic, architectural or archaeological significance, and contribute positively to the quality of the environment, image and diversity of the City.

The different types of environmental policy designations are listed in the key of the Environmental Policy Designations maps.