ONE of Runcorn’s MPs has called for greater protection of ancient woodland in his constituency.

Mike Amesbury made the call following a tour of Murdishaw Wood by members of the Woodland Trust conservation charity, which owns the ancient wood.

But there are also ancient woodlands across the MP’s Weaver Vale constituency, including around Frodsham and Weaverham.

And he says enhanced protection is necessary if the country is serious about responding to the climate emergency and net zero.

“Murdishaw Wood is beautiful, but this example shows protections need to be strengthened,” Mike said.

“Planning guidance stating no development should be closer than 15 metres from ancient woodland is just that – only guidance – and is easily ignored.

“Here we have back gardens that literally butt up the against the wood.

“In fairness, the housing estate would have been built before the planning guidance existed, but that lack of separation leads to problems – fly-tipping, for example.”

The MP was proud to learn Weaver Vale has more Woodland Trust sites than any other parliamentary constituency in the UK, with many of its 26 plots defined as ancient woods.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

“We are lucky because among the life lessons that lockdown taught us is about the value of having access to nature and green spaces,” he continued.

But the trust has concerns over whether Government planning reforms, which are currently on hold, will include sufficient safeguards for ancient woodland.

The MP, who is shadow housing minister, agrees that ancient woods and green spaces must be protected.

He says he is not against development, such as the building of affordable homes at scale, but believes the focus has to be on regenerating vacant brownfield sites.

He concluded: “We have got lots of ancient woodland here in Weaver Vale, so not only do we need to protect it, but we need to enhance that protection.

“That is especially the case if we are serious about responding to the climate emergency and net zero, because trees act as a natural carbon store and air filter.”

The Woodland Trust is forming a new volunteer group working in the woods at Runcorn.

If you would like to get involved or find out more, email volunteering@woodlandtrust.org.uk or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/