Tim Smalley
There is big conservation news coming out of Scotland today.
The government has adopted new planning rules, known as National Planning Framework 4, which will ensure that *NO* development will be supported if it impacts ancient woodland & ancient & veteran trees across the country.
The new rules have come into force with immediate effect.
These habitats are irreplaceable, so it's a landmark step in the fight against climate & nature emergencies.
Tim Smalley
I can't describe how happy this makes me, having fought to raise awareness and campaign to save ancient woods across the UK during my time as a fundraiser at the Woodland Trust.
// ? does a happy dance ?
Read more about NPF4 here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/
Markus
@timsmalley @greenaspen Oh yes. A constitution, proportional voting, perhaps a federal structure could potentially turn the UK into a much better place than it lately has become. Much of the independence drive might then become unnecessary... Let's hope that the current crisis leads to such deep reforms at some stage. (Not that I could claim that this kind of political system has had much benefit for ancient trees in Germany, however.)
Tim Smalley
@greenaspen I don't really want to get into a debate on independence. My view is borne out of the fact that I have English, Scottish and Welsh blood in me as a result of my family roots. I'm British.
Britain without Scotland would be like having an arm torn off. That's not to say I don't understand the reasons for independence (many valid), but my views are entirely based on family history.
That said, I want a politics that is more inclusive, through some form of PR. I want my vote to count.
Andrew Thompson
@markus_quandt @timsmalley sadly, without independence Westminster government can undo all good things achieved by devolution. Just look at the mischief they have wrought by overturning the gender recognition reform legislation. Also, the post-Brexit UK single market bill will prevent ??????? from holding to many other policy positions borne of devolution. For example our long-standing ban on cultivation of #GMO crops & gene edited animals
#Indy #YouYesYet ?
Tim Smalley
@markus_quandt I hope the Scottish government gives hope in Germany. It can be done. ❤️
I fundamentally disagree with ScotGov's main policy of independence (I'm part English, Welsh and Scottish... so have always seen myself as British), but they are so right on this. Credit where credit is due.
Markus
@timsmalley I want that for Germany!
Shachihoko
This may come across as a silly question, but what are "veteran" trees? At a guess, I'd presume "have been standing/growing since some prominent war" (presumably WWII), but ...
(Not gonna lie: the idea of trees fighting alongside human soldiers is pretty epic and I need to work it into a story sometime.)
Tim Smalley
@Shachihoko veteran trees show significant signs of decay, such as hollowing, decaying, dead or dropped branches. It could be a veteran after being damaged in a storm, struck by lightning, etc.
The best way to think about it is that all ancient trees are veterans, but not all veterans are ancient trees!
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