Tim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023

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.

#woodland #trees #photomonday #forest #art

Show threadMarkusFeb 13, 2023
@timsmalley I want that for Germany!
Show threadTim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023

@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.

Show threadAndrew ThompsonFeb 13, 2023
@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 ?
Show threadTim 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.

Feb 13, 2023 at 9:06pmWeb
Show threadAndrew ThompsonFeb 13, 2023
@timsmalley fair enough! All I was really trying to point out is that Scottish devolution is an illusion ,
Protection for ancient woodland and veteran trees is hugely welcome, but as a retired forester involved in ecological restoration & reforestation I am very sceptical as to whether the NPPF changes announced will be adhered to. It should mean that there will be no more grant aid for planting of exotic conifers through the many fragile remnants of our upland native woodland.
Show threadTim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023
@greenaspen yes, it is not clear whether the aid grants for non-native conifer planting are being grandfathered, but they should be. It would be an additional show of commitment to improving the overall health of native woodland across the country, particularly the more fragile habitats in the uplands and on the coast.
Show threadAndrew ThompsonFeb 13, 2023
@timsmalley the trouble is, I suspect that the new planning protections will be restricted to only those areas of native woodland which are already identified on the Scottish Government’s existing register of ancient native woodland, and maybe confined even within that to the highest tier of nativeness ‘quality’ This will leave large numbers of isolated veteran trees and significant remnants of potentially high ecological value at risk. The devil will be in the detail.
Show threadTim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023
@greenaspen it sadly always is, and always will be. I would imagine there will be further pressure from the likes of Woodland Trust Scotland, NT Scotland and other NGOs if it's not a blanket ban. Many PAWS have a high potential for restoration to their former glory if given time (the worst will require >100yrs for full restoration), as would those suffering from slow decline due to a lack of natural regeneration caused by over-grazing and limited buffer zones.
Show threadMarkusFeb 13, 2023
@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.)
Show threadTim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023
@markus_quandt who knows how something like that would be achieved, but yes, let's hope there is a rainbow at the end of the current crisis. There has to be a better system of politics than the one we have currently.
Show threadMrs CloudyFeb 13, 2023
@timsmalley @greenaspen by what mechanism do you imagine the UK system could ever be changed to PR?
Show threadTim SmalleyFeb 13, 2023

@CloudyMrs I'd suggest asking a constitutional expert.

I am not one of them but, as a voter, I would like to vote *for* a candidate/party, rather than against the candidate/party I want least.

Show threadMrs CloudyFeb 14, 2023
@timsmalley that's the point though. You may want a change of system. Lots of people in the UK may share your wish, but there is absolutely no mechanism that would bring about that change. To stay in the UK is to be resigned to living within the current FPTP UK system, with all its clear failings, for the rest of your life. Things can be better for the constituent nations of the UK, but not within the union.