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Lewes Town Council recognises the rights of trees!
The motion aligns with national planning policy on green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate resilience as Lewes pledges stronger protection for trees.
- On September 10, 2026, Lewes became the first town in the country to recognize the Rights of Trees, following Councillor Dinah Morgan's motion to adopt a Tree Charter ensuring better protection and care.
- Inspiration for the initiative emerged from the "Voices of the Wild" conference in April 2026, which led to the formation of the ROOTs team, a collaboration including the Railway Land Wildlife Trust and the University of Sussex.
- Guided by the Rights of our Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit developed by Dr. Joanna Miller Smallwood, the approved motion aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework commitments to biodiversity and nature recovery.
- Lewes, one of only two Arboretum Towns in the country, continues its work through the Lewes Urban Arboretum Project, accredited by ArbNet in 2023 to protect irreplaceable veteran trees.
- With the support of Lewes Town Council, the ROOTs team will continue implementing proposals to champion tree rights, strengthening expectations that planning authorities should retain, enhance, and expand tree cover.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)The English town that has given trees the same rights as humans
Landmark motion declaring local flora has the ‘right to flourish’ passes unanimously
·London, United Kingdom
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In Lewes a historic decision was taken to protect nature
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution34% Left, 33% Center, 33% Right
Bias Distribution
- 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
34% Left
L 34%
C 33%
R 33%
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