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Ancient woods have been around for at least 400 years and in some cases form the last link with the original wildwood which covered the UK after the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago.

Ancient trees resonate with the history of the landscape and form important markers in the lives of individual people and communities. They also harbour a unique array of wildlife.

Despite their value ancient woods and ancient trees are under threat across the UK.

The UK's leading woodland conservation charity the Woodland Trust and local residents fear that an irreplaceable 800 year old ancient tree could be lost if plans to build residential properties in Suffolk go ahead.

Local residents near to Beck Row are in uproar over plans to build eight new homes on Apsal Lane, despite recommendations for refusal from Forest Heath Planning and Countryside Officers.

The ancient oak tree is thought to be 800 years old and was most probably once part of Bury St Edmunds Abbey. Ancient trees of this age are extremely rare. Their immense age allows them to support many species including fungi and invertebrates, not to mention it being home to a number of protected species including; bats, barn owls and badgers.

Despite the recommendations of the district council officers and disregarding the sites designated 'County Wildlife Site' status, the Forest Row district council planning committee unbelievably overruled the decision and granted permission.

Alice Farr, of the Woodland Trust comments: "The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development would not be detrimental to this site of nature conservation interest. The tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) which was issued in 1963 for landscape and visual amenity due to its ancient status. We believe that the development would be severely damaging to the ancient oak tree which would have been a sapling at the time King John first issued the Magna Carta."

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