Lewes becomes first town in the UK to recognise the rights of trees
On 10 September 2026, Lewes became the first town in the country to recognise the Rights of Trees. On behalf of the Rights of our Trees group (ROOTS), Councillor Dinah Morgan proposed a motion to Lewes Town Council to adopt their Tree Charter to ensure that our trees have better protection, care, and a right to flourish.
Many of our irreplaceable notable and veteran trees remain under constant threat, demanding urgent action. During the heatwaves this summer, we have all appreciated the cooling shade of trees. Their significant contributions to improving air quality, cooling, water regulation, and biodiversity deserve respect.
The approved motion aligns with the revised National Planning Policy Framework commitments to a wider emphasis on green infrastructure, biodiversity, climate resilience, and nature recovery.
The Council acknowledged that Lewes is one of only two Arboretum Towns in the country – a badge of honour for the town. The accreditation was awarded by the global organisation ArbNet in May 2023 in recognition of the work of Lewes Urban Arboretum in planting trees and looking after them.
The ROOTs team (members pictured) is a collaboration between the Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes, (Lewes Urban Arboretum Project), the Railway Land Wildlife Trust, the Environmental Justice Law Clinic, (University of Sussex), and the Environmental Law Foundation with input from representatives from Lewes Town Council, Lewes Climate Hub, and the SDNP Biodiversity Officer.
ROOTs were guided by the Rights of our Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit developed by Dr Joanna Miller Smallwood and her students at the Environmental Justice Law Clinic, (University of Sussex). The inspiration for this project came from attending a marvellous “Voices of the Wild” conference organised by Helen Meade and the Railway Land Wildlife Trust team in April 2026.
With the support of Lewes Town Council, the ROOTs team will continue to meet to implement the proposals that will champion the Rights of our Trees and strengthen the expectation that planning authorities should retain, enhance and expand tree cover wherever possible.
You can find out more about the Tree Charter, the motion to Lewes Town Council, and the Rights of Trees toolkit on the Friends of Lewes website.
What Lewes Town Council says about the Tree Charter
On 10 September 2026, Lewes Town Council formally adopted the Rights of Trees Charter at a meeting of Full Council, marking an important step in the town’s commitment to protecting and valuing trees, woodlands and green spaces.
The Charter recognises the vital role that trees play in supporting biodiversity, tackling climate change, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and enhancing community wellbeing. It encourages a more thoughtful approach to decision-making, ensuring that the interests of trees and the wider ecosystems they support are properly considered.
Importantly, the Charter does not prevent necessary tree works from taking place. Rather, it establishes a framework that promotes stewardship, respect and better-informed decisions when actions affecting trees are required.
The Charter also sets out practical commitments and next steps, including supporting tree guardianship, developing a local Rights of Trees Strategy, protecting significant trees and working with local partners to strengthen Lewes’ natural environment for future generations.