University launches Rights of Trees toolkit

Huge congratulations to our neighbours at University of Sussex Environmental Justice Law Clinic for launching their Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit – an innovative new informational resource developed as part of the growing global Rights of Nature movement, writes Natasha Padbury of Love Our Ouse. 

The toolkit has been designed to support interested individuals, councils, communities, campaigners, legal practitioners, and organisations working to protect trees, forests and woodlands.

It explores how legal frameworks can recognise and uphold the rights of trees and forest ecosystems, and provides practical guidance for those interested in advancing rights-based environmental protection.

The Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit:

• shows how current legal protections can be used
• suggests creative, and imaginative ways to take rights-based approaches
• sets out practical ways forward right now.

The toolkit was a collaborative effort over three years with 35 students who brought this to life, and the volunteers, experts, advocates, family and friends who helped shape it. It builds on the amazing Rights of Nature work by other practitioners, law clinics, organisations, communities, and individuals.

Combined with the Ouse River Charter, this toolkit has the ability to help strengthen and restore nature and our relationship with it.

Delve into the toolkit here