Lewes Town Council has unanimously adopted a landmark ‘Tree Charter’, making the East Sussex town the first in England to formally recognise the rights of all trees, hedgerows, and woodland within its territory.
The motion, passed on 10 September 2026, grants local flora a set of specific rights designed to influence future planning and policy decisions. While the charter is not legally binding in a statutory sense, it establishes a framework for trees to be represented in council deliberations, effectively giving nature a “voice” in local governance.
According to The Independent, the move follows a growing global ‘Rights of Nature’ movement, previously seen in countries such as New Zealand and Panama, but represents a first for an English town council.
What the charter recognises
The charter identifies several intrinsic rights for trees within the town’s boundaries. These include:
- The right to life and to flourish.
- The right to restoration and the completion of natural life cycles.
- The right to unpolluted air and a suitable temperature.
- The right to representation in council decision-making processes.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the University of Sussex Environmental Justice Law Clinic. It covers all types of greenery, from established forests to individual hedgerows, regardless of whether they are already protected by traditional Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
Impact on local policy
The motion was proposed by Green Party Councillor Dinah Morgan. Supporters of the charter state that it aims to shift the perspective of local government from viewing trees as mere assets or obstacles to recognising their inherent value to the ecosystem.
For residents, the charter introduces a practical mechanism for environmental advocacy. It allows members of the community to act as formal advocates for trees during council meetings, ensuring that the health and “rights” of the local environment are considered alongside human interests in planning applications.
However, officials have clarified that the charter does not override national planning law. Instead, it serves as a robust policy guide for the council’s own land management and as a material consideration when the council responds to wider planning consultations.
