A HEREFORD resident said a new charter developed by the Woodland Trust could easily apply to Grafton Wood.

Nichola Geeson from Kings Acre Road has highlighted the launch of the trust's Charter for Trees, Woods and People in relation to the Southern Link Road.

The charter aims to provide guidance and inspiration for policy, practice, innovation and enjoyment, and also encourage stronger legal protection for trees and woods that have special cultural, scientific or historic significance.

Dr Geeson believes Grafton Wood is a good example of this biodiversity, hosting unusual species such as adder's-tongue fern and broad-leaved helleborine orchids.

She said: "It is also a reminder that the area south of Hereford city was an important Royal Forest and the woodland and trees bear testimony to this historic use."

At Herefordshire Council's next cabinet meeting, councillors will be discussing progress on the South Wye Transport Package, and in particular the compulsory purchase of land along the route of the Southern Link Road.

Dr Geeson said: "The route chosen by the council for this new single carriageway road will destroy many veteran trees and ancient woodland, such as Grafton Wood, a remnant part of the ancient Haywood Forest.

"Ancient woodland is a rare habitat, covering just 2 per cent of the UK and there are currently more than 700 individual woods under threat from planning applications such as the Southern Link Road."

The Woodland Trust objected strongly to the plans for the Southern Link Road and said: “The proposed development impacts upon a number of areas of ancient woodland.

"Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and its loss cannot be mitigated for."

The Southern Link Road was approved in May 2016.

Dr Geeson said: "Herefordshire Council believe that loss of Grafton Wood can be mitigated by planting new trees, but the unique properties of the existing habitat, built up over 100s, if not thousands of years, would be impossible to recreate artificially."