Read our Privacy noticeHistoric parks and gardens play a “crucial” role for UK growth, health and climate action – but are at risk from proposed changes to planning rules, a charity has warned. Historic gardens, parks and parklands provide habitat for threatened species of lichen, bees and other wildlife in ancient trees, grasslands and lakes. The quantity and quality of expertise available to local planning authorities on historic parks and gardens needs to be improved, with trained conservation officers, planning teams and better-connected external advice, the report urged. Gardens Trust chairman John Watkins said: “We should be celebrating that we are a nation of gardens and gardeners, recognised and admired across the world for this special treasure. “The impact of removing statutory consultee status from the Gardens Trust is potentially devastating for the conservation and use of parks and gardens nationwide.