Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 73903

Horticulture: Conservation

Tabled: 1 September 2025
Answered: 9 September 2025

Question

Dr Ellie Chowns

Green PartyNorth Herefordshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to include traditional orchards in the list of irreplaceable habitats for biodiversity net gain.

Answer

Mary Creagh
The Government has stated its intention to review the definition of irreplaceable habitats in due course, to ensure it remains robust and supports decision making.