Trees of Life?

In spite of the UK having the least tree cover in Europe, it has more ancient trees than any other country. This is probably why the vandalism of the well-loved 'Sycamore Gap' tree in Hadrian's Wall (the Roman fortification cutting off Northern England from the marauding Scots), caused widespread anguish. It's been pointed out, however, that 98% of UK trees have no legal status. A tree's life or death, is largely dictated by whoever owns the land in which they are rooted. Even being a 'celebrity tree' offers no protection. Three 'Tree of the Year' laureates were felled, shortly after receiving that award. Generally, no regard has paid to a tree's intrinsic value, its cultural relevance or its ecological amenity (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/23/trees-have-no-legal-status-calls-rise-for-stronger-protection-in-uk-against-felling). Two percent of ancient and 'veteran' UK trees receive Tree Preservation Orders from local councils. These, however, are sometimes ignored by developers. Even if penalties are applied (not always the case), the tree has gone. It's argued that more trees should receive protections like those applied to important architectural buildings. There's not much point in encouraging tree planting, when mature trees receive minimal or no protections! Mature trees have a much more powerful effect on climate change than any number of saplings.