An MP is calling on the Government to protect the 2% of ancient woodland remaining in the UK from the increasing threat of development.

Rebecca Pow will debate closing a loophole that allows development on these rare habitats in Westminster on Thursday and she already has the support of 75 MPs.

Her Taunton Deane constituency has 8.9% woodland cover with 65 ancient and veteran trees and she said: “Ancient woodland is absolutely irreplaceable and the fact that only 2% remains nationwide is an incredibly worrying statistic.

“The benefits of ancient woodland are not often understood, but they are absolutely fundamental to our natural environment, biodiversity, health and recreational enjoyment.”

Unlike many other precious habitats ancient woodland is not a statutory designation in terms of the law and therefore suffers from a lack of protection, a fact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) minister Rory Stewart admitted at a recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee enquiry.

Paragraph 118 of the National Planning Policy Framework allows for the destruction or loss of ancient woodland if ‘the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweighs the loss’.

Rebecca is calling on the Government to close this loophole and to encourage more joined up thinking between DEFRA and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to protect this precious resource.

Rebecca, a former environment and gardening journalist, added: “The ancient woodland in this country is our equivalent to the rainforests that are so coveted all over the world. It is an absolute travesty that only 2% remains and we must ensure that no more is lost, but with the Woodland Trust currently dealing with over 650 cases of threatened woodlands, this issue is of the utmost importance.

“I am pleased that the backbench business committee has granted this debate and that we will be able to bring this issue to the forefront of people’s minds.”

The Backbench Business Committee three-hour debate will take place in Westminster Hall.