A guide to tackle housing and commercial development demolition of Britain's priceless and irreplaceable ancient trees has been launched by the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.

Prompted by increasing tree losses in the face of development demands, Ancient Tree Guide; Trees and Development argues for the inclusion of trees into design and building proposals in contrast to the increasingly frequent pre-emptive felling of trees to clear sites.

It cites examples of how ancient trees have been protected within commercial and residential developments, with downloadable images available.

In fact trees should be seen as added-value - even adding a price premium - to any development, says the trust. They help create a unique quality, character and 'Sense of place' which will be increasingly appreciated by buyers.

Third in a series produced to promote awareness of ancient trees, the guide is aimed at builders, developers, architects, arborists, landscape designers and contractors in fact anyone involved in designing and constructing developments that will affect ancient and veteran trees.

It stresses how much of an asset are ancient and veteran trees, lists how to recognise them, cites good practice on development sites, how to find out if a tree or site is already protected and where to go for further information.

The urgent plea is to retain trees as a value-enhancing aspect, preserving amenity, heritage and biodiversity on development sites, helping wildlife on site and in the immediate area - and with skilled management prolonging their useful life.

It cites British Standard 5837: 2005 'Trees in relation to construction' whereby the value of trees should be initially assessed independently of layout and design - with design taking account of their long term setting. Important trees should then be protected during the construction phase.

A handbook Veteran Trees; A Guide to Good Management is also available from Natural England for tree work appropriate to ancient and veteran trees.

Case studies show sites where developers have made full use of parkland and veteran trees, even designing around a single tree with the Wyresham Oak in Monmouth, now the development centrepiece.

Parliament Square and Brunel University also celebrate their respective ancient trees, while old fruit trees in a traditional orchard have added character and distinctiveness to a new homes development by Redcliffe Homes, with the design of paths and roads carefully considered to add to residents' enjoyment.

Most trees in conservation areas are protected, and individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands with amenity value may also be protected through the current Tree Preservation Order System. Others may have some measure of protection on Sites of SSI or historic parkland setting.

Many more, however, enjoy no such protection, says Jill Butler, Conservation Policy Officer for both the Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Federation.

"We need to increase awareness of how important it is to preserve these wonderful trees amidst developments, protecting a green environment instead of trees disappearing under a sterile landscape."

In practical terms, the guide sets out minimum areas which should be left undisturbed during construction phase (a Root Protection Area RPA). Some ancient trees may need a more extensive RPA to protect roots, giving them an even greater chance to provide a lasting contribution to the development.

You can tell the trust about an ancient tree find at the website www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk or report a wood or tree under threat, as well as finding information on how to fight a threat to a tree at www.woodsunderthreat.org.uk