A petition calling for stronger laws to protect iconic trees has been handed to the government, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has confirmed.

More than 100,000 signatures pledging support for the Woodland Trust’s Living Legends campaign are in a box delivered to 10 Downing Street at noon on Monday 18 November. Trust campaigns manager Adele Benson said passing the 100,000 mark is a “significant milestone”, particularly with National Tree Week beginning on Saturday 23 November.

“We’re sending a powerful message to the government which shows the strength of feeling for protecting the UK’s oldest and most special trees,” she said.