A CHELMSFORD professor has played a leading role in protecting ancient beech forests across Europe.

Professor Peter Hobson, of Writtle University College, was one of 120 international experts who mapped and classified well-preserved beech forests in Europe, leading to them being added to Unesco’s World Heritage List.

The project has led to the protection of 63 ancient and primeval beech forests across 10 European countries. This will give them the same legal status as historic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu.

Professor Hobson of Writtle University said: “This is one of the most ambitious and one of the most extensive World Heritage inscriptions since the Unesco World Heritage List was set up.

"The ancient beech forests are extremely important. Europe has less than 1 per cent old growth forest left and they are responding very rapidly to climate change."