Historic Billingshurst oak trees saved as felling plan withdrawn
A campaign to protect 200-year-old oak trees has succeeded after underpinning work removed the need to fell them.
Campaign victory
Community campaigners have successfully halted plans to fell two 200-year-old oak trees in Billingshurst after residents joined forces to protect them.
The felling proposal for the trees at 8 St Gabriels Road has been withdrawn after underpinning work began on the property. Council officers confirmed the engineering solution means the trees can now be retained.
In a statement, the council said: "The third party has confirmed that underpinning works have commenced at 8 St Gabriels Road. As discussed, this means there is no longer a need to fell the oak trees, as the claimant has proceeded with an engineering solution designed to stabilise the property while retaining the trees in situ."
Wildlife and heritage
Campaigners with Save Billi Oaks hailed the outcome as proof of what residents can achieve through collective action. Gabi Barrett, a campaigner, said the trees posed no danger and stressed their importance for local wildlife.
"The trees do not present any threat," Ms Barrett said. She described the oaks as "magnificent" and noted they provide homes for species including bats and woodpeckers.
Ms Barrett warned against removing mature trees as a precaution. "If you start pre-emptively killing trees, we will end up with no trees," she said, adding that she wanted her grandchildren to see trees in the area in years to come.
Community action
Mela Davidson of Save Billi Oaks thanked supporters who funded legal assistance for the campaign. "Thanks to all our supporters who stepped up at short notice to pay for our legal support," she said. "When lots of people get together we can protect nature from these faceless corporations."
Ms Barrett expressed her personal connection to trees and nature, saying: "I understand I am part of nature as it is a part of me. Trees have rights. The trees cannot do the talking, somebody needs to act as their guardians."
Looking ahead, Ms Barrett said: "This is fantastic news. Now, all being well, these trees can thrive and provide homes, food and shelter for the thousands of species that rely on them for hundreds of years to come."
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