Another ancient oak tree near Leamington is set to be felled by HS2 - despite it not being near the proposed rail line

One protester has already been dragged away from the tree after she saw workers taking branches off it
Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).
Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).

Another ancient oak tree near Leamington is set to be felled by HS2 - despite that fact that it is not near the proposed rail line.

Campaigners have vented their anger after HS2 confirmed that the 240-year-old tree near Welsh Road/Long Itchington Wood tunnel compound would be removed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This is despite the fact that it is at least 400 metres away from the proposed train track.

Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).
Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).

Many ancient oak trees have been felled across Warwickshire.over the past few months as HS2 clears the path for the proposed high speed rail line.

But many residents are upset that many trees are being removed for other reasons, such as to make space for the workers.

In this latest case, HS2 said the tree near Long Itchington Wood needs to be removed to create a floodplain - a point that protesters believe is ironic given the value of trees when it comes to flooding.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Resident Victoria Lindsell has already been dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree.

HS2 workers remove the branches from an ancient oak tree. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto.HS2 workers remove the branches from an ancient oak tree. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto.
HS2 workers remove the branches from an ancient oak tree. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto.

She said: "The tree is of great value to the area.

"This 240-year-old oak is, according to HS2 plans, sitting in a proposed floodplain and we all know that trees are the greatest sequesters of water and carbon.

"A few days ago tree cutters came and chopped off three giant boughs, much to the great distress of many locals who voted for this healthy specimen to be Tree of the Year."

Victoria says she has also been in contact with HS2 about the noise and disruption caused by the works - and she has asked them to turn off the lights on the compound during Christmas, as they shine into local residents’ houses.

Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).
Victoria Lindsell was dragged off the site after she protested against HS2 removing branches from the tree. (Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto).
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In reply to the felling of the oak tree, a spokesperson for HS2 said: "In this location, the construction of the railway will take up an area which is part of the floodplain.

"We need to make sure we meet the Environment Agency’s 70 per cent climate change allowance and that compensation areas are provided for any loss.

"We need to remove the tree to create a flood compensation area, as well as a balancing pond for drainage and run-off from the railway before discharge to watercourse.

"This particular tree was temporarily fenced off during the Oakervee Review in 2019 - as part of our commitment not to remove exceptional trees during this period until the Government announced its decision on the project."

HS2 workers remove the branches of an ancient oak tree next to a sign for a 'Tree Protection Zone'. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphotoHS2 workers remove the branches of an ancient oak tree next to a sign for a 'Tree Protection Zone'. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto
HS2 workers remove the branches of an ancient oak tree next to a sign for a 'Tree Protection Zone'. Photo by Dave Hastings, dhphoto
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spokesperson also said that the tree trunk is hollow and the branches are showing signs of rot - a view disputed by the campaigners who say that surveys suggest the tree could live for another 100 years, and that rot in branches is 'perfectly normal'.

"Work in this area was reviewed and agreed between all parties involved in 2019," added the HS2 spokesperson.

"Our enabling works contractor has started work to prepare the area for HS2’s main works civils contractor to begin work there soon.

"HS2 and its contractors always work within the necessary regulations, including licences from Natural England.

"In accordance with the law, qualified ecologists are on site to ensure wildlife species are protected while all vegetation removal works take place."