Some developers tried to cut down an ancient hedgerow, in breeding season, with outdated permission that failed to mention a hedgerow, in an area that recently became an SNCI.
After a long standoff we sent them packing.
Brilliant job from everyone at @bristoltreefora and the fearless Cathrin Machin, Danica P, and everyone else.
I’m on guard duty this evening, because god knows who’s trying to come through in the middle of the night and cut things down as they’ve done in Plymouth recently.
If you know where I’m talking about feel free to swing by with a cider.
While I’ve been sat here in this farm lane in Bristol I’ve heard 13 different bird calls. Absolutely zero tolerance for the asshole developers trying to force this through now.
They had their questionable permissions since February.
Too late.
We’re here all night, and tomorrow your computers (and cops) will say no.
If you’re interested in the technicalities of how this protection was done, it was
1) by blockading the contractors vehicle before it could accidentally commit a crime.
2) sheer luck of conservation status being recently applied.
3) exaggerating the definite imminence of proof. 😅
Put on a shirt. Sound like a lawyer. Wave goodbye.
@Philsturgeon @bristoltreefora @cathrinmachin Great to see people standing their ground here. Thank you!
A couple of years ago a major house builder ‘accidentally’ cut down mature trees in Ponteland. Their excuse might as well have been ‘oops’. Not held to account by council either! I refuse to believe an experienced company makes convenient mistakes like that…
Phil Sturgeon
Elisabeth Anderson 
Francis 🏴☠️ Gulotta
Leanne J