Environmental Campaigners Oppose Felling of 180-Year-Old Oak for Bridge Repairs

Environmental activists are disputing proposals to cut down a 180-year-old oak tree, which is slated for removal to facilitate the construction of a temporary footbridge. Leeds City Council intends to reconstruct a pedestrian walkway connected to the stone bridge spanning the River Wharfe in Otley, citing that it has “come to the end of its life span.” The council indicated that two trees must be cleared for this project. The advocacy organization Otley 2030 is urging the council to re-evaluate its decision, asserting that alternative solutions exist that would not impact local wildlife. The council expressed regret regarding the necessity of removing the trees, stating that semi-mature specimens would be planted to replace them upon the completion of the work. Constructed in the 1950s, the walkway was an addition to the main bridge, which itself originates from the 13th Century. Otley Bridge, which carries the B6451, holds the status of a scheduled monument and is legally protected. Its original construction in 1228 established a direct route to York, though it underwent rebuilding in the 18th Century. The council stated that the pedestrian walkway required demolition and replacement due to public safety concerns, noting “hidden” defects and holes presently concealed by boards. A spokesperson for the council explained that erecting a temporary footbridge connecting Wharfemeadows Park to Tittybottle Park offered an alternative to implementing one-way traffic lights on the existing bridge during repairs. This latter option, they noted, would result in traffic delays, heightened air pollution, and potentially deter visitors from the town. They said: “We very much regret that two mature trees will need to be removed to facilitate the installation of the temporary footbridge.“However, following the council’s policies, semi-mature trees will be planted that equate to the carbon value of those lost once the scheme is completed.“Vital work like this always involves disruption, and best efforts are being made to minimise this. We would like to thank everyone for their understanding whilst we do this urgent work.” Otley 2030 commented: “The oak tree has probably shaded generations of Otley residents and visitors for at least 150 years and sits in the historic Tittybottle Park in a conservation area. “In a biodiversity and climate crisis, every action and decision has a cumulative impact.” The group further asserted: “Leeds City Council have shown disregard for their own biodiversity policies and net zero carbon plan.” Earlier in the current month, the group convened with local residents and children, alongside representatives from Wildlife Friendly Otley and Wharfedale Naturalists, at the base of the oak tree. They collectively affixed yellow ribbons to the tree to symbolize the significance of its impending loss. Otley 2030 reported that the project for a like-for-like replacement of the footbridge is estimated to cost between £2-3m. The group stated: “The local community has been left in the dark about whether alternative and more cost-effective options to the proposals have been properly considered.” The felling of the oak tree and an adjacent tulip tree is scheduled for the week commencing 2 December.