Last-ditch attempt to save Otley oak tree from destruction

The move was called “wanton destruction of biodiversity” by campaigners, who gathered at the weekend to tie yellow ribbons around the tree in Tittybottle Park. Children wrote about what it meant to them and drew pictures, which will be sent to Leeds City Council in a bid to get them to reconsider their plans.

Children wrote messages about what the tree means to them

Gordon Haycock, Secretary of Wharfedale Naturalists Society and professional ecologist said: "A much-loved mature oak tree in a historic park is to be lost to allow the positioning of a crane to construct a costly and unnecessary temporary footbridge.

“It is difficult to imagine a more obvious example of both wanton destruction of biodiversity and historic assets in Otley and waste of public finance.”

Leeds City Council says the bridge needs to be constructed to allow pedestrians to cross the river while the permanent structure at Bridge Street is brought up to modern standards.

Otley 2030, Wildlife Friendly Otley and Wharfedale Naturalists, who organised the event, said they were delighted that the community had come out to show just how important this tree is to the people and wildlife of Otley.

A view of the oak tree

One local resident said: "It's really nice to see so many people here at the tree today- it's going to be a really sad thing to see it go. It's a really big loss for the wildlife and all the birds that use it, just to build something temporary. It's taken years and years for this tree to grow - you can't just replace it with another one."

A child at the event said: "I'd feel really sad if the tree got chopped down."

A spokesperson for Otley 2030 said: "These plans for a new footbridge on what is a scheduled ancient monument - protected due to its historic significance - represent a huge missed opportunity for Otley.

“Leeds City Council plan to push these works through without proper public consultation or an ecological impact report; this will result not only in considerable biodiversity loss, including a mature oak in the historic Tittybottle Park, but by pressing forward with a like-for-like replacement of the decades-old footbridge, the community will also miss out on the chance to improve it for pedestrians and cyclists, and in turn for motorists crossing the river.

“We maintain that the people of Otley deserve to have a say in the future of what is an incredibly important part of Otley's history."

Tying a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree

Neil Griffin, Co-Chair, Wildlife Friendly Otley said: “Leeds City Council’s plans for Otley bridge may lead to the removal of a mature oak tree in Tittybottle Park - one of our most important native species for wildlife, this tree is perhaps as much as 180 years old.

"This imminent loss has highlighted concerns around transparency and the protection of our local green spaces and occurs against the backdrop of a biodiversity crisis, with nearly one in six species in the UK threatened.”

Gordon Haycock with the yellow bow at the oak tree

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “For pedestrian safety we urgently need to demolish and replace the footway to modern standards, after it coming to the end of its useful life. The temporary footbridge will allow these works to Otley footbridge to be carried out safely, with less disruption to vehicle flow across the town and which will continue to enable people to cross the river safely.

“The council considered a range of options which needed to factor for disruption, cost and timing of the works limited by planning, ecology and by the Environment Agency.

“Based on previous experience, it was concluded that any traffic restrictions in Otley town centre would be too disruptive, as ten times as many vehicles to pedestrians use the bridge.

“It is unfortunate that two mature trees will need to be removed to facilitate the installation of the temporary footbridge, however in accordance with the council’s policies, trees will be planted that equate to the carbon value of those lost once the scheme is completed.”

They added: "While the upfront costs for a temporary footbridge are higher than the temporary traffic lights option, the benefits of maintaining unrestricted traffic flows not adding significantly to congestion in the local area with associated air pollution, safeguarding local business revenues, and maintaining safe pedestrian routes significantly outweigh these expenses."