The 180-year-old tree, known as the 'Tittybottle Oak' in Otley, West Yorkshire United Kingdom was set to be felled to make way for nearby bridge repairs. Environmental campaigners have been granted a stay of execution until the New Year (2025). There are alternative options that must be explored, they argue, saving millions which could be ploughed into community ventures instead.

An open letter to Otley community from Jonathan Pryor (X @Jonathan_Pryor), Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council & Cabinet Member for Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development, although acknowledging that feedback in December 2024, from local community groups is against the felling of the trees, and, although he "recognises the strength of feeling around this", the proposed felling will still continue.

Leeds City Council decided to pause the felling of the tree(s) until 6 January 2025 but the trees will still be cut down in order to 'facilitate cranes to build a temporary structure' overlooking the water as work to repair the condition of the traditional existing footbridge continues.

Garry Clarkson

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