Community leaders in Peasedown St John have appealed to Bath and North East Somerset Council for a group of trees in their village to be protected.

Fifteen years ago, as part of National Tree Week, which is marked towards the end of November each year, a group of community activists planted over twenty trees at the southern end of the village – all as part of a village planting initiative at the time.

The trees, located next to the junction between Bath Road and the busy A367 by-pass, have become a part of the village’s visual ambience.

Councillor Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) was part of the team in 2008 that organised the tree planting. She said:

“Over the last fifteen years, these trees have become a part of our community. They provide a welcoming feel as people enter the village and have contributed hugely to our tree planting targets. They were also featured in our Peasedown In Bloom entry in 2017.

“Now, with the help of a Tree Protection Order, we’d like to see these trees protected in law.”

A Tree Protection Order (TPO), which can be granted by B&NES Council, would mean the trees would be protected from any future housing developments or changes to the nearby road layout that may take place in the future.

A TPO is an order made by a local planning authority which in general makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the planning authority’s permission.

Councillor Gavin Heathcote (Independent, Peasedown) added:

“Our application to B&NES for a Tree Protection Order to be granted would mean the trees are protected and preserved for future generations to come – which is what those volunteers fifteen years ago had in mind.

“Trees are also one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife.”