Environmental barrister climbs tree to stop felling

Paul Powlesland, a barrister, said he believed the developer should not be cutting down the trees

A campaigning barrister has been arrested after he climbed an ancient lime tree in Wellingborough in a bid to stop it being cut down.

Paul Powlesland from Garden Court Chambers in London said he took action because police were "threatening to arrest people for aggravated trespass for standing next to the trees".

More than 50 lime trees are being removed to make way for a dual carriageway as part of the Stanton Cross development.

Northamptonshire Police said a protestor who climbed a tree had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and officers were "liaising with the man to ensure he can climb down safely".

A spokesperson for Stanton Cross said the works would "deliver essential infrastructure for the people of Wellingborough".

More than 20 of the 50 trees on London Road, known as The Walks, in Wellingborough, have already been cut down.

Campaigners against the felling said the avenue of trees could be dated back to the 1600s.

The Woodland Trust said a lime tree could be considered ancient at about 300 years old.

Protesters have remained at the site during the tree feeling

Mr Powlesland said he was aware he could be arrested if he did not come down.

He tweeted about his protest while he was up the tree.

"I'm prepared to put my money where my mouth is.

"I strongly believe I am not committing aggravated trespass because the work they are doing here is not lawful," he said.

"I wouldn't have climbed the tree if I thought it was a crime."

The barrister said there was a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the trees which meant they should not be felled.

But North Northamptonshire Council said it was "satisfied that the removal of the trees is authorised activity" and planning permission granted "overrides the TPO".

Mr Powlesland said the tree next to him was being cut down

The developer said in a statement: "All work has been carried out in consultation with an independent team of ecologists and arboriculturists, who have undertaken extensive ecological work; and on-site ecological supervision is ongoing to ensure full compliance with the relevant wildlife legislation.

"We do understand the level of local concern and have continued to liaise closely with engineers and the ecology team to work through the plans and minimise the impacts of the work taking place."

It added hundreds of new trees would be planted in the development.