'Not on our watch' - villagers unite to save oak

Residents in Cowfold are angry about plans to cut down an oak tree in the village

Residents have vowed to do “everything” in their power to stop an oak tree from being chopped down in their village.

Posters have been put on the tree in Cowfold, West Sussex, after plans to cut it down became public two weeks ago.

Horsham District Council said there was "detailed evidence" to suggest that the tree was causing structural issues to a nearby property.

Gabi Barrett, of the Save Cowfold Oaks group, said her “heart absolutely sank” when she found out the tree was at risk, adding: "The next thing that went through my head is ‘not on our watch’. We will do everything in our power to protect this tree."

The tree predates the Oakfield Road estate it sits in, with residents suggesting it is about 150 years old.

Save Cowfold Oaks said alternatives such as copper root barriers could be installed to stop the roots damaging the foundations of the nearby home.

Local resident Roy Harwood said cutting the tree down "seems totally wrong".

He added: "The tree has been there longer than the houses have. It’s just not right.”

Campaigners have put posters on the tree to raise awareness

A spokesperson from Horsham District Council said: "We accept that the loss of this tree will lead to the loss of the character of the area, and recognise that any replacement would be - for a number of years at least - slim recompense.

"However, the council is not in a position to accept financial liability for privately owned trees in cases such as this one."

Campaigner Gabi Barrett said she found out about the plan at the end of August

Insurance company Direct Line Group said subsidence had been causing damage to a customer’s home nearby and it had an obligation to address it.

A spokesperson said: "The subsidence caused by the nearby oak tree is causing damage to our customer’s home and we have an obligation under the terms of the insurance policy to address the issue.

“We've worked closely with various stakeholders to explore alternatives and remain in discussions with the local parish, who own the tree, and will ultimately decide the next course of action.”

Contractors were due to fell the tree on 5 September but did not come after the residents called Direct Line Group and said they would be present.