Sheffield tree felling protests

The £2.2 billion ‘Streets Ahead’ Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract was signed by Sheffield City Council (SCC), Amey plc and the Department for Transport. It was planned to be a 25 year contract between 20 August 2012 and 19 August 2037 for highway, pavement and street light renewal, and included the management of Sheffield’s highway trees.{{cite web |title=Neoliberalism and the death of Nature in Sheffield and the world over |url=https://www.gcgi.info/index.php/archive/907-neoliberalism-and-the-death-of-nature-in-sheffield-and-the-world-over |website=Globalisation for the Common Good |publisher=Globalisation for the Common Good |access-date=12 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Streets Ahead Contract Data Sheet |url=https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/content/dam/sheffield/docs/business/contracts-and-tenders/Streets%20Ahead%20Contract%20Data%20Sheet%20December%202018.pdf |website=Sheffield City Council |publisher=Sheffield City Council |access-date=8 September 2020}} SCC indicated that up to 10,000 trees would be felled and replaced{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-38664591|title=Sheffield council's tree-felling project pledges to 'regain trust'|work=BBC News|access-date=12 August 2020}} although wording in the PFI contract indicated a target of 17,500.{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/our-region/south-yorkshire/sheffield/sheffield-council-forced-to-reveal-target-to-remove-17-500-street-trees-under-pfi-deal-1-9056942|title=Sheffield Council forced to reveal target to remove 17,500 street trees under PFI deal|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|access-date=12 August 2020}} SCC initially denied that 17,500 was an actual target,{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/sheffield-council-has-no-obligation-to-axe-17-500-trees-despite-contract-payment-1-9318854|title=Sheffield Council 'has no obligation to axe 17,500 trees despite contract payment'|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|access-date=12 August 2020}} however, evidence from an SCC Cabinet Meeting found that in 2010{{cite web|url=http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/olddocuments/Data/Cabinet/20100210/Agenda/$appendix%203%20green%20and%20open%20spaces%20strategy.doc.pdf|title=Cabinet Agenda Wednesday 10 February 2010, Appendix 3: Sheffield Green and Open Space Strategy – Stage 1 programme (2010-12)|publisher=Sheffield City Council|access-date=12 August 2020}} that SCC planned to remove and replant 17,500 trees as part of the PFI contract.

At the start of the PFI contract, Acorn Environmental Management Group (AEMG) were sub-contracted by Amey to re-survey Sheffield’s highway trees. A 2012 survey by Acorn stated that around 1,000 trees (dead, dying, diseased, dangerous) would be felled along with raising 6,300 other pruning and maintenance jobs. Steve Robinson, SCC’s Head of Highway Maintenance, stated in an interview by The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation that half of the city’s 36,000 highway trees would be felled and replaced with saplings.{{cite web |title=Save Sheffield Street Trees |url=https://savesheffieldtreesorguk.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/stag-street-trees-booklet-2017.pdf |website=Save Sheffield Street Trees |access-date=12 August 2020}}{{cite news |last=Whitelaw |first=Jackie |date=1 December 2012 |title=Sheffield streets team starts city's core refurbishment |url=https://sheffieldtreemap.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/transpro_dec2012_4digimag_2_.pdf |work=Transportation professional |access-date=12 August 2020}}

Highway officials in February 2013, stated in an interview with the Sheffield Star that 1,250 trees across the city would be felled and replaced, with more than hundred street trees being considered for felling if they were considered to be damaging road surfaces or causing a hazard.{{cite web |title=SORT Letter |url=https://savesheffieldtreesorguk.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/sort-letter-to-the-cabinet-member-for-environment-and-transport_29th-january-2016_v51.pdf |website=Save Sheffield's Trees |publisher=Save Sheffield's Trees |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In January 2014, controversy flared in Stocksbridge around the felling of a 450-year-old Melbourne Oak. Despite local protests and an expert survey showing that the tree was ‘uncompromised’ the tree was felled anyway.{{cite web |title=The Melbourne Rd Veteran Oak |url=https://sheffieldtreemap.wordpress.com/stories/the-melbourne-rd-veteran-oak/ |website=Sheffield Trees at Risk Map |publisher=Sheffield Trees at Risk Map |access-date=12 August 2020}} In September 2014, residents of Heeley campaigned to prevent the felling of 189 mature trees that were to make way for a bus-lane, resulting in those trees being saved.{{cite web |title=Controversial Sheffield Bus Lane Plan could see 188 Trees Axed |url=https://proarbmagazine.com/controversial-sheffield-bus-lane-plan-see-188-trees-axed/ |website=ProArb |publisher=ProArb |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In May, The first tree campaign group for the city Save Our Rustlings Trees was formed before being later renamed ‘Save Our Roadside Trees’.{{cite web |title=Ellen on Rustlings Road, found itself in the spotlight once more |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/opinion/ellen-rustlings-road-found-itself-spotlight-once-more-38427 |work=The Star |access-date=12 August 2020}} This was then followed by the formation of Sheffield Tree Action Groups (S.T.A.G.) in August.{{cite web |title=Sheffield Tree Felling Investigation |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/818610/190705_Sheffield_Report.pdf |website=Assets.Publishing |publisher=Assets.Publishing |access-date=12 August 2020}} Later in the year, local tree campaign groups were formed in Crookes, Dore, Gleadless Valley, Nether Edge and Rivelin Valley.

SCC launched the Independent Tree Panel in November, whose members would provide advice over whether a tree should be saved or not.{{cite web |title=Sheffield independent tree panel set up to give advice |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-34727753 |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}} Over time, the majority of the Independent Tree Panel's recommendations to save trees were ignored by Amey and the Council.

In November 2015, SCC launched public ‘consultations’ which were hand-delivered to local residents on a street-by-street basis, called ‘The Independent Tree Panel Household Survey’. Emeritus Professor Greg Brooks, of The University of Sheffield, criticised the validity of the survey method in an expert analysis showing why the ‘Household Survey’ is unrepresentative and undemocratic. STAG carried out door-to-door surveys by speaking to residents, with those figures differing from those carried out by Amey. Some have labelled the ‘Household Survey’ ‘divisive’ and a threat to the strong community bonds of the city.{{cite web |title=The Household Survey |url=https://savesheffieldtrees.org.uk/the-household-survey/ |website=Sheffield Tree Action Groups |publisher=Sheffield Tree Action Groups |access-date=12 August 2020}}

By the end of 2015, 3,068 trees had been felled across the city.{{cite web |title=Row over Sheffield tree felling set to ramp up in 2016 |url=https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/row-over-sheffield-tree-felling-set-ramp-2016-463443 |website=Sheffield Telegraph |publisher=Sheffield Telegraph |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In February 2016, the High Court issued an interim injunction, ordering the council to halt felling from February to April 2016.{{cite web |title=Sheffield trees latest: Campaign to stop Tree Felling continues |url=https://www.shefnews.co.uk/2016/02/11/tree-felling-latest-campaign-continues-to-save-sheffields-trees/ |website=Shef News |publisher=Shef News |access-date=12 August 2020}} In June 2016, once the three-month injunction came to an end, felling recommenced on trees on Bannerdale Road and South Yorkshire Police (SYP) were involved for the first time.{{cite web |title=Sheffield tree-felling contractors held up by protest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36480234 |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In November 2016, during a peaceful campaign to protect a tree on Marden Road, involving five residents and members of STAG, two people were arrested under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act (1992), designed to deal with ‘Flying Pickets.’ The validity of these charges against people exercising their right to peaceful protest was hotly disputed by STAG.{{cite web |title=Police called to protesters fighting against tree felling in Sheffield |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/police-called-protesters-fighting-against-tree-felling-sheffield-452775 |work=The Star |access-date=12 August 2020}}

On 17 November 2016, under Julie Dore's leadership, a felling of eight trees took place around 4{{nbsp}}am at the Rustlings Road area of Sheffield, leading to the arrest of three peaceful protesters, under section 241 of Trade Union Relation Act.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-38012189|title=Dawn tree felling in Sheffield sparks outrage|work=BBC News|access-date=12 August 2020}}

The tree felling programme sparked the sign-up of over 9,900 members to Sheffield Tree Action Groups (STAG) Facebook group against the mass removal of Sheffield's street trees.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/|title=Sheffield Tree Action Group|publisher=Facebook|access-date=12 August 2020}}

A Green Party councillor and six other protesters were arrested in February 2017, during a protest to prevent a tree from being felled in Chippinghouse Road, Nether Edge.{{cite web |title=Green party councillor arrested at Sheffield tree protest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/06/green-party-councillor-alison-teal-arrested-at-sheffield-tree-protest |work=The Guardian |access-date=25 August 2020}}

In August 2017, about 5000 trees had been felled since 2012 and Sheffield City Council won a court battle in order to bring injunctions against protesters considered to take unlawful action to prevent trees from being felled.{{cite web |title=Sheffield City Council wins tree felling injunction row |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-40936522 |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In January 2018, a man was arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer during a felling protest at Meersbrook Park Road{{cite web |title=Man arrested for allegedly attacking police officer during Sheffield tree felling protest |url=https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/man-arrested-allegedly-attacking-police-officer-during-sheffield-tree-felling-protest-439501 |website=Sheffield Telegraph |publisher=Sheffield Telegraph |access-date=28 August 2020}} before another man was arrested five days later for another felling at the same location.{{cite web |title=Man arrested over tree protest in Sheffield |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/man-arrested-over-tree-protest-sheffield-439204 |website=Sheffield Star |publisher=Sheffield Star |access-date=28 August 2020}} Three people were arrested in February 2018 during a protest to stop trees from being felled at Thornsett Road, Nether Edge.{{cite web |title=Three arrests at Sheffield tree-felling protest |url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2018-02-26/three-arrests-at-sheffield-tree-felling-protest/ |website=ITV News |publisher=ITV News |access-date=26 August 2020}} In March 2018, two men were arrested for protesting against the tree felling at Kenwood Road, Nether Edge, with one of the campaigners being forcibly removed from under a vehicle.{{cite web |title=Two arrested in Sheffield tree protest as police in riot helmets remove campaigner from under vehicle |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/two-arrested-sheffield-tree-protest-police-riot-helmets-remove-campaigner-under-vehicle-49187 |website=Yorkshire Post |publisher=Yorkshire Post |access-date=28 August 2020}} Two women were arrested later in March for protesting against the felling of lime trees in Chatsworth Road, Dore.{{cite web |title=Woman with pink recorder arrested over Sheffield tree felling protest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/23/woman-with-pink-recorder-arrested-over-sheffield-tree-felling |work=The Guardian |access-date=25 August 2020}}

Following the controversy, there was a halt to the tree felling since March 2018.{{cite news|last=Halliday |first=Josh |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/26/sheffield-council-pauses-tree-felling-scheme-after-criticism|title=Sheffield council pauses tree-felling scheme after criticism|date=26 March 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=12 August 2020|issn=0261-3077}} The pause lasted throughout the year whilst representatives from Sheffield City Council, Amey and Sheffield Tree Action Group held extended talks, mediated independently by the Bishop of Sheffield.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/pause-tree-felling-continues-talks-extended-249011|title=Pause on tree felling continues as talks extended|website=www.thestar.co.uk|access-date=12 August 2020}} Following this, about 200 trees which were due to be felled were retained.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-48934794|title=Trees lining city's streets saved from felling|date=10 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=12 August 2020}} Following the mediated talks an action plan, which supports a new approach to managing the city's street trees, was agreed between the council and Sheffield Trees Action Groups (STAG). The plan claims to identify practical solutions for retaining more street trees as part of a new approach adopted by the council and its wider partners.{{cite web|url=https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/action-plan-agreed-following-street-tree-inspections/|title=Action plan agreed following street tree inspections {{!}} Sheffield Newsroom {{!}} Sheffield City Council|last=Council|first=Sheffield City|access-date=12 August 2020}} There have been no widespread protests on this issue since.

Under Dore's leadership, SCC committed to a 15-year Woodlands Strategy which will see the planting of least 100,000 additional trees, and replace trees on a 2-for-1 basis in the city's green spaces and woodlands.{{cite web|url=https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/trees-and-woodlands-plan/|title=100,000 trees to be planted as part of trees and woodlands strategy {{!}} Sheffield Newsroom {{!}} Sheffield City Council|last=Council|first=Sheffield City|access-date=12 August 2020}} It was also mentioned in January 2018 that 1,200 new highway trees would be planted during winter 2018, including trees historically felled and not replanted.{{cite web|title=New trees take root on Sheffield highways|url=http://www.sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/newstreettreestakeroot/|website=Sheffield News Room|publisher=Sheffield News Room|access-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005324/http://www.sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/newstreettreestakeroot/|archive-date=7 February 2018|url-status=dead}}

In February 2019, seven campaigners who were arrested between November 2016 and February 2017 were awarded a wrongful arrest payout of £24,300 along with a drop of criminal charges.{{cite web |title=Sheffield tree protesters win wrongful arrest payout |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-47116019 |work=BBC News |access-date=28 August 2020}} A year-long investigation found that the council deliberately misled residents over the tree felling programme.{{cite web |title=Sheffield council says sorry for misleading residents over tree felling |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/12/sheffield-apologises-for-misleading-tree-felling-programme |work=The Guardian |access-date=12 August 2020}} In December 2019, SCC apologised for the initial strategy admitting that they 'got things wrong', and argued they had a renewed commitment to the city's trees and highway network, whilst promising to continue the collaboration with STAG, which was warmly welcomed by the group's co-chair.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/sheffield-council-admits-we-got-things-wrong-over-tree-felling-saga-1745442|title=Sheffield Council admits 'we got things wrong' over tree-felling saga|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk|access-date=12 August 2020}}

In 2020, it was reported that a peace deal had been drawn up between the protesters and SCC based on a shared vision for the city's trees, helping to shape a final plan which was due for Spring 2021, potentially ending the eight-year unrest.{{cite web |title='Peace deal' agreed as Sheffield tree-felling war ends after eight year battle |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/peace-deal-agreed-sheffield-tree-felling-war-ends-after-eight-year-battle-2913645 |work=The Star |access-date=12 August 2020}}

In 2021, a pledge to deliver the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership Strategy was signed jointly by representatives of Sheffield City Council, Amey, the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and the anti-felling campaigners in STAG to ensure the continued maintenance of the street trees around the city.{{cite web |title='New chapter' for Sheffield street trees after bitter felling saga as partnership pledge signed |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/new-chapter-for-sheffield-street-trees-after-bitter-felling-saga-as-partnership-pledge-signed-3347732 |website=Yorkshire Post |publisher=Yorkshire Post |access-date=30 August 2021}} Investigations into the tree felling programme are however still continuing due to the volume of documents involved, despite it being expected to be completed in May.{{cite web |title=Investigation into Sheffield tree felling scandal still ongoing due to 'volume of documents involved' |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/investigation-into-sheffield-tree-felling-scandal-still-ongoing-due-to-volume-of-documents-involved-3355297 |website=Yorkshire Post |publisher=Yorkshire Post |access-date=30 August 2021}}

In May 2022, Sheffield was named a "Tree City of the World" in recognition of its work to sustainably manage and maintain urban forests and trees.{{cite news |date=17 May 2022 |title=Sheffield wins Tree City of the World accolade |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-61479873 |access-date=18 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Congratulations to the cities in the United Kingdom that were recognised in 2021 as Tree Cities of the World |url=https://treecitiesoftheworld.org/documents/2021/partner-summary-2021-uk.pdf |website=Tree Cities of the World |publisher=Arbor Day Foundation |access-date=18 May 2022}}

Campaigners have alleged that the tree felling makes road maintenance and resurfacing cheaper over the 25-year contract, and helps corporate profit at the expense of the environment.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/28/sheffield-trees-dispute-scenes-putin-russia-nick-clegg-arrests|title=Sheffield trees dispute prompts 'scenes you'd expect in Putin's Russia'|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=12 August 2020}}

Politician and then Environment Secretary Michael Gove accused Sheffield City Council of "environmental vandalism" and promised to do "anything required" to end its tree-felling programme{{cite web |title=Woodland Trust response to today's announcement by Sheffield City Council on the halting of healthy tree felling |url=https://www.politicshome.com/members/article/burying-the-hatchet-woodland-trust-response-to-todays-announcement-by-sheffield-city-council-on-the-halting-of-healthy-tree-felling |website=Politics Home |publisher=Politics Home |access-date=12 August 2020}} while former Liberal democrat leader Nick Clegg branded the tree felling a "national scandal".{{cite web |title=Nick Clegg brands tree-felling 'national scandal' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-35542110#:~:text=Former%20Lib%20Dem%20leader%20Nick,in%20a%20%C2%A32bn%20project. |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}}

Writer Robert Macfarlane took part in the campaign, writing a poem for the protestors called 'Heartwood', which was set to music, flyposted, subvertised and hung as a 'charm' around endangered trees across Sheffield.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/robgmacfarlane/status/1062437170852577280 |title=Robert Macfarlane on Twitter |access-date=27 August 2020}} Former Pulp frontman and musician Jarvis Cocker branded the felling of the street trees as "crazy" and joined fellow singer Richard Hawley to DJ at an event in raising funds for the Sheffield Tree Action Group in March 2018.{{cite web |title=Sheffield trees: Jarvis Cocker brands felling 'crazy' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-43429405#:~:text=Musician%20Jarvis%20Cocker%20has%20described,the%20Sheffield%20Tree%20Action%20Group. |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}} Cocker later gave a speech in April 2018 at a protest in Sheffield City Hall, speaking out in support of the tree campaigners in Sheffield.{{cite web |title=Jarvis Cocker joins Sheffield tree felling protest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-south-yorkshire-43683112/jarvis-cocker-joins-sheffield-tree-felling-protest |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2020}} Environmentalist Rob McBride, (aka the tree hunter), instigated a successful, high-profile contest. The Great Trees of Sheffield was launched in January 2017 to help raise awareness of the street tree situation and campaigns. Judges featured, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley, Chris Packham, Nick Clegg, Patrick Barkham and Christine Walkden.{{cite web |title= Jarvis Cocker fronts campaign to save Sheffield trees |url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/20/jarvis-cocker-fronts-campaign-to-save-sheffield-trees|work=The Guardian |access-date=9 December 2020}}

{{reflist}}

• https://savesheffieldtrees.org.uk/history/
• {{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/24/chainsaws-disguises-and-toxic-tea-the-battle-for-sheffield-trees|title=Chainsaws, disguises and toxic tea: the battle for Sheffield’s trees|date=October 24, 2023|work=The Guardian|author=Samira Shackle}}

Category:History of Sheffield

Category:2014 protests

Category:Protests in England