Wildlife campaigners fighting plans to fell Lisker Drive trees, Otley

However the owners of the land, developer Persimmon West Yorkshire, say the 15 poplar trees next to Lisker Drive are in a dangerous condition and could prove a hazard to the public if left alone.

The land has been earmarked in the East of Otley Development to be used for new homes, though no planning applications are currently under consideration.

Pressure groups Otley 2030 and Wildlife Friendly Otley want the trees left alone as they could be home to currently-hibernating bats.

The campaigners add that residents nearby have reported regularly spotting barn owls perched in the trees’ upper limbs before their evening hunts; and say the bramble, ivy and scrub around the bottom of the trees is perfect for hibernating hedgehogs and various ground-nesting birds.

A Persimmon West Yorkshire spokesperson said: “We have been liaising closely with Leeds City Council and City and Town Councillors in Otley regarding the removal of 15 poplar trees on land off Lisker Drive.

“As part of routine estate management, an arboricultural survey was undertaken by independent chartered arboriculturists. This identified 15 Poplar trees in poor health recommended for removal given the unacceptable level of risk to the general public.

“As the owner of the land, we have a common law duty of care to ensure that injuries are not caused by any incident occurring on the land in question. We must also be guided by the independent expert advice and guidance that we receive. If a tree was to fall on someone, members of the public and policy makers would rightly question why a business had not acted upon the advice it had received.”

The campaigners have asked for access to the aboricultural survey carried out by AWA Tree Consultants but Persimmon has not made it public. They say that a previous report carried out in 2021 rated the threatened trees in “fair condition”.

A spokesperson for both groups said: “The [first] report raises many questions. Why is Persimmon planning to remove 15 trees when there are only 11 poplars? Does the number 15 include the veteran ash tree at the end of the line of poplars, and how have trees given a rating on ‘fair’ now all need felling urgently? These questions cannot be answered without sight of all the necessary, legal paperwork.”

The trees in leaf

Persimmon and AWA Tree Consultants held a briefing for local councillors about the site, which was attended by Danefield town councillor Mick Bradley

He said: “It was agreed that in the absence of the full AWA report being released, as has been requested, that a summary ‘note’ would be produced for the public to view, this has not as yet been received. I also sought and got confirmation that a hold be put on any action until this had occurred. Concerned residents need to know what is proposed and why it’s necessary and be able to respond.

“I accept that if some trees in the line of poplars pose an immediate danger to the public this requires them to be reduced or even felled. However I am yet to be convinced this is by any means all or even most of the trees.

“The end tree is in fact a veteran Ash, there are also questions around bats roosting potential in and birds nesting which need to be addressed.”

The spokesman for Persimmon said that following the removal of the trees, 55 new ones would be planted. He added: “The new tree planting, of more suitable native species, will improve the tree cover in the longer term. Qualified ecologists will supervise the tree work, to ensure no birds, bats or other protected species are negatively impacted.”

The campaigners remain unconvinced, and Andrew Howarth, Community Development Lead for Otley 2030, said: “Given that the original masterplan for the East of Otley site, created by Persimmon and their coalition partners, would have seen a 47% net loss in biodiversity on the site, and given that they have recently been lobbying the government to make 10% Biodiversity Net Gains on site ‘optional’, (despite the cost barely putting a dent in their huge profits) it’s difficult to trust Persimmon’s judgement on wildlife issues. It is also astounding that Leeds City Council, given their declaration of a Climate Emergency and progressive Local Plan update proposals, continue to work in partnership with such a destructive business.”

Local ecologist, and a trustee at Wildlife Friendly Otley, Steve Heaton said: “This is an area of mature woodland that consists of large poplar trees, a veteran ash tree plus other species. There is also a sizeable and relatively rare wych elm by the road. It is a very important habitat for breeding birds, for bat roosts, and for other protected species, such as hedgehogs. Felling all these trees now would be a deliberate and negligent act of ecocide”

Wildlife Friendly Otley secretary, River Six added: “With nesting season about to start – or in some cases already in full swing – destroying this habitat amounts to environmental vandalism. It is against the law to damage or destroy the breeding or resting place of bats’ or the nest of any wild bird. This area provides a home for a variety of wildlife as well as being beloved of many people living nearby. We would like to ask Leeds City Council to step in and stop Persimmon removing this important area of Otley wildlife habitat.”