Cockermouth protestors take to streets in opposition to tree felling

The trees, on the edge of Harris Park and along the Greenway, will be cut down to make way for a four-storey apartment block and six houses as part of The Sidings development.

The scheme was recently agreed by Cumberland Council.

The organisers were delighted with the turnout (Image: Ke Cai)

One of the event organisers, Kate Parry, estimated there were “at least 200 people, maybe as many as 400 at the protest".

Protesters ranged in age from five to 92. "Shopkeepers were standing in their doorways clapping and waving us on," said Kate.

Kate Parry addresses the crowd (Image: Ke Cai)

"Car drivers were tooting their support. The atmosphere was great."

Fellow organiser Gabrielle Sanders said: "It was wonderful to see so many people turn up and join in.

"It just shows the strength of local opposition to the development.

"People in Cockermouth know that the woodland provides precious habitat for wildlife such as red squirrels, birds and bats.

Many people joined in the march (Image: Ke Cai)

"Harris Park and the Greenway are also enclaves of peace and tranquillity in an increasingly busy town centre.

"People were very clear on Saturday: these trees matter and we won’t stand by and watch them be cut down."

The protestors were joined by award-winning filmmaker Terry Abraham, who addressed the crowds.

Film maker Terry Abraham is supporting the protestors (Image: Tom Speight)

Afterwards he said: "The people of Cockermouth have big hearts.

"They sent a clear message to Cumberland councillors on Saturday: this woodland is an important feeding ground for red squirrels – one of this country’s most beautiful and rare creatures.

"The trees have Tree Protection Orders on them, why have these been removed?"

Imogen Barnfather attended the march with her young son, and addressed the crowd: "We do not live in a time where mature woodland can be considered low value. We should be taking every opportunity to preserve our local ecosystem. It is our responsibility to preserve our environment for future generations, for the young people of Cockermouth.

"It is so important for the mental health and well-being of our community, to be able to access green spaces.

"We do need homes, but we need more social housing, not luxury flats."

People gathered at the cenotaph (Image: Tom Speight)

Local musicians entertained the crowds, including Dave Camlin and his choir, Sing Owt, and young Cockermouth singers Tilly Bridgman and Freya Atherton.

A petition opposing The Sidings development, launched by campaign group Protect Cockermouth Wildlife, has attracted 5,500 signatures.

Clear messages, outside The Sidings (Image: Trevor Earthy)

The site is being developed by Dobies Cumbria Properties Ltd, which says that more trees will be replanted than felled.

Bill Dobie reckoned there were “circa 100” at the protest.

“We have had two wildlife cameras running where the squirrels allegedly habitat for four weeks and zero sightings," he said.