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'Sizewell C oak tree felling would be devastating', say residents.txt
'Sizewell C oak tree felling would be spin a dicedevastating', say residentsSkip to contentBritish Broadcasting CorporationHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. 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after permission was granted.But locals fear it will mean the loss of 10 oaks - each more than 100 years old - to improve the sight line of the 60mph stretch, which could become part of the Sizewell C Link Road system.It remains unclear at this stage if all or any of the trees will be cut down, as project bosses say they will "only ever remove trees when we absolutely have to".Campaigner Catherine Richardson said the uncertainty "doesn't make a lot of logical sense" and "there's a lack of joined up thinking"."They say it will be done on an ad hoc basis when they have got the saws out," she told the BBC."They've numbered the trees, so they are very aware of them, but they will not tell us [if they will] definitely cut down the trees."Luke Deal/BBCCampaigners fear the oak trees could be cut down by those behind the Sizewell C developmentAccording to Sizewell C, when the power plant is complete, 42 hectares (103 acres) of woodland within the site estate will have been re-established.Between 50,000 and 100,000 trees and shrubs, plus additional hedgerows, will have been planted and a total of six nature reserves will have been created.But Steve Thorpe, 70, said it would still be a "great shame" if the oak trees were to be felled."We won't be turning down any planting of new trees and shrubs but it's a case of conserving what we have got," he said."Oak trees have an ecological significance, and it would be a great loss to lose these particular trees when it is not necessary."You could say this might be the straw that broke the horse's back for us."Getty ImagesSizewell C will generate 3.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to provide 7% of the UK's needsMandy Beaumont, 63, said it would be "devastating" were the trees to be felled and suggested a reduction in the speed limit could be the answer."If it was reduced to 30mph the oak trees could be saved because they wouldn't need such long sight lines," she said."We just want them to stop and think before they go ahead and do, because these oaks would still be here long after Sizewell C is decommissioned."Sizewell C said any work it carries out would be done with "the support of ecologists and in line with our development consent order"."We'll be in touch with residents about our plans for the junction of the B1122/B1125 once our designs have been finalised," a spokesperson said.Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More on this storyWhat are the arguments for and against Sizewell C?Protest against nuclear plant's sea defencesFive signs Sizewell C is gearing up for go-ahead'Nothing prepared us for Sizewell C devastation'Sizewell C sets up new grant-giving nature charitySizewell C will be 'colossal for job opportunities'Related internet linksSizewell CTreesSizewellMiddletonNatureNuclear powerEDF EnergyRelatedHome plan rejected due to protected treesCounting rings reveals Sycamore Gap tree age rangeGroup wants transparency over town tree fellingMore from the BBC2 days agoCall for action over 'heart-wrenching' blue-green algaeA public meeting took place on Monday evening in response to the ongoing pollution crisis at Lough Neagh.2 days ago2 days agoButterfly species fail to surge despite hot summerAn annual butterfly survey shows mixed results for species after a record low count in 2024.2 days ago3 days agoNature map to inspire residents to enjoy outdoorsThe map will show what Bristol's parks, green spaces, cycleways and waterways have to offer.3 days ago4 days agoLottery cash to improve access to city wetland arcThe funding will encourage habitats and improve access to the River Great Ouse Valley Wetland Arc.4 days ago5 days agoNuclear industry says waste site is keyA government body is considering two sites in Cumbria for the waste site.5 days agoBritish Broadcasting CorporationHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveWeatherBBC ShopBritBoxBBC in other languagesFollow BBC on:Terms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyCookiesAccessibility HelpContact the BBCAdvertise with usDo not share or sell my infoBBC.com Help & FAQsContent IndexCopyright 2025 BBC. 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