Dear supporters of the Happy Man Tree,
At a planning meeting on 9 September, Hackney Council voted through the Woodberry Down Phase 3 application and the felling of the Happy Man Tree. Read more below.
We are now focusing our efforts on trying to ensure that the Happy Man Tree is crowned the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year 2020 for England.
VOTING CLOSES ON 24 SEPTEMBER, so please vote today and share widely.
The Happy Man Tree is the only street tree, and the only tree under threat, shortlisted for the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year for England.
Now is the time for recognition to be given to the value that street trees bring to urban landscapes in terms of their environmental benefits, their beauty and the cultural importance they hold for local communities.
Hackney Council have denied the cultural value of the Happy Man Tree, but we know differently.
From the Woodland Trust's Street Tree Project, about street trees:
“They're our neighbours. Old friends. They're at the heart of our community. Street trees add character to our streets, join us on our daily commute and provide a host of benefits for people, wildlife and our urban environment.”
This sums up the Happy Man Tree perfectly!
Thanks so much for the support you have shown the Happy Man Tree. Its been really important for keeping our spirits up and the campaign going.
More about the planning decision
We put up a determined fight to represent our case and the huge amount of support the tree has, but our objections were minimised and other concerns about the scheme were skipped over and remain unresolved. The alternative plan which would have enabled keeping the tree and building all the social and affordable housing was summarily dismissed without discussion.
Here is the campaign's presentation to the committee
This post captures many of the frustrations experienced by objectors in relation to the reconsultation, the planning meeting and decision-making.
Read more in the Hackney Citizen, including a commitment from Hackney Council that the Happy Man Tree will not be felled until the Phase 3 application is approved by the London Mayor and Section 106 contributions are finalised.