One tree may seem like just one tree.  But to us, our community and our school kids, it's more than that.  Every tree counts and this mature London Plane Tree seems just to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Lewisham Council has given permission to fell the tree, which has stood for easily a century, in order that a crane platform can be constructed, for just one weekend's work.  Incredible, eh?

It is fantastic that the Council is replacing the footbridge - but there must be a way to do this that doesn't mean the destruction of the tree.

They have made their decision just based on cost: let's talk about value, in that case. 

A tree is about the water it diverts, the shade that it casts, the CO2 that it captures, the diversity it supports, and the spirit it gives to our neighbourhood.  See here for more information on the research about the value of mature trees.

We're taking inspiration from the Cox's Walk Footbridge campaigners, who successfully saved two oak trees from felling: Southwark Council was prepared to look differently at engineering solutions and we call on Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham to be able to do the same.

After all, Lewisham Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and p40 of their Climate Emergency Action Plan states, 'In short, the value of trees is immeasurable.'

Please sign this petition to show support for the Sydenham Park Footbridge Plane Tree.  We don't have much time: the tree is scheduled to be felled before works start week commencing 31st Oct!