What are the Billingshurst oak trees' status?

The Billingshurst oak trees, believed to be over 200 years old, remain vulnerable as of October 2025. The local authority had initially granted permission to fell the trees, but after a community effort, including hiring a lawyer and a petition signed by thousands, the council has paused the plans while it seeks legal advice.

How are insurers impacting the UK's ancient trees?

Insurers frequently recommend felling trees as a quick fix to address building subsidence, a practice that campaigners fear could lead to the loss of the UK's most irreplaceable ancient trees. This is a significant concern, as the cumulative impact of these decisions can be devastating for urban environments.

What is Linda Taylor Cantrill's story?

When an insurance company suggested chopping down a 200-year-old oak tree in the garden of her Exmouth, Devon home, Linda Taylor Cantrill says she "turned into Boudicca" to stop the chainsaws. After a years-long battle, she finally won the fight to save the tree in 2025.

Home / Environment / Homeowners Defend Centuries-Old Trees from Insurer's Chainsaws

Homeowners Defend Centuries-Old Trees from Insurer's Chainsaws

30 Oct

•

Summary

Insurers often recommend felling trees to fix subsidence issues
Campaigners fear this could lead to loss of UK's ancient, irreplaceable trees
Residents fight to save 200-year-old oak tree and 120-year-old plane tree

Homeowners Defend Centuries-Old Trees from Insurer's Chainsaws

As of October 30th, 2025, a growing issue in the UK is the practice of insurers recommending the felling of trees as a quick fix to address building subsidence. Campaigners warn that this could result in the loss of the country's most irreplaceable ancient trees.

One such case is that of Linda Taylor Cantrill, who fought for years to save a 200-year-old oak tree in the garden of her Exmouth, Devon home. When an insurance company suggested chopping down the tree, Taylor Cantrill says she "turned into Boudicca" to stop the chainsaws, ultimately winning her battle this year.

Gio Iozzi, part of the Haringey Tree Protectors group, is also heavily involved in efforts to save a 120-year-old plane tree in north London, describing the issue as "big a problem as the water pollution scandal." The Woodland Trust has also expressed significant concern over the matter, stating that "mature and veteran trees are often removed before causation is proven."