Sheffield tree protests: Plaque in town hall lobby will recognise 'courageous' protestors who fought 'wrongful' felling

Residents protested against Sheffield city council’s controversial £2.2bn PFI highways contract with Amey which led to the unnecessary removal of thousands of mature, healthy street trees, often replaced by saplings.

Many were arrested for peaceful protests, some were taken to the High Court and several received suspended prison sentences.

Around 5,000 trees were felled by the time the scheme was put on hold in 2018 but the contract had a target to fell and replace 17,500.

An independent review led by Sir Mark Lowcock found the council would have chopped down over 10,000 more trees if their campaign had not succeeded. Sir Mark said ultimately "the council's behaviour was the fuel that drove the protesters".

The plaque will serve as a reminder for future generations of the campaign and the wrongs committed by the council between2012 and 2018.

Made by Sheffield company, Brass Founders, it will read: “In recognition of the courageous campaigners who saved thousands of street trees from wrongful felling by Sheffield City Council, and as a reminder to all that such failures of leadership must never happen again."

It will be hung in the town hall’s inner lobby, below one commemorating the Kinder Trespass, at a height that allows anyone to see or touch it “and that’s important to us”, said Shelley Cockayne, from Sheffield Tree Action Group.

She said: “Getting to where we are now is a result of a year’s worth of commitment by campaigners and I’m very proud of that. For me, it’s about remembering that everyone who represents the public in councils across the country must never lose sight of who they are doing that for every day.”

Council leader Tom Hunt said the move “reflects the significant changes that have taken place since the dark days of the street tree dispute”.