Protesters occupy tree in way of road widening

Protesters are occupying a tree to try to stop it being cut down as part of a road-widening scheme.

The group of campaigners, who have been camping in and around the tree for a week, said they believed the oak, near Sparkford, in Somerset, was close to 600 years old. But National Highways, which is creating a dual carriageway along the A303, claimed it was between 50 and 100 years old.

Rob Mcbride, a tree expert, said the oak was about 400 years old, adding that National Highways was “greatly underplaying” its significance.

The organisation said it would work with police, all relevant authorities and those protesting.