ChrisGibsonWildlife
@chrismothman.bsky.social
Naturalist, tour leader, photographer, speaker, author, conservationist. Wildlife Advocate at Beth Chatto Gardens, Essex
#BridgesNotBorders #IamEUropean
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk
New book for @princetonupress.bsky.social...see my website frontpage
#BridgesNotBorders #IamEUropean
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk
New book for @princetonupress.bsky.social...see my website frontpage
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Chris Gibson Wildlife | Wildlife and Nature Photographer, Essex
chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk
Refugee from Twitter. Been here a while, but please visit my website for regular blogs about the natural world and the places I have the good fortune to visit chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
We are curious to see what the council will do in coming days. Previously the car park old King George is (unfortunately) sited in was set for closure as of midnight tonight. With an injunction in place we cannot see why a closure would still continue. Felling works were due to commence this week.
January 4, 2026 at 10:55 AM
We are curious to see what the council will do in coming days. Previously the car park old King George is (unfortunately) sited in was set for closure as of midnight tonight. With an injunction in place we cannot see why a closure would still continue. Felling works were due to commence this week.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
"UK biodiversity continues to decline" - BBC News share.google/HLh9PGHcpFZk... we are concerned if our council has not fully factored in its statutory biodiversity duty in choosing the fate for our trees. 170 year old oaks can support over 2300+ species and are practically irreplaceable assets
UK biodiversity continues to decline, 2025 bioindicators show - BBC News
Wallingford scientists contributed to the 2025 indicators with analysis of animal and plant trends.
share.google
January 4, 2026 at 12:46 PM
"UK biodiversity continues to decline" - BBC News share.google/HLh9PGHcpFZk... we are concerned if our council has not fully factored in its statutory biodiversity duty in choosing the fate for our trees. 170 year old oaks can support over 2300+ species and are practically irreplaceable assets
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
The bloke's a lawyer.
January 3, 2026 at 9:34 PM
The bloke's a lawyer.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
Old King George and the horsechestnut at sunset ❤️🧡💙
January 3, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Old King George and the horsechestnut at sunset ❤️🧡💙
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
Read all about the injunction and our CrowdJustice campaign in today's Colchester Gazette www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2573559...
New fundraiser launched in fight to save Wivenhoe trees
Wivenhoe campaigners fighting to save an ancient tree have launched a new fundraiser after legal notices vanished.
www.gazette-news.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Read all about the injunction and our CrowdJustice campaign in today's Colchester Gazette www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2573559...
This morning's Wolf Moon, in the northwest sky at sunrise, as seen from our Wivenhoe flat.
January 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
This morning's Wolf Moon, in the northwest sky at sunrise, as seen from our Wivenhoe flat.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
5. Slowing down the rush to fell these trees now ensures that all these concerns are taken into account and the right decision for buildings and trees alike is found in view of all statutory and legal requirements.
January 3, 2026 at 10:06 AM
5. Slowing down the rush to fell these trees now ensures that all these concerns are taken into account and the right decision for buildings and trees alike is found in view of all statutory and legal requirements.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
A reminder of our latest situation as of the 29th Dec - the trees are currently safe thanks to a temporary injunction. We await further news from the courts and from Wivenhoe Town Council on what the next steps will be, so we are readying for the prospect of the judicial review we've applied for.
Today the High Court has granted an interim injunction preventing the felling of 'Old King George', our beloved 170 year old oak in Wivenhoe, and a nearby horse chestnut. This is temporary protection while legal issues are examined. We’ll share any updates as soon as we can.
January 1, 2026 at 10:33 PM
A reminder of our latest situation as of the 29th Dec - the trees are currently safe thanks to a temporary injunction. We await further news from the courts and from Wivenhoe Town Council on what the next steps will be, so we are readying for the prospect of the judicial review we've applied for.
First blog of the year, and as always a write up of our #WildEssex New Year Plant Hunt...
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk/wildessex-ne...
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk/wildessex-ne...
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
January 2, 2026 at 4:50 PM
First blog of the year, and as always a write up of our #WildEssex New Year Plant Hunt...
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk/wildessex-ne...
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
www.chrisgibsonwildlife.co.uk/wildessex-ne...
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
@chrisgpackham.bsky.social @guyshrubsole.bsky.social @extinctionrebellion.uk @thunberggreta.bsky.social this might be of interest to you and your followers; a small town community standing up for the rights of nature against a big-time insurer, who look to fell a 170 year old oak tree.
We thought we should recap our story for new followers:
1. Old King George is a 170-year-old oak in Wivenhoe, Essex which alongside a mature horse chestnut, was due to be felled following pressure linked to a subsidence claim by Aviva in early 2025. So far, they survive thanks to a community effort.
1. Old King George is a 170-year-old oak in Wivenhoe, Essex which alongside a mature horse chestnut, was due to be felled following pressure linked to a subsidence claim by Aviva in early 2025. So far, they survive thanks to a community effort.
January 1, 2026 at 8:50 PM
@chrisgpackham.bsky.social @guyshrubsole.bsky.social @extinctionrebellion.uk @thunberggreta.bsky.social this might be of interest to you and your followers; a small town community standing up for the rights of nature against a big-time insurer, who look to fell a 170 year old oak tree.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
22/22 If you’ve read this far, thank you. Please follow us, share, and help us see this legal process through. Saving the trees matters... but ensuring a fair, lawful and transparent decision making process matters to us greatly too. Either/both would be a meaningful outcome.
January 1, 2026 at 8:43 PM
22/22 If you’ve read this far, thank you. Please follow us, share, and help us see this legal process through. Saving the trees matters... but ensuring a fair, lawful and transparent decision making process matters to us greatly too. Either/both would be a meaningful outcome.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
21. Insurers should not be able to place inappropriate pressures on small town councils, and should be responsible for the environmental and social harm they cause in prioritising their profits first. We fear in this case, their customers are not getting the best outcome either.
January 1, 2026 at 8:42 PM
21. Insurers should not be able to place inappropriate pressures on small town councils, and should be responsible for the environmental and social harm they cause in prioritising their profits first. We fear in this case, their customers are not getting the best outcome either.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
20. This case is about a simple principle: when something is being done that is irreversible and cannot be undone after the fact to an important asset (e.g. a 170 year old oak), then clearly decisions should be taken carefully, transparently, and lawfully before the damage happens, not after
January 1, 2026 at 8:42 PM
20. This case is about a simple principle: when something is being done that is irreversible and cannot be undone after the fact to an important asset (e.g. a 170 year old oak), then clearly decisions should be taken carefully, transparently, and lawfully before the damage happens, not after
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
19. If decisions about old and significant trees like ours aren’t open to proper scrutiny, communities lose both valued natural assets and confidence in how decisions are made. We have seen first hand how this breaks down relationships locally and trust in our local authority.
January 1, 2026 at 8:42 PM
19. If decisions about old and significant trees like ours aren’t open to proper scrutiny, communities lose both valued natural assets and confidence in how decisions are made. We have seen first hand how this breaks down relationships locally and trust in our local authority.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
18. This case is an example of a wider situation. Our story is not unique. Across the country, irreversible environmental decisions, often about trees, are increasingly shaped by insurer pressure, incomplete evidence, and opaque processes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Protected trees felled to save money, group says
Tree Preservation Orders are declared by local authorities but not enforced, tree officers say.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:41 PM
18. This case is an example of a wider situation. Our story is not unique. Across the country, irreversible environmental decisions, often about trees, are increasingly shaped by insurer pressure, incomplete evidence, and opaque processes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
17. The injunction is not yet a final decision about the trees. It’s a pause to prevent irreversible harm while the lawfulness of the decision-making is properly examined. It buys us all time to stop and talk, to find the right and proper solution not the rushed one driven by an insurer.
January 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM
17. The injunction is not yet a final decision about the trees. It’s a pause to prevent irreversible harm while the lawfulness of the decision-making is properly examined. It buys us all time to stop and talk, to find the right and proper solution not the rushed one driven by an insurer.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
16. Bringing us to now, the start of 2026, almost a year after the petition launched. We are now working towards the prospect of a Judicial Review and fundraising with this in mind. We seek a transparent and fair process to determine the fate for our trees. www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-wi...
www.crowdjustice.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM
16. Bringing us to now, the start of 2026, almost a year after the petition launched. We are now working towards the prospect of a Judicial Review and fundraising with this in mind. We seek a transparent and fair process to determine the fate for our trees. www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-wi...
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
14. Starting with letters asking for a delay to the felling works, which were met with no constructive response. We realised our only option was to apply for a judicial review with interim relief via a temporary injunction.
www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2572263...
www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2572263...
Fight to save historic Wivenhoe oak tree being taken to High Court
CAMPAIGNERS trying to save a 150 year old oak tree have appealed to the High Court in effort to stop it from being cut down.
www.gazette-news.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:37 PM
14. Starting with letters asking for a delay to the felling works, which were met with no constructive response. We realised our only option was to apply for a judicial review with interim relief via a temporary injunction.
www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2572263...
www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2572263...
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
10. In the meantime, while we waited for a response to the EIR request, the council announced their intention to fell the trees from the 5th January 2026 and installed fencing around the site in readiness. wivenhoe.gov.uk/news/stateme... this came as a shock, they were moving fast and determined.
Statement – The High Street Car Park – Wivenhoe Town Council
wivenhoe.gov.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 PM
10. In the meantime, while we waited for a response to the EIR request, the council announced their intention to fell the trees from the 5th January 2026 and installed fencing around the site in readiness. wivenhoe.gov.uk/news/stateme... this came as a shock, they were moving fast and determined.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
9. No further evidence was provided to justify this decision and there were gaps in the statement. An Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request was submitted to seek to release whatever the new and total evidence base was for this decision, and for details of how this decision was made.
January 1, 2026 at 8:34 PM
9. No further evidence was provided to justify this decision and there were gaps in the statement. An Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request was submitted to seek to release whatever the new and total evidence base was for this decision, and for details of how this decision was made.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
8. But Autumn arrived, and we had heard little news on the fate of the trees and any investigations. Until a meeting with the council in November where they presented a statement they were set to release shortly after, announcing again they would be felling the trees. wivenhoe.gov.uk/news/wivenho...
Wivenhoe Town Council Statement on The Oak Tree & Horse Chestnut Tree – Wivenhoe Town Council
wivenhoe.gov.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:33 PM
8. But Autumn arrived, and we had heard little news on the fate of the trees and any investigations. Until a meeting with the council in November where they presented a statement they were set to release shortly after, announcing again they would be felling the trees. wivenhoe.gov.uk/news/wivenho...
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
15. Our application was submitted on the 23rd Dec before the Christmas courts closure, and on the 29th Dec 2025 when they reopened, we were sent an Injunction Order preventing any felling or harm to the trees! This prevents any irreversible action being taken while matters are considered.
January 1, 2026 at 8:39 PM
15. Our application was submitted on the 23rd Dec before the Christmas courts closure, and on the 29th Dec 2025 when they reopened, we were sent an Injunction Order preventing any felling or harm to the trees! This prevents any irreversible action being taken while matters are considered.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
13. We took legal advice, which highlighted that ongoing statutory processes were unresolved, governance issues had been raised and there were potential breaches of public law if the trees were to be felled on January 5th 2026. We decided to take action.
January 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
13. We took legal advice, which highlighted that ongoing statutory processes were unresolved, governance issues had been raised and there were potential breaches of public law if the trees were to be felled on January 5th 2026. We decided to take action.
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
12. Discussions resumed with Colchester City Council about the potential for a Tree Preservation Order to be issued, given the concerning dispute over evidence and conclusions being relied upon, and imminent irreversible felling plans. They could do nothing until the 5th Jan... the felling day!
January 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
12. Discussions resumed with Colchester City Council about the potential for a Tree Preservation Order to be issued, given the concerning dispute over evidence and conclusions being relied upon, and imminent irreversible felling plans. They could do nothing until the 5th Jan... the felling day!
Reposted by ChrisGibsonWildlife
11. Following which, a final hour (a day late, actually) EIR response was provided, which was upon receipt by us considered completely unacceptable. It seemed to disregard the spirit and letter of the regulations by providing almost no new information at all. A complaint was lodged immediately.
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 PM
11. Following which, a final hour (a day late, actually) EIR response was provided, which was upon receipt by us considered completely unacceptable. It seemed to disregard the spirit and letter of the regulations by providing almost no new information at all. A complaint was lodged immediately.