We are seeing a worrying pattern across Battle

Trees and hedgerows are being destroyed on land where owners hope to gain future planning permission. Once the trees are gone, the argument becomes easier: “there’s nothing of value here.”

Battle for Trees has received a number of complaints about mass tree damage at: Park Lane (off Battle High Street), Powdermills and Caldbec Hill.

These trees are habitats, carbon stores, flood defences, and part of our shared natural heritage. Destroying them before an application is even submitted undermines the planning process and erases nature before it has a chance to be protected.

We need stronger safeguards, better enforcement, and a community that speaks up when this happens.

If you see tree or hedgerow removal that doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Document it. Report it. Share it.