22/07/2026
What are your thoughts?
Jean Harris, 79, is refusing to sell part of her garden to protect a 500-year-old oak tree that could be felled as part of the proposed £45 million Hereford bypass.
The retired school secretary and piano teacher says the ancient tree, believed to date back to the reign of King Henry VIII, is a treasured local landmark and home to important wildlife.
"It’s very old, about 500 years or so, and in perfect condition. Why would you want to ruin that?" she said.
"You can see it from the roads and it is definitely a landmark for us around here."
Jean also fears the bypass would destroy habitats for bats, owls and other wildlife, while bringing constant traffic noise to the home she has lived in since 2003.
"We get lots of bats and owls, there’s lots of wildlife around here. It’s a key area for all wildlife and to lose it would be catastrophic," she said.
Despite the council's plans to improve congestion in Hereford, Jean insists she will not sell the land, even though officials have warned they could use compulsory purchase powers if no agreement is reached.
The council said most landowners have agreed to sell or are close to doing so, adding that compulsory purchase is a "normal part of delivering major infrastructure projects" where necessary.
