Save Wivenhoe's Old King George Oak tree

Thank you again to everyone who has supported the Save Old King George campaign so far. Your backing has enabled us to obtain expert advice, challenge assumptions, and insist on greater scrutiny around a decision that would permanently remove a much-loved and environmentally important tree.

Recent developments mean we are now at a critical juncture.

Despite unresolved information requests, outstanding questions over evidence, and an ongoing complaint to the Financial Ombudsman regarding the insurer’s conclusions in this case, preparations are now being made that could enable felling to proceed early in the new year. The council are planning to start preparatory works this week with fencing, and to commence felling from the 5th January.

We have taken legal advice. That advice confirms there are credible legal routes still available to challenge this decision and to seek interim protection for the trees while due process is followed. However, pursuing these options requires additional legal resources and the ability to act quickly, and we are looking to supplement our remaining funds from the original Crowdfunding drive earlier this year from before we produced the Independent Expert Report, which has helped hugely to defend the trees and has helped build our confidence that these trees could be saved and that there are shortcomings with the insurer's analysis of the situation.

We are therefore seeking to raise further funds to supplement our existing fund, so that we can:

• respond rapidly to new developments;
• take urgent legal steps if required;
• ensure that decisions affecting public land, biodiversity and community safety are properly tested.

As ever, any funds raised will be used solely to support responsible, proportionate legal action aimed at preventing irreversible harm and ensuring transparency and accountability. In the event that we are unsuccessful and the trees are felled, any funds that are not utilised will be put towards mitigation and accountability after the fact, we will not stop fighting for better outcomes for trees.

This campaign has always been about fairness, evidence, and protecting what cannot be replaced. Once a mature tree like Old King George is gone, no amount of replanting can undo that loss.

If you are able to donate, or to share this update with others who care about trees, climate resilience and community spaces, your support is deeply appreciated. We are very mindful that we are asking at a time of year when all of our budgets are most constrained, so will be very appreciative of any help anyone is able to give at all.

We will continue to keep supporters informed as events unfold.