Green Party Councillors Fight to Protect The Fosse: Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim Lead Community Efforts Against Tree Felling

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. This commitment is exemplified by the tireless efforts of Judd Ward councillors Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim, who have been at the forefront of protecting The Fosse, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, from controversial tree felling by developers.

A Community Outcry

The Fosse, an earth bund that once formed part of Tonbridge’s medieval defence wall, has been at the centre of a heated dispute afterChurchill Retirement Living began cutting down around 30 trees to make way for a 34-home retirement complex. Despite not having final approval for their management plan, the developers proceeded with the work, leaving the site in what residents describe as an “appalling” state.

The tree felling has sparked outrage among locals, with Dane Whitehurst, a neighbour to the site, launching a petition that has already garnered over 500 signatures. “They arrived without warning and by the next day, 50% of the trees were down,” said Whitehurst. “It’s a total mess. There was no thought for the animals or wildlife that lived there.”

Green Party Leadership

Cllrs Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim have been instrumental in raising awareness about the issue and advocating for the protection of The Fosse. From the outset, they have worked closely with residents, the borough council, and enforcement teams to ensure that the community’s concerns are addressed.

Cllr Hood expressed his dismay at the situation, stating, “It looks appalling! The council should also be considering not just the heritage aspects, but also the effect on biodiversity—this is destroying wildlife habitat. It’s heart-breaking. The council has a policy of trying to plant new trees across the borough, but here a green lung is being grubbed up.”

Balancing Heritage and Nature

The developers argue that the tree felling, which they describe as “coppicing,” is necessary to restore The Fosse to its original condition, as advised by Historic England. However, the Green Party has consistently argued that heritage preservation should not come at the expense of biodiversity.

When the development application first came before the planning committee in June 2023, all Green councillors present voted against it, citing the irreversible harm to the trees. Unfortunately, they were outvoted by other committee members. Since then, Cllrs Hood and Pilgrim have worked tirelessly to ensure that the remaining trees and coppiced areas are managed as responsibly as possible.

A Commitment to Tonbridge

This situation is a prime example of how the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party is Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. From protecting green spaces to advocating for better transport, housing, and community services, Green councillors are dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to residents.

Cllr Stacey Pilgrim emphasised the importance of community involvement, saying, “The community’s response has been incredible. It’s a reminder of how much people care about our green spaces. We’ll continue to fight for what’s best for Tonbridge, whether that’s protecting trees, improving public transport, or supporting local businesses.”

Looking Ahead

While the tree felling on The Fosse is a setback, the Green Party remains committed to finding solutions that benefit both the environment and the community. This includes pushing for the retention of at least three significant trees—an oak and two limes—and ensuring that any future saplings are allowed to grow into a layered woodland structure.

The Tonbridge and Malling Green Party’s dedication to local issues goes beyond the environment. With policies on transport, housing, education, and business, Green councillors are working to create a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future for everyone in the borough.

If you’d like to support our efforts or get involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can protect our heritage and environment for future generations.

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