Britain's Insurance Industry Faces Backlash Over Tree Felling
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is bracing itself for a surge in subsidence claims this year, with insurers pushing to fell ancient trees deemed responsible for damage to homes. Critics, however, are decrying the practice as a cheap and often ineffective fix that could lead to the loss of irreplaceable heritage sites.
In a recent case, Linda Taylor Cantrill successfully fought to save her beloved 200-year-old oak tree in Exmouth, Devon, after an insurance company suggested chopping it down. The decision was motivated by subsidence affecting the house, but Taylor Cantrill says she turned "into Boudicca" when she learned of the plan.
Gio Iozzi and Caroline Campbell from the Woodland Trust echo Taylor's sentiments, warning that insurers are often risk-averse and default to tree removal without exploring alternative engineering or root management solutions. The trust described this approach as a "significant concern", highlighting how mature trees can mitigate flood risks and improve air quality in urban areas.
The ABI countered that insurers assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and consult with experts before making decisions, but critics argue that the general approach remains risk-averse. In Billingshurst, West Sussex, two 200-year-old oak trees are currently under threat from local authorities who initially granted permission to fell them despite tree preservation orders.
Despite opposition from villagers, including thousands of signatures on a petition in support, the council has paused plans to cut down the trees while taking legal advice. However, campaigners say that losing these trees would be devastating for the local environment and the community.
"It's not just about saving those two trees," said Gabi Barrett. "It's about what it means for our community and our way of life." The battle to preserve these trees has become a personal one for many, with those who have grown up in Billingshurst deeply attached to their natural heritage.
As the insurance industry grapples with the consequences of climate change, campaigners are warning that felling ancient trees could be a step backwards. While insurers claim to explore alternative solutions, such as underpinning, these methods carry environmental costs and may not always be suitable.
Taylor Cantrill's victory is seen as a beacon of hope for others fighting to save their own beloved trees. For those like Barrett, the stakes are high: losing these natural treasures would be devastating.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is bracing itself for a surge in subsidence claims this year, with insurers pushing to fell ancient trees deemed responsible for damage to homes. Critics, however, are decrying the practice as a cheap and often ineffective fix that could lead to the loss of irreplaceable heritage sites.
In a recent case, Linda Taylor Cantrill successfully fought to save her beloved 200-year-old oak tree in Exmouth, Devon, after an insurance company suggested chopping it down. The decision was motivated by subsidence affecting the house, but Taylor Cantrill says she turned "into Boudicca" when she learned of the plan.
Gio Iozzi and Caroline Campbell from the Woodland Trust echo Taylor's sentiments, warning that insurers are often risk-averse and default to tree removal without exploring alternative engineering or root management solutions. The trust described this approach as a "significant concern", highlighting how mature trees can mitigate flood risks and improve air quality in urban areas.
The ABI countered that insurers assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and consult with experts before making decisions, but critics argue that the general approach remains risk-averse. In Billingshurst, West Sussex, two 200-year-old oak trees are currently under threat from local authorities who initially granted permission to fell them despite tree preservation orders.
Despite opposition from villagers, including thousands of signatures on a petition in support, the council has paused plans to cut down the trees while taking legal advice. However, campaigners say that losing these trees would be devastating for the local environment and the community.
"It's not just about saving those two trees," said Gabi Barrett. "It's about what it means for our community and our way of life." The battle to preserve these trees has become a personal one for many, with those who have grown up in Billingshurst deeply attached to their natural heritage.
As the insurance industry grapples with the consequences of climate change, campaigners are warning that felling ancient trees could be a step backwards. While insurers claim to explore alternative solutions, such as underpinning, these methods carry environmental costs and may not always be suitable.
Taylor Cantrill's victory is seen as a beacon of hope for others fighting to save their own beloved trees. For those like Barrett, the stakes are high: losing these natural treasures would be devastating.
so sad that they're just gonna chop down these old trees and not even try to find another solution 
the insurance companies are making a profit off our homes but they don't care about the actual environment 
it's like they think we can just replace ancient history with some new foundation or something lol what's wrong with these people? 
...like, what about engineering or root management? 
Those mature trees can actually help with flood risks and air quality in towns! 
And its not just those two 200-yr-old oaks in Billingshurst, there are heaps of heritage sites being threatened too 
. Its not just about the trees themselves, but what they mean to the community and environment...its a big part of our history and identity 
. The insurance industry just wants to make a quick buck and doesn't care about preserving our heritage or the environment 
. These trees aren't just any ordinary trees, they're part of our history and identity! Felling them would be like cutting down a piece of our collective soul 
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gotta keep fighting for these heritage sites, we need more people like Linda Cantrill standing up for what's right 
i don't get why they wanna cut down the trees if they're not hurting anyone... aren't the trees just, like, good for the environment and stuff? 
but what's with all these petitions and signatures? can someone explain it to me? 
can u imagine wot would happen if we started cutting down our own heritage sites left and right?? the thought alone is giving me anxiety 
. And what's with the petition numbers, 10k signatures or whatever? That's cute 
. The insurance industry needs to step up their game and take a more holistic approach to these issues 
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The real issue here is that insurers are too risk-averse and don't want to explore alternative solutions. I mean, have they ever heard of root management or engineering solutions? 
ABI says dey consult w/ experts but im thinkin maybe dey should try exploring other options 4 flood risk management & air quality instead of just axing trees like dey r worthless 
. They're like living legends that bring character to our communities. The thought of cutting them down is just heartbreaking 
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. These trees are not just a headache for homeowners (although subsidence claims can be a real pain in the neck 
. It's like we're taking away a piece of ourselves 
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#SaveOurTrees #HeritageMatters #ClimateAction
. We need some real accountability here, not just a bunch of corporate executives making decisions behind closed doors 
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. Felling ancient trees just feels like a lazy way out to me. I mean, can't they just try to find another way to fix the subsidence problem? It's not like it's rocket science 
. We can't just give up on our environment, especially when it comes to something as important as our natural history