A ‘monumental breakthrough’ has taken place in order to save a tree from being cut down as HS2 works continue in the Chilterns.

On Saturday, October 29, numerous residents held a protest on Leather Lane in Great Missenden to protest that ‘Ilona’, an oak tree which has stood proudly in South Buckinghamshire for at least 250 years, remains standing.

As part of the campaign effort, supporters personally sent over 200 letters to HS2’s CEO Mark Thurston, each setting out their own reasons for protecting Ilona and their beloved historical landscape.

Bucks Free Press: The tree has stood in Buckinghamshire for over 250 years (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks)The tree has stood in Buckinghamshire for over 250 years (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks) (Image: (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks))

READ MORE: Great Missenden residents fight to save oak tree at risk of 

HS2 have responded to residents to say that they are now ‘reviewing their plans’.

Amersham and Chesham MP Sarah Green said: “I urge HS2 Ltd to find a way to save Ilona.

“I call on HS2 Ltd to live up to the commitments they have made, including adherence to the mitigation hierarchy, and do all that they can to protect the Chilterns from further harm.”

Bucks Free Press: Sarah Green MP's letter to the protesters Sarah Green MP's letter to the protesters (Image: Parliament)

Catherine Bunting, Green councillor for Great Missenden Parish Council and representative of the Prestwood Nature Environment group added: “As a local green councillor, I’m just so grateful to the local campaign for standing up for these trees.

“I find it frustrating that locals need to raise the money themselves and take this fight but I’m also so grateful for all those who got involved and to the local bodies who have got behind it.”

'I feel sick': Great Missenden residents distraught as 'beautiful' trees are felled by HS2 in Leather Lane

Bucks Free Press: Ilona standing on Leather Lane (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks)Ilona standing on Leather Lane (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks) (Image: The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks)

Ilona the Oak is around 250 years old, supports approximately 2,500 species and has a canopy 18 metres wide.

She has lived through 10 monarchs, 65 Prime Ministers, two World Wars, the Industrial Revolution and the current climate crisis, and if the tree were to come down, HS2 plan to replace the much-loved oak with visual screenings of a saplings

However, those vowing to save the tree have stated that the replacement ‘would do nothing to mitigate the loss of a heritage oak like Ilona.’

Bucks Free Press: The tree could be saved following the protest (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks)The tree could be saved following the protest (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks) (Image: (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks))

Supporters to save the tree included current and former local residents, farmers, Buckinghamshire and local Parish councillors, and representatives of local and national environmental groups.

Jack Taylor, Lead Campaigner from the Woodland Trust, said: “If we are to work towards addressing the UK’s current state of nature and climate emergency, then making sure mature trees are retained and protected is fundamental.

Bucks Free Press: It took place on October 29 (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks)It took place on October 29 (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks) (Image: (The Campaign to Save Leather Lane Oaks))

READ MORE: New HS2 tunnel criticised by Chiltern Society 

“That’s why we support the Save Leather Lane campaign – HS2 Ltd must listen to the concerns and make the changes necessary to save Leather Lane’s fantastic population of mature trees.”

A decision will be made in due course.