Save Rotary Wood — Trees NOT Plastic

Hello, my name is Sarah, also known locally as “The Tree Lady”. I’m part of the campaign “Save The Pinewoods, Rotary Wood – Trees NOT Plastic. Say NO! to Danone!”

I am working with our MP Tom Gordon, several local councillors, plus many local community groups to focus our efforts. We’ve also had recent support from Dame Judy Dench!

Rotary Wood is a designated Asset of Community Value (ACV) — a cherished 4.25-acre community woodland planted over 19 years ago by residents, schools, and Rotary volunteers to mark the Rotary Centenary and help tackle climate change, now a Council declared climate emergency (April 10, 2019).

Today, it stands as a thriving, biodiverse woodland supporting wildlife, protected species, and the wellbeing of our community. It’s a living example of how collective action can make a difference, and it’s now under serious threat.

Danone/Harrogate Spring Water (HSW) are again seeking to expand their single-use plastic bottling plant into Rotary Wood. The factory already extracts 110 million litres of water per year with licence to extract 464 million litres. They currently fill between 24,000 and 36,000 single-use plastic bottles per hour, distributing nationally and globally! The proposal would result in the loss of precious community woodland — directly contradicting both local climate policies and global environmental commitments.

The 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report clearly calls for governments and businesses to “halt deforestation” immediately. New tree planting cannot replace the complex ecosystem and carbon-storing capacity of established woodland like Rotary Wood.

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⚖️ Why We Need Your Help — Now

Several legal and procedural concerns have been raised about the latest Harrogate Spring Water application. We have been advised to commission an independent legal review by a specialist environmental law firm to ensure the planning process is robust and transparent. This may result in a judicial review.

This work urgently needs to be completed before the Planning Committee meeting (expected early 2026). In addition, we are stepping up our community communications and outreach to make sure local voices are heard clearly before decisions are made.

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How Your Donation Will Help

All funds raised will go directly towards:

• ⚖️ Specialist legal advice and representation ahead of the planning decision

• Dedicated communications and campaign materials to engage and inform the public

• Continued protection of Rotary Wood — a vital community and environmental asset

Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Together, we can protect Rotary Wood for future generations.

Please donate, share, and spread the word — trees, not plastic!

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sarah

Caught Light photography