News / Housing
Dozens of women ‘marry’ trees under threat from new development
Inspired by women in India who threw their arms around trees to protect forests from being destroyed, more than 70 women in Bristol have “married” dozens of trees in a wedding ceremony carried out by a celebrant.
The event at a caravan park overlooking the Floating Harbour aimed to highlight plans which could see trees felled and the building of 166 new flats by the city council-owned Goram Homes.
The brides at the ceremony wore wedding dresses from different global cultures, with event creator Siobhan Kierans saying that she hoped the event showed that “trees are our partners for life”.
is needed now More than ever
The ‘brides’ wore traditional dresses from across the world – photo: Peter Herridge
One of the “brides”, Suzan Hackett, told BBC News: “To get married to a tree is an absolute privilege. It’s not just a sentimental gesture, it is highly significant and symbolic.
“Trees are pure examples of unconditional love, which fits in so beautifully with the whole idea of marriage. Marriage is for life, breathing is for life.
“Bristol needs mature trees more than it does luxury private housing.”
A bird’s eye view looking through the Baltic Wharf site from Cumberland Road – image: Goram Homes
The planning application on the site between the docks and Cumberland Road is from Goram Homes and Essex-based developers Hill, with the Baltic Wharf Homes website promising “a fantastic opportunity (on) an underutilised and prime harbourside location”.
Plans for the £55m project incorporate one-, two- and three-bedroom flats – including exclusive waterfront penthouses and 66 affordable homes – as well as ground floor commercial space.
Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site, where the 74 trees are located, advise customers on their website that they are welcoming arrivals up to and including September 19, departing no later than midday on September 20.
The club has been operating the campsite for several years on a renewable, short term lease and in 2017 purchased a new location near Ashton Court for a potential new site.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said that because the Baltic Wharf planning application is currently being considered, they were unable to comment.
Main photo: Peter Herridge
Read more: Plans revealed for £55m housing development on Bristol’s Floating Harbour
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