Protesters who married trees earlier this year in a bid to save them from destruction amid a housing application on a Bristol site made another appearance at the climate change rally in Bristol today (Saturday, November 6).
Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site is currently subject to a planning application that could see more than 70 trees destroyed and 166 flats built in their place.
A group bearing the banner "Save the Baltic Wharf Trees" were part of the climate march in honour of the Global Day for Climate Justice through the city today, dressed in full wedding attire including white dresses for the women and bow ties, top hats and tailcoats for the men.
READ MORE: The latest from the climate change march
A ceremony took place in September which saw more than 70 women marry dozens of trees to highlight plans which could see trees felled and the building of 166 new flats by the city council-owned Goram Homes.
Speaking to Bristol Live from the march earlier today, protesters stated firmly that the marriage was "symbolic" and carried placards bearing the slogan: "Trees are our partners for life".
When it was put to one of them that it may not be binding in law, they simply responded: "Why not?"
The group were inspired by women in India who threw their arms around trees to protect forests from being destroyed.
One of the “brides”, Suzan Hackett, told the BBC earlier this year: “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.”
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.”
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said at the time of the September ceremony that because the Baltic Wharf planning application is currently being considered, they were unable to comment.
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