Campaigners have launched a fresh bid to save four ancient trees in Caerleon after Newport City Council approved plans for them to be felled.

The four trees, which stand in the historic Ffwrwm courtyard in Caerleon, are at the centre of the campaign after Newport City Council approved a planning application (26/0444) submitted by Highmore Investments Ltd on July 27, allowing for their removal.

Friends of Ffwrwm have launched a ribbon campaign after plans to remove four trees were approved. (Image: Friends of Ffwrwm)

The courtyard, described by campaigners as a cherished space, has long been valued by the community for its tranquillity and natural beauty.

Alun Evans, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Ffwrwm group, said: “There is now little anyone can do to prevent the owners from felling the trees in legal terms.

“However, the Friends of Ffwrwm group has begun a campaign for people who love the Ffwrwm to send prayers and blessings to the owners, to reconsider their decision and spare the trees.

“So many people have benefitted from the peace and natural environment of Ffwrwm over the many years that it was so lovingly curated by the previous owners.”

Dozens of ribbons have been tied outside Ffwrwm, with supporters using the ancient Celtic tradition to express hope the trees will be spared. (Image: Friends of Ffwrwm)

While options within the planning system may be exhausted, campaigners are hoping a show of public support might persuade the landowners to reconsider.

As part of their efforts, supporters have tied colourful ribbons – known as “clooties” – to the railings outside Ffwrwm.

Read more

‘Magical spirit’ at risk as beloved garden faces tree-felling plans Protestors ask for Mansion House probe Take a look at the latest planning applications submitted in Newport

The ribbons, rooted in ancient Celtic tradition, symbolise prayers or blessings and each one represents a hope that the owners will reconsider their decision and preserve the trees for future generations.

Alun Evans, a member of Friends of Ffwrwm, has joined calls to halt plans to fell trees in the Ffwrwm garden. (Image: Alun Evans)

Mr Evans said: “We’re hoping to save the trees because people like to sit under them, to read, and to study here.

“You’ve got to think of this as one whole space, not just separate pieces you can take away from the whole.”

He said the ribbons are a gesture of hope, not protest.

A towering tree rises above the Ffwrwm garden, forming a leafy canopy that has become a much‑loved refuge for visitors seeking shade and quiet. (Image: Supplied)

He said: “Many of the ribbons bear the name of the person who is praying for the space to continue to be cared for in sympathy with nature, for future generations to enjoy.

“The trees may fall regardless.

“We know this.

“But a clootie’s power was never in whether it was seen by the right eyes – it was in the tying, in the naming of a hope, in a community turning its grief into something hopeful and shared rather than bitter and alone.

“The ribbons say: this place is loved.

“These trees are sacred to the people here.

“Whatever comes, that will have been said, and said with love.”

Dozens of ribbons have been tied outside Ffwrwm, with supporters using the ancient Celtic tradition to express hope the trees will be spared. (Image: Friends of Ffwrwm)

The campaign follows months of opposition to the application, which attracted more than 100 public comments.

Opponents argue that the mature trees are irreplaceable and should be preserved for the benefit of current and future generations.

Newport City Council has been approached for comment on whether there is any scope to reconsider the approved planning application following the community campaign.