Protestors say they will not stop their action

The 18-month protest is aimed at stopping the felling of the tree in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire to allow construction of a bypass.

Mansfield District Council has decided to allow the tree to be cut down after two reports recommended that action.

Tree surgeon William Kew-Winder told the council the beech is diseased and should be felled.

"The protestors have caused compacting around the base of the tree by walking around the area and this restricts moisture and oxygen getting to the roots."

But a protestor named Cookie said: "We will stay here until the land is safe - we will go to court to prove the tree has status as a village green."

"They think we will go away because of council reports, but we will not."

The eco-warriors set up their tree houses, huts and tents on land next to the tree in Sherwood Rise in Mansfield Woodhouse in early 2003.