Dame Judi Dench on Harrogate Spring Water in Rotary Wood

The actress, who is originally from York, said the proposal would mean replacing a “living, growing woodland created through patience, care and public spirit” with industrial development.

A final decision on Harrogate Spring Water’s (HSW) plans- which has received more than 1,000 objections – will be made by North Yorkshire Council on Friday.

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The scheme would require the removal of hundreds of trees from Rotary Wood, a community woodland planted 20 years ago by children and volunteers.

In a letter addressed to councillors and officers, Dame Judi said: “I am sorry not to be with you in person, but I wanted my support for Rotary Wood and for the local community defending it to be heard clearly at this planning meeting.

“Rotary Wood is not an empty plot waiting for a better use. It is a living, growing woodland created through patience, care and public spirit.”

Other public figures who have voiced opposition include Sam West, and environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt, and Dame Joanna Lumley – who called the decision to potentially cut down the trees ‘dreadful in so many ways’.

Dame Judi added: “Local families, volunteers, schoolchildren and community supporters helped plant it and watch it take root. Over the years it has become part of Harrogate’s natural fabric and part of the area’s shared sense of place.”

“At a time when the country is talking so urgently about biodiversity loss, climate pressure and the need to protect nature close to where people live, it is deeply troubling that a healthy community woodland could be treated as disposable.”

“I respectfully urge the committee to recognise Rotary Wood for what it is: a meaningful community woodland, a haven for wildlife and a symbol of what local people can achieve when they invest in nature. It deserves protection, not destruction.”

North Yorkshire Planning officers have recommended that the scheme be approved.

Danone – the company behind HSW – said only 500 trees would be affected by the expansion, not the 1,000 claimed by campaigners, and has pledged to plant 491 new trees nearby and a further 3,000 across the district.

It said it had originally planned to plant around 1,500 trees in its new community woodland, next to Rotary Wood, but reduced this to 491 after advice from North Yorkshire Council’s arboriculturist.

A spokesman for HSW said: “Throughout the planning process, we have worked constructively with council officers and listened closely to community concerns.

“These plans are consistent with Danone’s commitments globally to sustainable, responsible development, including its Renewed Forest Policy.

“Ultimately our goal remains to balance sustainable development and economic growth with care for the local environment and community.”