A 200-year-old oak tree in Great Missenden is at risk of being felled by HS2, campaigers have said.

Hundreds of people have already sent a letter to HS2 to stop the felling of the veteran oak tree in Leather Lane, off the A413.

Campaigners Save Leather Lane Oaks have named the oak tree Ilona, who is at risk of being cut down for 'visual screening purposes'.

Combined efforts from Carol-Anne O’Callaghan and Lindsey Spinks, Lawyers for Nature and local councillors managed to stop the felling of 87 oak trees on March 17, 2021

The campaign group now hope to save Ilona too.

Last year, vegetation clearance, including removing hedgerows and trees, was carried out by HS2 to allow for the realignment of Leather Lane, which will cross the controversial railway line on a new bridge slightly to the south of the existing road.

The site is just north of the Chiltern tunnel, where the line will be in a cutting on approach to the Wendover Dean viaduct.

Katy Roberts, member of Save Leather Lane Oaks said: "This grassroots local community campaign group have been extremely effective and are close to probably one of the first victorys of its kind in protecting veteren and ancient trees from the unnesesary felling by HS2.

"Their methods have been diplomatic, solution based and incredibly admirable. Money raised for the campaign has gone towards scientific reports, alternative plans, legal advice etc."

A fundraiser online hopes to raise £40,000 to prevent the felling of trees proposed by HS2. It has raised £28,445 so far.

Residents have been invited to show their support for Oak tree Ilona this Saturday between 12pm and 2pm with speeches from supportive councillors, local residents and organisations such as The Woodland Trust and Wildlife Trusts.

HS2 say they are in constant engagement with the local community and council about how many of the trees need to be removed.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: “HS2 always works hard to reduce our impact on the environment and we are pleased to confirm that we have been able to retain more than 40% of the trees on Leather Lane.

"We are also reducing construction traffic on local roads by building a new access road and permanently realigning the lane across a new bridge, helping communities to stay connected."