Campaigners hit out at the threat to Darwin's Oak in Shropshire

Better Transport Shrewsbury say they have worked with tree experts to identify at least 29 "high quality" trees including eight that are centuries old which could face the chop if the road is built.

One of these trees, dubbed “Darwin’s Oak” by experts, is estimated to date back the Wars of the Roses in the 15th Century.

Robin Mager, a spokesperson for Better Transport Shrewsbury, said: “We are shocked by plans to fell these ancient and irreplaceable Shropshire trees.

"Some were standing before Columbus set foot in the Americas and would have been at least 300 years old by the time Charles Darwin was walking through these fields from his home on The Mount nearby.”

The alarm over Darwin’s Oak is being raised just weeks after a successful campaign to stop the felling of a much younger, 150-year-old oak tree on Featherbed Lane in Shrewsbury.

Mr Mager: “The Featherbed Lane oak was a wake-up call for a lot of people.

"We know that trees are vital in the fight against the climate and ecological emergency and yet Shropshire Council is willing to axe them without a second thought.”

Tree expert Rob McBride said “This area of Shrewsbury is just so precious. In terms of a place for residents to escape for much-needed peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. The views over Shrewsbury are unique."

A planning application for the road, which would run for four miles from Churncote roundabout to Battlefield, is currently live on the Shropshire Council planning portal.

It is claimed that the road will help take traffic out of the town centre and bring benefits to surrounding villages.