Unveiled design for plaque honoring street tree campaigners

The concept for a commemorative plaque celebrating the efforts of Sheffields street tree campaigners has been revealed. Between 2012 and 2018, thousands of trees were removed during a 2.2bn street enhancement project, sparking widespread public outrage and protests.

In 2023, Sheffield City Council decided to install a plaque at the town hall to recognize the importance of the campaign and acknowledge the mistakes made by the council. Lydia Monks, an illustrator and author who was actively involved in the campaign, was chosen to create the design after five artists submitted proposals.

The plaques inscription reads: In recognition of the courageous campaigners who saved thousands of street trees from wrongful felling by Sheffield City Council, and as a reminder to all that such failures of leadership must never happen again.

Previously, council officials suggested the plaque should match the Kinder Scout Trespass plaque in size, prominence, and detail within the town hall. In 2024, an independent panel of campaigners, academics, and council staff was formed to oversee the curation of the plaque. The panel shared the four most popular design ideas with a wider network, receiving 114 responses.

A council report stated: Lydia Monks has a history of supporting the tree campaign through her art and her vision resonated with the group, demonstrating her clear understanding of the campaign. She worked closely with the panel to create a final design that incorporates relevant imagery and symbols.

Originally, the council planned to design the plaque themselves, but campaigners rejected this, fearing it would appear tokenistic. The plaque will be crafted by Brass Founders, a Sheffield-based company, and its final design will be reviewed by the councils Strategy and Resources Committee on 10 December.

Author: Sophia Brooks