Demonstrators against the HS2 works will tomorrow hold a rally in another bid to help save the Cubbington Pear Tree

The 250 year old tree, which was the National Tree of the Year in 2015, is due to be cut down as part of the HS2 developments in the area.

Tomorrow demonstrators will gather outside St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Cubbington, and walk from there to Cubbington Woods and to the famous pear tree.

There is then the option to walk further to show support at the Welsh Road Protection Camp.

Speeches will be given as the group walks, and participants are also encouraged to use the opportunity to tell their own stories if they wish.

Walkers have been instructed to wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines.

Organisers have said "The Pear Tree is now also an icon for the GB taxpayer who will pay over £106billion for this vanity gravy train that is causing more job losses than it creates."

The rally comes just days after the Department for Transport responded to the petition to save the tree which now has over 20,000 signatures.

The department said "Environmental considerations were central to the original route selection process for HS2, and wherever practicable, HS2 is being designed to avoid or reduce impacts to habitats and protected species.

"The Government recognises that it is not possible to build a project on the scale of HS2 without having an impact on the environment, and that the construction of HS2 will result in the loss of trees and areas of natural habitat which are valued by local communities. This includes the Cubbington Pear Tree."

The department also said that they wish to continue the legacy of the tree stating "Over 40 new trees have been grown from cuttings taken from the tree.

"The regrown saplings will be planted in the local area as part of HS2's work to manage ancient woodlands and to create bigger, better and more joined up habitats in Warwickshire. Additionally, the stump and rooting structure will be relocated providing an opportunity for the parent tree to regrow or 'coppice'."

Organiser of the petition Rory Reynolds has said "It is good that the petition meant the government had to give a response to saving the Cubbington Pear Tree. The response is detailed and I understand more thoughtful than previous attempts.

"Even though they could move the entire tree, it is disappointing that they have decided not to do so. Given the planned imminent destruction of the tree, preserving the root plate and relocating it is a victory of sorts, but will HS2 provide the expertise and time to move the root structure correctly?

"This will require professional horticulturalists and preparation of the tree in order to be successful. HS2 needs to put the time, skill and money into carrying that out correctly- otherwise it will end up like one of their many dried-out new tree saplings."

Tomorrow's rally is yet another event hosted by the Help Stop HS2 group, as they continue to spread awareness of the environmental impact of the HS2 works.

Last weekend the group hosted a community outreach event in Kenilworth and Leamington town centres, and spoke to residents about how they could get involved in the campaign.