Outrage over felling Sydney heritage trees

Protesters have converged on Sydney's east to voice outrage against the removal of century-old trees to make way for a light-rail stop.

Transport for NSW says it will replant multiple trees for each one it has to remove but environmentalists say heritage trees should not be felled.

Total Environment Centre spokesman Jeff Angel, who was among those at the Randwick protest, said Transport for NSW was behaving irresponsibly and would not escape scrutiny over the holiday season.

"We don't accept that these heritage trees should be clear-felled," Mr Angel said.

"Undoubtedly native animals will be killed or injured as the trees come down."

Mr Angel said dozens more trees around Randwick were slated for unnecessary removal in the coming weeks.

Transport for NSW said it was committed to keeping tree removal to a minimum and would plant multiple new trees for each one removed.

"Wherever practical we plan to refine design and prune trees rather than remove them," a spokeswoman said.

"An ecologist will be on site during the works to monitor all trees for fauna prior to pruning or removal."