Anti-road protestors have built a treehouse in their fight to stop a new bypass on the border of Beds and Bucks.
The protestors say a bypass would ruin the countryside
The group - made up of local people and Friends of the Earth - are claiming squatters' rights on the treehouse, built on the route of the £50m road.
The bypass, running from Linslade, Beds, to Stoke Hammond, Bucks, aims to relieve congestion in nearby villages.
But Bucks County Council said people had had "ample" time to object during a planning inquiry into the scheme.
The protestors say a bypass would ruin the countryside, including a County Wildlife site, sever five footpaths, threaten bats, birds and wildflowers and lead to as many as 8000 new homes.
On Monday two male protestors climbed up the tree saying they were going to stay put.
On a gate near the tree house the protestors have posted a sign that reads: "Legal Warning. Section 6 Criminal Law Act 1977 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Take Notice that we live in this property, it is our home and we intend to stay here."
Local resident Ken Barry, 56 , said: "This road will mean the destruction of a very attractive area of countryside and will lead to massive housing developments. We do not have the infrastructure to support it."
Victoria Harvey, of the South Beds Friends of the Earth, said: "We are taking direction action because we cannot afford a judicial review, which would cost £40,000.
"Some of us are prepared to be arrested, but this will be a non-violent, peaceful protest."
Ms Harvey, who lives in Linslade, said money should be found to make local roads safer, particular for children going to school.
A spokesperson for Buckinghamshire County Council said: "Anyone who had objections to the bypass had ample chance to voice their protests at the inquiry.
"We hope the protestors will let our contractors get on with the work."