Shropshire oak pledged to Notre Dame
An oak tree grown on a Shropshire estate will contribute to the rebuilding of the roof of Notre Dame cathedral.
The mature tree from Combermere Abbey in Whitchurch, worth an estimated £100,000, has been pledged after the Gothic cathedral in Paris was ravaged by fire on April 15.
Over 150 oaks have so far been promised by some of the UK's most famous estates, including one from Pitchford Hall in Shrewsbury.
It is estimated around 1,300 will be needed to restore the roof, and although there has been a big response, it is understood there are a lack of trees of the right age.
In addition to contributing a mature oak, Combermere will be planting 10 oak saplings from the famous Wellington oak which was planted in the park in 1820. It will form part of the Centenary Celebrations at the Abbey this year.
Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, said: “This estate was established almost a thousand years ago, similar in age to the trees that were used in the original roof of the cathedral. During the recent restoration of our North Wing we uncovered oaks that were planted in 1300 so it is vital that we continue to plant for the future.
"This year we celebrate 100 years of my family’s guardianship of the estate, and as such it is simply good practice and exciting to think of the contribution of these wonderful places in the centuries to come. These young oaks will be planted in areas where the public can come and enjoy them including a special Centenary Wood."
James Birch, owner of Doddington Hall and president of Historic Houses, the group organising the UK estates tree pledges, added: "The fire at Notre Dame is a terrible tragedy. It is also a reminder of how our great buildings provide a cultural back drop to everyday life that is often only recognised when they are threatened. Some of our members have first-hand experience of the damage and destruction of catastrophic fires. It’s fitting that we would offer to help restore such an important part of the world’s heritage."
