Historic home pledges oak to Notre Dame

Over 150 oaks have already been pledged from some of the UK’s most famous estates, following an offer from members of Historic Houses, the association for independently owned historic homes and gardens.

The initiative has gained great response as France has already acknowledged a lack of oaks of the right age and an estimate of 1,300 mature trees are required.

Combermere Abbey, founded in 1133, along with other historic house owners in the region has volunteered valuable trees, planted for timber centuries ago, as a gift from the UK to France for the restoration of the iconic landmark’s roof, destroyed by fire earlier this month.

A similar project was initiated after the devastating York Minster fire in 1984 more than 40 Historic Houses member places pledged 80 oak trees for the reconstruction efforts, joining donations from the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

In addition to contributing a mature oak, Combermere, which is between Whitchurch and Nantwich on the Shropshire border 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, President of Historic Houses, said: "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."

Trees have also been pledged to the restoration of Notre Dame from a number of other sites around the country including Pitchford Hall near Shrewsbury.