The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #27169   Message #337827
Posted By: Steve Parkes
10-Nov-00 - 09:43 AM
Thread Name: The Royal Oak: storm damage
Subject: RE: The Royal Oak: storm damage
Latest news:

Out on a limb to save tree Tree surgeons have ensured that the storm-damaged Royal Oak at Boscobel House, near Tong, survives for at least another 50 years.
The tree, considered one of the most important in Britain, was split as gales of nearly 70mph battered the region last week.
English Heritage described the damage as "a disaster" but steps were taken yesterday to try to repair the 350-year-old oak which is a direct descendant of the tree which sheltered King Charles II as he escaped from Roundhead troops.

Wolverhampton Tree Service reduced the weight of the tree by cutting back some of the dangerous limbs, but tried to retain as many as possible.
Acorns are being planted so that more descendants of the Royal Oak grow in the future, and a new fence is being erected to protect it.
"The tree was split down the middle and lost 50 per cent of its crown," said Bob Smith, of Wolverhampton Tree Service.
"The part of the tree left has got an infection so we have taken off as much as we can and the situation will be monitored.
"The tree will survive but it is a case of how long. I'm sure it will survive another 50 years but the acorns are being planted so the blood line will continue."

The repair work comes as a relief to English Heritage which is planning a large-scale event for next year's 350th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.

Wolverhampton Express & Star