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Saved - lone veteran oak in Somerset
Local residents Jane and John Clarke were WoodWatching long before the Woodland Trust even coined the term. The couple from Kingston on Mary, near Taunton in Somerset, took action almost 25 years ago to save a veteran oak which they could see from their home. On an afternoon’s walk, the Clarkes spotted some activity around the Tarr Lane Oak tree as they were passing by. Thinking "there's going to be trouble here", the Clarke's immediately contacted Taunton Deane Borough Council. Thus began a rollercoaster of a campaign, which went right into the front rooms of the nation.
After designating an emergency TPO on the oak, consent for the Estate to fell the tree was refused, but an appeal the following year was upheld. This was challenged and the TPO was reinstated.
The Estate then demanded compensation for not being able to fell the tree of £1,000 - a large amount of money at any time, and a substantial sum to try to raise 25 years ago. The Kingston Oak Appeal was formed - pulling together £500 with a local and national TV and newspaper appeal, which was further helped when a national conservation magazine highlighted the campaign's plight, resulting in some generous donations to raise the remaining £500.
Shortly after the total was raised, the Estate withdrew its call for compensation - agreeing instead to lease the oak to the Council for 80 years, after which it will be returned to the Estate. Today the oak is visited by a specialist for a health check every year or so, and the local Council has an improved understanding of its value.
Good news for the Woodland Trust too, as this campaign has brought increased awareness of our work - although not Trust members, the Clarke’s have said they would contact Woods Under Threat if they became aware of other trees at risk in the future, and are happily sharing their story to inspire others.
Read more about the Tarr Lane Oak on our
blog
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