One of Tendring's oldest trees is under serious threat and needs urgent works to rescue it from dying.

Old Knobbley, an Ancient English Oak which is around 600 to 800 years old, is in danger of being swamped by the vigorous new growth of young trees in the woodland at Furze Hill, Mistley.

The problem was identified by local tree warden and Parish Councillor Ian Rose who met with Clive Dawson, Tendring District Council's Tree Warden Co-ordinator, to come up with a rescue plan.

"To prevent the premature death of this important tree emergency felling needs to be carried out," said Mr Rose.

"It is needed to stop the shading effect and competition for water which would eventually lead to the end of Old Knobbley if nothing is done."

The plan is to fell one tree on the southern side of Old Knobbley this year to allow more light to reach it.

Then next year two or three trees on the northern side will be pollarded, and cut hard back to about two metres and then allowed to re-grow.

In the following year trees on the eastern side will also need to be pollarded.

Pollarding is a traditional way of managing trees and although the pruning appears drastic at first sight it continually rejuvenates the tree and the oldest trees in Europe are pollarded Oaks.

The trees that need to be pollarded to save Old Knobbley may even one day replace it as the oldest tree in Mistley.

Mr Dawson said he fully supports the proposal to carry out the vital work.

"Tree wardens can carry out many functions in the community such as new tree planting and projects such as this not only save our 'Green Monuments' but help to raise the publics awareness of the value of trees to the community," he said.

"Old Knobbley is a special veteran that is estimated to be around 600 to 800 years old. The tree even has its own website explaining the historic, cultural and biological and social value of veteran trees such as this."

The tree is very much a focal point for the village and a meeting place for youngsters, many of whom make the most of it as a natural climbing frame.

Sarah Candy, Cabinet Member for Planning at TDC, said she was pleased that the danger to Old Knobbley had been picked up and that a plan is now in place.

"This tree is one of the hidden treasures of Tendring, although many may not be aware of it," she said.

"It must be saved for future generations and not allowed to die prematurely. It would be a tragedy if it was to be lost from the District."

Old Knobbley has been alive since before King Henry VIII married the first of his six wives, before King James I survived Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, and before Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector of England.

If it is actually 800 years old it would have been a sapling when the Magna Carter was signed by King John in 1215.

TDC currently has 29 tree wardens representing the wards within which they live or their Town or Parish Councils.

If anyone would like more information about the work of local tree wardens or would like to become one themselves they should contact Clive Dawson on 01255 686155 or cdawson@tendringdc.gov.uk , or their local Town or Parish Council.

Alternatively visit the Tree Council's website info@treecouncil.org.uk

12/1/10