Nedging Hall Estate between Hadleigh and Stowmarket mourns loss of 1,000-year-old tree

Guests and the owners of a popular holiday estate are lamenting the loss of a ‘magnificent’ tree said to be over 1,000 years old – but its demise could lead to new life.

After the recent storms that battered Suffolk, Nedging Hall Estate, between Hadleigh and Stowmarket, suffered a loss that was rooted deep into the history of the estate.

A giant oak tree – known internally as the Nedging Oak – was felled.

Charlie Buckle, the managing director of Nedging Estate, said it was unknown just how old the tree was, but the team believed it to be at least 1,000 years old.

He noted it was the most significant tree on the 5,000 acre estate, with it serving as the inspiration behind some of its earliest logos.

He said: “It is very sad to see the end of such a magnificent tree.

“My grandmother, Gill, was particularly fond of the ancient oak.

“She would walk around the gardens embracing the beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens, but always had an admiration for this beautiful tree.”

However, he revealed the oak’s demise would serve as a tribute for new life.

Part of its wood would be turned into furniture for restaurants, including The Lindsey Rose, The Bildeston Crown and The Brewery Tap.

The main trunk will remain to serve as a habitat for beetles and bugs – and a new oak tree will be planted in its place.

Mr Buckle, whose family have owned the estate since the 1980s, added: “We hope this new oak will have its own story to tell in 1,000 years.”

Guests staying with the estate also mourned the loss of the tree.

One said: “We were so sad to see the tree fall, but it was quite an experience.”