Veteran '500-year-old' tree falls in Wiltshire wood

The oak was one of Savenake's famous named trees and is thought to have fallen in a spring storm

An historic tree, believed to be 500 years old, has fallen in Savernake Forest.

The Crockmere Oak was a well-known sight for generations of people visiting the woodland.

It was previously described as being in "fair condition" despite some rotting at its base.

"It is likely that the Crockmere Oak fell in one of the storms earlier this year," Becky Morris from Forestry England said.

'Sad to see'

"Although it is always sad to see one of Savernake’s amazing veterans fall, it is a normal part of a tree’s lifecycle, as is the rot you saw in the trunk - hollowing is one of the distinctive characteristics that defines a veteran tree.

"The likelihood of a tree coming down is influenced by many factors, including the weather it has to endure, the depth of its roots, any protection offered by neighbouring trees, and the size of the tree’s own canopy, which can act like a sail in high winds," she added.

The oak is among 4,000 trees in the protected forest, with some dating back to the time of William the Conqueror.

The tree has fallen alongside a footpath that leads off into one of the avenues on the site, but there are no plans to remove it.

"I'm afraid we don't know exactly how old or tall Crockmere Oak is but, even on the ground, it will remain part of the forest’s ecosystem for decades to come," Ms Morris said.

"As long as they are safe, fallen trees remain on the forest floor as important deadwood habitat. Deadwood supports saproxylic species, which are those that depend on dead or dying wood, such as fungi and invertebrates."

The roots of the tree snapped close to the trunk when it fell

The tree was close to Crockmere pond and fell away from the nearby path causing only a small amount of damage to nearby saplings

The centre of the oak shows significant signs of rot, which is often seen in very large trees

Savernake is a surviving remnant of one of Wiltshire's ancient Royal Forests that dates back one thousand years.

Now the forest is leased to the Forestry Commission and access is via many paths and tracks. Covering 4,500 acres, it is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

It also remains a place of mystery and imagination for visitors and an important diverse habitat for a number of wild birds, plants and animals.

Forestry England said it was working to extend the longevity of Savernake's veteran trees and not only the few that had been named.

"Our management plan also includes nurturing the next 'generation' of veterans that will succeed the current veterans in time.

"The long-term resilience of Savernake's veteran tree community is a high priority," Ms Morris said.