Combermere Abbey pledges ancient oak to help rebuild Notre Dame

Combermere Abbey near Nantwich has pledged an ancient oak in its grounds to help rebuild Notre Dame in Paris after the devastating fire.

Owners of the Abbey have rallied to contribute the mature oak tree towards the re-building of the cathedral’s roof.

More than 150 oaks have been pledged from some of the UK’s most famous estates, following an offer from members of Historic Houses, the association for independently owned historic homes and gardens.

France had acknowledged a lack of oaks of the right age and an estimate of 1,300 mature trees are required.

Combermere Abbey, founded in 1133, volunteered valuable trees, planted for timber centuries ago, as a gift to France for the restoration of the iconic landmark’s roof.

A similar project followed the devastating York Minster fire in 1984.

In addition, Combermere will be planting 10 oak saplings from the famous Wellington oak which was planted in the park in 1820.

It will form part of the Centenary Celebrations at the Abbey this year.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, said: “This estate was established almost a thousand years ago, similar in age to the trees that were used in the original roof of the cathedral.

“During the recent restoration of our North Wing we uncovered oaks that were planted in 1300 so it is vital we continue to plant for the future.

“This year we celebrate 100 years of my family’s guardianship of the estate, and as such it is simply good practice and exciting to think of the contribution of these wonderful places in the centuries to come.

“These young oaks will be planted in areas where the public can come and enjoy them including a special Centenary Wood.”

James Birch, owner of Doddington Hall, President of Historic Houses, said: “The fire at Notre Dame is a terrible tragedy.

“It is also a reminder of how our great buildings provide a cultural back drop to everyday life that is often only recognised when they are threatened.

“Some of our members have first-hand experience of the damage and destruction of catastrophic fires.

“It’s fitting that we would offer to help restore such an important part of the world’s heritage.”

Meanwhile, Ben Bewley and Damian Mason (pictured), members of the gardening team at Combermere Abbey, raised more than £1,000 after completing the London Marathon in aid of the Together Trust.

Further donations will be raised throughout the year as part of Combermere Abbey’s centenary celebrations.

“We’ve been working so hard in the lead up to the Marathon,” said Damian. “I’m incredibly proud of our efforts.”

“I’m delighted we’ve managed to raise so much for such an incredible cause, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do throughout the rest of the year to raise even more!” added Ben.

Together Trust was co-founded by current estate owner Sarah Callander Beckett’s great-great-grandfather Sir William Crossley more than 100 years ago.

It provides special education, residential services, fostering, family support and community services to young people and adults throughout the North West.