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From The Times
April 21, 2004

Heart of oak is uncovered

Forestry Commission ranger Paul Hibberd paused for thought next to a 500-year-old oak tree which is once more attracting visitors after 25 years hidden behind heavy vegetation.

Known as the Knightwood Oak, the tree was planted in 1600 and is believed to be the oldest in the New Forest. It was hidden when undergrowth engulfed a fence put up to protect the tree from deer, and for more than two decades people have walked past it not realising they were in the presence of a celebrity of the New Forest.

The Knightwood Oak survived so long because when it was 20 years old a woodsman pollarded it, cutting off the trunk so it grew a thick crown of branches. This made it useless for shipbuilding, so it was spared the axe. Mr Hibberd, 34, said: “The tree is one of England’s treasures.It is a magnificent sight.”

The Forestry Commission has also revived the practice of pollarding, Mr Hibberd added. “We are probably in breach of the New Forest Act 1698, but I don’t think we’ll get in trouble.”

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