One of the oldest trees in Suffolk falls following storm
Nedging Hall, with its classic Suffolk Pink façade, sits proudly atop a hill at the heart of Nedging Hall Estate, a stone’s throw from Bildeston.
During the recent storms we saw one of the most significant oak trees within the estate and county fall. The estate is rooted, quite literally, in the county’s past as within the grounds the tree was referred to as the wonderful “Nedging Oak”. It is said to be a thousand years old. Even the historic colleges at the University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, are substantially younger at 814 years old.
The team’s thoughts turned to how best they can use the oak across the estate. Sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do, and in time, you’ll find this ancient tree as furniture in their pubs, The Lindsey Rose, The Crown and The Brewery Tap.
The pubs also benefit from growing their vegetables on the estate at Nedging Hall and there is a dedicated space for a “no dig” flower farm run by The Wild Society. This reduces the need to rely on imported stems for the pub tables. A large part of the tree is simply being left to nature, creating a natural habitat for wildlife. Nedging Hall Estate have also planted another Oak that will hopefully have its own story to tell in 1,000 years.
There are some incredible trees across the 5,000-acre Nedging Hall Estate, but this ancient Oak was the most significant. Such was its significance that it was the tree that Nedging Hall based one of their early logos on.
Owned by the Buckle family since the late 80s, Nedging Hall Estate is now marketing our country house for exclusive use rentals. The Hall is nestled in 80 private acres, and features a saltwater indoor pool, sauna, Billiards room and tennis court.
‘We were so sad to see the tree fall, but it was quite an experience’
Guests staying with us at the time of the tree falling
‘It is very sad to see the end of such a magnificent tree. But it will be a tribute to bring it back to life as characterful furniture for our restaurants. We are also leaving the main trunk where it fell, it is a wonderful habitat for beetles and bugs to thrive within. My grandmother, Gill Buckle, 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’.
Charlie Buckle, Managing Director of Nedging Hall Estate