Ancient oak protected after two-year campaign

Work has been carried out to try to preserve an ancient oak, more than two years after the death of a partner tree.

The Queen Oak, situated on the roadside at Moyles Court near Ringwood, Hampshire, is one of the largest oaks in the New Forest and estimated to be 650-700 years old.

In 2023, Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley Parish Council agreed to buy dragon's teeth to stop cars parking over its roots, following the death of the nearby King Oak.

The teeth - small, roadside, wooden posts - have now been installed, a bracing cable has been fitted to the Queen Oak's branches and neighbouring trees have been pruned.

The Tree Council, which led the project, said it could be a "model" of collaborative effort and funding.

Charity director Jon Stokes added: "This sort of collective action is exactly what is needed to protect these astonishing trees.

'It needn't be expensive or time-consuming, and sometimes very simple actions can deliver significant results."

The remains of the King Oak, of a similar age, stand opposite after the tree was declared dead in 2023.

"Its demise was hastened by vehicles and visitors compacting the soil around its base, reducing the vital flow of water, nutrients and oxygen," the Tree Council said.

In 2023, the parish council reported estimated costs of £2,000-£2,500 to stabilise the Queen Oak and £700 for the dragon's teeth.

In 2024, it said there had been a delay in approval from government advisory body Natural England.

The project relied on collaboration with the parish, the local community, landowners and New Forest National Park Authority, together with support from Savills and Kairos Philanthropy, the charity said.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.