Old Knobbley

There is a truly remarkable sight to behold in the woodland at Furze Hill on the outskirts of the Mistley, in the county of Essex. Old Knobbley is a well loved part of village life and is regularly used as a climbing frame by younger local residents. Its hollow trunk – which measures over 8.5 metres round the outside - also provides a cozy, yet spacious, hiding place and shelter from a storm.

It is possible that Old Knobbley may be as old as 800 so is, most definitely, no Spring Chicken. Consequently, it finds itself in something of a “Survival of the Fittest” situation. Local Tree Wardens are concerned that this ancient wonder is being out-competed in its quest for water and light by its closest neighbours. This has resulted in the local council making plans for a rolling programme to reduce the surrounding trees - thereby coming to the rescue of Old Knobbley. It deserves all the help it can get – considering it was around before the discovery of North America and the reign of Henry VIII..

To find out more about Old Knobbley, visit its Ancient Tree Hunt record and its very own website, too..