AN appeal to grow new saplings from the famous oak tree in Meavy village has even reached green fingered helpers overseas!

Burrator Parish Council launched an appeal on their Facebook page asking local people to collect acorns from the tree in order to grow saplings — ready to replace the old tree when it finally falls or is taken down.

The council has been contacted by a number of local people and a woman as far as Australia – all hoping to be a part of the Meavy oak tree’s future.

The ancient oak on Meavy village green is thought to be nearly 1,000 years old — its crown is now in decline and there are large hollow gaps in its centre — there’s an old story that nine guests at the Royal Oak Inn were once served dinner in the hollow space!

For much of the last century the tree has been supported by props and has been lopped repeatedly when branches have hung precariously or been damaged. But despite the damage each spring new leaves appear on the tree!

At a recent Burrator Parish Council meeting, Councillor Graham Palmer suggested contacting local schools to get children and teachers involved in growing a new tree.

Cllr Palmer added: ‘It was an idea of mine – the trouble is the tree is an incredibly important feature in the village. It is the main feature of Meavy and sadly one day it will have to be taken down!

‘I mentioned an appeal for new trees years ago but we really do need to start growing saplings now so that when it does come down, it can be replaced.

‘It is also important because the village pub has the same name. I think there is also some history behind it but I’m not sure on that. It has been there for hundreds of years.’

Cllr Palmer also suggested that it would be wonderful if there was an annual service or event to praise and bless the oak, perhaps taking place at the annual Meavy Oak Fair in the summer.

He added: ‘I thought perhaps there can be a ceremony at the fair — I think it’s a good idea! I’m not aware of any ceremonies for the tree but I vaguely remember someone trying to grow another oak tree from its acorn.

‘It is a very special tree — it is important we don’t just try to grow saplings this year, we need to be doing it every year and a ceremony might remind people.

‘We need to start growing so that when the time comes to replace the tree we have one of the right size. We would have to look at the saplings as some might be too big and if we put in a sapling it could die back and we would need another. Then we would be back to square one again.’

A spokesperson for Meavy C of E Primary School said: ‘We would love to be involved in a project related to the Meavy oak tree but haven’t made any definite decisions yet as the plan is still in its early stages.’

Jenny Sharp, organiser of the Meavy Oak Fair said: ‘There has never been a tree blessing service that I am aware of but the tree has just always been there, slowly falling down!

‘I’m sure something could happen in the village related to the tree. I plan to talk to the council to find out what kind of service they have in mind as obviously the fair is a busy place.

‘I think it would be nice just to do something for villagers rather than a huge event, I wouldn’t like a service for the tree to get lost in the fair.’