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300-year-old Honour Oak among six trees protected in Devon

West Devon Borough Council has issued six new preservation orders to safeguard trees, including a more than 300-year-old oak.

  • The Honour Oak on Whitchurch Road in Tavistock is over 300 years old.
  • The tree marked a boundary for French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars.
  • Historical records link the Honour Oak to the 1832 cholera outbreak.

A more than 300-year-old oak is among six sites in Devon that have been given new preservation orders. West Devon Borough Council stated these orders will help protect the trees and their benefits for future generations.

The Honour Oak on Whitchurch Road in Tavistock was included on the list. It has previously been described as one of the town's most historically significant trees.

Councillor Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said the trees provide homes for wildlife, support biodiversity, improve air quality, and help create the green landscapes of the borough.

Historically, the Honour Oak marked the boundary beyond which French prisoners of war on parole in Tavistock were not permitted to travel during the Napoleonic Wars. The tree is also linked to the 1832 cholera outbreak, with historical records suggesting money was deposited there in exchange for food to reduce contact between people.

Other sites protected include Green Hill, land to the west of Butcher Park Hill, land to the west, south and north of Broadleigh Park, land at Callington Road, all in Tavistock, and The Veteran Common Lime tree on Crowndale Road.

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