Measures in place to protect historic oak tree
The tree is thought to date back to the time of Sir Isaac Newton, who lived nearby.
An ancient oak tree in Lincolnshire, possibly dating back to the time of Sir Isaac Newton, is receiving protective measures to safeguard its future. South Kesteven District Council installed new wooden fencing around the tree in Manthorpe, near Grantham, to limit public access and preserve the tree and surrounding area. The council believes this minimal intervention will benefit wildlife and conserve the oak for future generations.
The tree, recorded on the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Inventory, is believed to be at least 200 years old, likely 300 years old. Dr. Kate Lewthwaite of the Woodland Trust said a historic map of Grantham confirmed the oak's presence from the 1800s. This protective action is seen as a win for both people and nature, as oak trees support up to 2,300 different species, with 326 fully dependent on oak for survival.
Sir Isaac Newton was born nearby in 1642, and his observation of an apple falling from a tree reportedly inspired his theory of gravity.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
