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Sevenoaks: New oak tree planted at Sevenoaks Common by mayor Cllr Maxine Chakowa

09:10, 30 November 2017

updated: 09:13, 30 November 2017

A town added to its heritage this morning as a new tree was planted.

Sevenoaks has welcomed another oak tree to its Common, planted by the town's mayor, Cllr Maxine Chakowa.

The town has a history with oak trees stretching back to 800AD. The Old English word Seouenaca gives the town its name, referring to a small chapel near seven oak trees on The Vine cricket ground around that time.

Damage caused by the Great Storm
Damage caused by the Great Storm
Residents survey the damage of the Great Storm.
Residents survey the damage of the Great Storm.

The trees have been replanted many times over the years. In 1902 seven trees were planted along the north side of the Chartway ground to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII.

Unfortunately six of these trees were blown down by the Great Storm of 1987.

They were replaced in a ceremony led by well-known TV personalities including Gloria Hunniford and Caron Keating, but were vandalised soon after, leaving only one mature tree standing.

A new charter Oak has been planted on Sevenoaks Common
A new charter Oak has been planted on Sevenoaks Common
Mayor of Sevenoaks Maxine Chakowa planting a new charter Oak
Mayor of Sevenoaks Maxine Chakowa planting a new charter Oak

Eight oak trees now line the cricket ground.

This new tree will be the first of a new seven oaks at Sevenoaks Common, off Weald Road.

It is a Sessile Oak, which has been chosen due to the soil type.

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