Fenland Black Oak: 5000-year-old tree found in Norfolk

[Melvadius]

The BBC is carrying this article on the discovery of a 5000 year old buried Oak tree. Apprently they cut it into planks on site with the intention of drying the plansk and then creating a 44 foot long table to go on public display since fewer and fewer 'bog oaks' are being found.

 

I only hope, but suspect they haven't, cut samples first to add to the Dendrochronology database which is invaluable for dating fragments of wood which are sometimes found at prehistoric sites.

 

The trunk of a giant oak-tree, thought by experts to be more than 5000 years old, has been unearthed from a field in Norfolk.

 

The 44ft (13.4m) Fenland Black Oak, or bog oak, was found buried in farmland at Methwold Hythe, near Downham Market.

 

Planks cut from the trunk will be dried over seven months in a specialist kiln.

 

A spokesman said the tree will make "a breathtaking table for public display giving an insight into the grandeur of these ancient giant forests."

 

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