Jack’s Yak (Oak)

Thought to be at least 400 years old and described officially as ancient, this is a very strange looking tree that has seen centuries of history. It is in the Lowther Estate and we must have passed it many times without noticing it.

It is cared for by Ian Jack, the estate’s woodland manager, and it gets such care and attention because of its longevity. It is obviously propped up, perhaps that is because of a legend that suggests if a limb breaks away then the incumbent Earl will fall!  It has its own enclosure to ensure that it comes to no harm. It appears very misshapen; perhaps it looks better in the summer.
 
Another of Cumbria’s top 50 trees.