Diss Museum volunteers harvest acorn that could allow Winfarthing Oak to live again

An ancient village tree could live again thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

Yesterday, representatives from Diss Museum dressed in Victorian garb and harvested acorns from an oak tree in the town’s park.

This tree had been planted in 1876 with an acorn taken from a famous, centuries-old oak in Winfarthing.

The Winfarthing Oak, located near Lodge Farm, fell in 1953 and was held together by iron bands in its last years.

Plans are now in motion to grow a new tree in its place with acorns taken from its Diss descendant.

Basil Abbott, from Diss Museum, said the group would nurture the seeds with the hopes of planting them next year.

Mr Abbott said: “It was great to play a role and to know there was a link between Diss and a nearby parish.

“There has been 150 years of history since that original acorn was taken from Winfarthing to Diss, so we’re keeping history alive.”

It is unknown how old the original Winfarthing Oak was, although local legend stated it was 1,200 years old and had a circumference of 70ft.

It could hold up to 30 people and played host to parish council meetings.

Another ceremony is planned for spring to plant the acorns in the village, Mr Abbott added.