A familiar and much-loved landmark has disappeared from Hambledon. The magnificent, spreading oak on the edge of Cricket Green by the entrance to The Hurst has been felled.

This became necessary after a large and low branch fell onto the track below, exposing the serious decay which made the tree dangerous. The oak was so tall and with such a wide spread that it posed a danger to nearby properties, including Oakhurst National Trust cottage, as well as a risk to pedestrians and vehicles.

It has taken tree surgeons several days to fell the tree, such was the scale of the task.

Although not a native species – it was a Turkey Oak, native to south east Europe and Asia minor, and introduced into Britain in the 18^th Century – it will be missed.