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Tolkien's Tree Felled, New Sapling Blooms at Oxford
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A two-century-old black pine, cherished at Oxford, met its end in 2014.
- The tree was a beloved landmark, inspiring writers like Tolkien and Pullman.
- A new sapling, planted by King Charles III, now represents hope.
For approximately two hundred years, a magnificent black pine graced the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, becoming one of its most treasured natural monuments. This venerable tree offered shade and inspiration, famously drawing J.R.R. Tolkien and influencing the works of Philip Pullman, while captivating countless visitors with its imposing presence.
Its journey concluded in 2014 with its felling, an event many lamented as a tragic loss. The towering pine, which had stood as a silent witness to centuries of history and academic life, was no more, leaving a void in the garden's landscape.
However, the story does not end with loss. A new chapter is now unfolding with the planting of a young sapling by King Charles III. This nascent tree symbolizes continuity and hope, promising to grow into a future landmark for the botanic garden.
