'While the Capon Tree is of national importance, its significance in the history and cultural lives of the people of Jedburgh is enormous'
Efforts to save ancient oak have received a funding boost
Last updated 7th Apr 2023
It's reputed to have been a meeting point for local men before many a cross-border raid.
The Capon Tree is one of the few remaining from the ancient Jed Forest.
And, at up to an estimated 1,000 years old, it is recognised by The Tree Council as one of Britain’s 50 Greatest Trees.
But the Borders landmark - which is celebrated annually at the Jethart Callant’s Festival - was damaged in 2021 when a supporting limb collapsed, raising doubts about its future survival.
That prompted the Jedburgh Community Trust to set-up the Capon Tree Preservation Project - which has raised the £15,000 to ensure it remains firmly rooted in the town's future.
It has introduced measures to help preserve, support and protect the tree, as well as create an attractive heritage site for local people and tourists to visit.
As well as propping up the remaining limb to help the tree withstand wind or potential storm damage, a wildflower meadow and benches are also planned, along with a new entrance gate, and an information board that will explain the tree’s history and significance.
In addition to £7,000 from the Fallago Environment Fund, which shares the benefits of the Fallago Rig windfarm in the Lammermuir Hills with projects across the Borders, the project has also received funding and support from Jedburgh Community Council, Jedburgh Common Good Fund, Jethart Callants Club, The ex-Callants Association and Lothian Estates.
The Fallago Environment Fund is supported by Roxburghe Estates, Federated Hermes and EDF Renewables. Chairman Gareth Baird said: “The Capon Tree has been part of Borders life for centuries and still plays an important role in the region’s heritage.
"We’re extremely pleased that these windfarm-generated funds are being used to help maintain the health of this historic tree and enhance its surroundings so that it can continue to play its important role in the lives of people from Jedburgh and beyond.”
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The Capon Tree is a classic ancient tree with a wide girth, hollow trunk and the upper crown of the tree retrenched, allowing nutrients to be utilised in keeping the tree alive. It has been recognised as a Heritage Tree and Tree of National Special Interest in the Ancient Tree Inventory of The Woodland Trust and recognised as an important historic tree by the Borders Forest Trust.
Its heritage is celebrated at the town's annual festival when the Callant, or leading man, stops his mounted cavalcade at the tree and is presented with a sprig of oak to wear in his jacket lapel.
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Jim Steele, Chair of Jedburgh Community Trust, said: “While the Capon Tree is of national importance, its significance in the history and cultural lives of the people of Jedburgh is enormous.
"We wanted to make sure that we were doing everything we could to prolong the tree’s life for future generations and are delighted to have had help from the Fallago Environment Fund and all our other supporters.”
Fallago Environment Fund grant applications are administered by Tweed Forum. They are assessed twice yearly, with application deadlines of September 1st and March 1st. Further information can be found at www.tweedforum.org/fallago or by calling Tweed Forum on 01896 849723.
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