The Nutsford House Oak

26th October

The Oak by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Live thy Life,

Young and old,

Like yon oak,

Bright in spring;

Living gold;

Summer-rich

Then; and then

Autumn-changed,

Soberer-hued

Gold again.

All his leaves

Fall’n at length,

Look, he stands,

Trunk and bough

Naked strength.

If you like trees, you’ll love Nutsford House. And even if you don’t like trees, you would grow to love them here.

We have one particular oak tree that stands prominent at the front of the house. Much loved by previous owners, it actually has a Tree Preservation Order on it and already it really feels like we are co-inhabiting this beautiful space with the tree.

There is something about an oak tree that is dominant and proud, but humble at the same time. I guess Tennyson calls it “Naked strength”. It’s windy today, but you know the oak tree has seen it all before and will endure, without boasting about it.

Although sometimes I wish I didn’t spend so much of my life clearing up its leaves, I am looking forward to living alongside the Nutsford House Oak.