PHOTOS have shown the dramatic aftermath of last week’s gale force winds, which saw a large "centuries old" tree topple to the floor and block a public footpath.
Ian Cruse, of Castle Hedingham, and his wife are avid dog walkers and upon a routine morning stroll discovered a huge oak tree on its side.
At around 9am during their ramble on a footpath near Hedingham Castle, the couple were stopped in their tracks after finding the tree.
As a result, they had to turn back and find a different route.
Ian said: “We were quite sad. My wife and I were walking the dog.
“We generally take the dog out for an hour’s walk in the morning, that was one of our routes we use.
“We felt that this tree had stood for such a long time and it had succumbed to the weather, it is sad to see these old trees go."
Ian believes the tree could be somewhere between 100 and 200 years old due to its girth.
He was told Hedingham Castle is aware of the situation as the footpath is next to the castle.
Some fencing has been removed temporarily to allow walkers to get round the fallen oak tree.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here