Duizendjarige Eik, Protected oak tree in Lummen, Belgium
The Thousand-Year Oak is an ancient oak tree growing in a small forest area north of Dikke Eikstraat in Sint Truiden. The trunk measures about 6 meters in circumference and contains a natural hollow at its core.
The tree has roots reaching back to medieval times and has witnessed centuries of historical events in the region. A tragic chapter occurred in 1614 when two women were executed at this location as part of a witch trial.
The tree served as a gathering point for legal proceedings until the 1600s, where the community witnessed important decisions being made. This location under its branches shaped public life in the region for generations.
Information panels placed around the tree help visitors understand its history and significance in the area. Protective fencing marks the root zone to prevent foot traffic from causing damage to this ancient specimen.
Specialists from England collected grafts from this tree to preserve its genetic material for future generations. This effort highlights how the tree is valued as a scientifically important specimen of oak.
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