A historic oak tree in Clavering has been saved thanks to the combined efforts of campaigners and the Woodland Trust.

The ancient Clatterbury Oak was under threat from proposals to build five houses on the east side of Clatterbury Lane, which would have involved felling the tree to create an access road.

Residents launched a petition to save the tree, which marked the historic boundary between Clavering and Arkesden, reaching more than 1,300 signatures.

Campaigners alerted the Woodland Trust, who sprang into action and objected to the proposals. Uttlesford District Council then refused to approve the planning application.

Woodland Trust campaigns lead Jack Taylor said the developers' "blatant disregard for the tree was clear".

He added: "Saving the Clatterbury Oak is wonderful news.

"It is paramount that we oppose such developments and challenge attitudes that endanger our oldest and most cherished trees.   

"Most of our oldest trees are not legally protected but trees like the Clatterbury Oak have witnessed hundreds of years of history, withstood all winds and weathers while providing valuable havens for thousands of precious species, locking up harmful carbon and purifying the air.

"That's why the Woodland Trust has launched the Living Legends campaign - we want our most precious trees to have the protection they need and deserve so they can continue to thrive for future generations."

The Clatterbury Oak made headlines last September, when a school bus collided with the tree and had its roof ripped off, resulting in several children being taken to hospital.

The petition also called on Essex Highways to make the road safer following the crash.

To help save other trees, the Woodland Trust has launched a petition which can be found at https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/99702/petition/1.

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Jack added: "The Clatterbury Oak's immediate safety is assured, but its proximity to a busy road presents ongoing challenges for its preservation.

"That's why we must continue pushing for greater protections for irreplaceable trees like this. 

"These national treasures should be here to stay. They deserve the same sort of protection enjoyed by old buildings and endangered wildlife – some of which can't survive without ancient trees."