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Two Derbyshire estates managed by Fisher German have pledged trees to help rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral after it was devastated by a fire last month.

Sir Richard FitzHerbert of the Tissington Estate and Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover of the Osmaston Estate, both based in the Ashbourne area of Derbyshire, have pledged oak trees to provide the vast amount of wood required to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral.

The cathedral fire broke out on 15 April while the structure was undergoing renovation work. The damage caused by the fire was predominantly to the building’s roof; construction of the original twelfth century roof is estimated to have required 1,300 trees.

The idea to pledge trees was conceived by the Duke of Rutland, owner of Belvoir Castle and a member of the Historic Houses association. Sir Richard and Sir Andrew are among dozens of baronets who have answered the call from the association so far.

Sir Richard FitzHerbert said: “The Tissington Estate is thrilled to contribute to the cause. We have a mature stand on the edge of the estate and I feel that it is the least we can offer as a mark of English/French fraternisation to help in the rebuilding of this iconic structure.”

Commenting on the Historic Houses initiative, Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover said: “The logistics of it remain to be deciphered but it is a lovely initiative and gesture of solidarity.”

The French Government is expected to launch an international architecture competition to redesign the roofline of Notre Dame Cathedral. More than £760 million has already been donated to fund the work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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