KNOWSLEY Hall and Safari Park is joining other famous estates across the UK in donating oak trees to France with the hope of rebuilding Notre Dame cathedral.

On Monday, April 15, the world watched as the roof and spire of the 850 year old Parisian landmark went up in flames.

Millions of people were left heartbroken by the incident with many offering support to restore the damaged oak roof to its former glory.

France no longer has ancient oaks tall or broad enough to rebuild the roof as it was as around 1,300 mature oaks were originally used to construct the roof in the twelfth century – equivalent to 52 acres of woodland.

In the UK, more than 100 estates are lending their hand to the cause by donating valuable oak trees, including Knowsley Estate who will be gifting a mature tree grown on site towards the project.

Simon Waller, managing director of Stanley Estates, which includes Knowsley Estate, said: “The fire at Notre Dame is a reminder of how important our great estates and historic buildings are.

"We’re pleased to be able to donate towards this incredibly important cause from our 12,000 acres of woodland and farmland.

“We are in the fortunate position of being able to offer a mature tree within close proximity to younger oaks, which will eventually take its place among the woodland canopy.”

Knowsley Estate has a planned a programme of tree planting this Autumn, with a focus on English hardwoods, predominantly oak trees.

The UK-wide Historic Houses oak donation is from sustainable forestry, already destined for use as commercial timber and the entire effort is estimated to have a combined market value of more than £100,000.

The initiative is being organised by Historic Houses, the association for independently owned historic homes and gardens.