Ancient Tree That Inspired Brambly Hedge Cottage Discovered in Epping Forest
The distinctive crab apple tree that served as the inspiration for Jill Barklem's illustration of Crabapple Cottage in the cherished Brambly Hedge children's series has been officially identified within Epping Forest. This remarkable tree, which is believed to be over three centuries old, was photographed by the Press Association earlier this week, confirming its status as a living piece of literary history.
Unique Pollarded Tree Identified Near Barn Hoppitt
Standing proudly near Barn Hoppitt and Warren Pond, this ancient crab apple tree is thought to be the only known pollarded tree of its species within the entire forest. The area surrounding the tree was a favourite walking and sketching location for the celebrated illustrator and author Jill Barklem, who spent countless hours exploring these woodlands with her sketchbook in hand.
This week, Barklem's son and daughter made a special visit to the tree and confirmed that its distinctive shape, setting, and surrounding landscape perfectly matched their mother's original inspiration for Crabapple Cottage. The family's verification adds significant authenticity to this remarkable discovery.
Family Confirms Literary Connection
Lizzie Barklem, Jill's daughter, expressed profound emotion about the discovery, stating: "Our mother spent countless hours exploring Epping Forest, sketchbook in hand. Seeing this tree, and the landscape around it, it's easy to recognise how it found its way into Brambly Hedge."
She continued: "It's incredibly moving to see that the real-life inspiration is still here, thriving as part of this very special and protected ancient woodland, and it's testament to the accuracy of her drawings that, nearly 50 years on, we are still able to identify that very tree."
Brambly Hedge Legacy and Forest Connection
In the beloved Brambly Hedge books, which centre on a community of woodland mice, the inhabitants of Crabapple Cottage are Mr and Mrs Apple. Sculptures of these charming characters can be found near the start of the Brambly Hedge-themed trail in Epping Forest, which was officially launched last October.
Jill Barklem, who passed away in 2017 at age 66, first published her seasonal Brambly Hedge series in 1980. The books have since achieved remarkable commercial success, selling more than seven million copies worldwide and capturing the hearts of generations of readers.
Forest Custodians Celebrate Literary Heritage
Caroline Haines, chairwoman of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee, expressed immense pride in this connection between the forest and children's literature. She stated: "As custodians of Epping Forest, we are immensely proud that such a cherished part of children's literary heritage can be traced to a living tree within the forest. Jill Barklem captured the spirit of this landscape so beautifully, drawing inspiration from the woodland she knew and loved."
The discovery highlights the enduring connection between natural landscapes and artistic creation, demonstrating how real-world environments can inspire fictional worlds that endure for decades. The ancient crab apple tree now stands as both a natural wonder and a cultural landmark, bridging the gap between Epping Forest's ecological heritage and Britain's rich literary tradition.
