AN oak tree believed to be 400 years old is set to be removed for an "upsetting" reason.

The tree on Monks Walk in Evesham dates back to before the English Civil War and when King James I was on the throne.

However, the oak tree is set to be removed in the upcoming days after a tree surveyor found the inside of the trunk had begun to rot.

Stuart Albutt, a resident on Monks Walk, said the tree has always been a nice feature for residents, and it is a shame to see it going. 

"It is a real shame, and the tree is in the process of coming down.

"It is speculated the tree is 400 years old after a tree surgeon did a scan.

"We have seen one or two photos dating back to the 1800's.

"It is incredible - I am one of 32 residents, and some have been here as long as the property has been here.

"It is sad to see a big chunk of English history go because it has become rotten.

"It has come to a natural end."

The group of residents now have plans to preserve the base of the tree to keep the memory of it alive.

However, the design will depend on how much of the tree is left after it has been removed because certain parts are rotten and unusable.

Residents have shared ideas of turning parts of it into a sculpture but said they are open to ideas.

Mr Albutt added: "If only a tree could talk.

"If the tree is over 400 years old, that would be before the Civil War, and it is incredible to think what has happened over time.

"If only we had a time-lapse camera and could see what has happened around it."

Tree surgeons are set to arrive today (Monday) to begin to remove sections of the tree.