Ancient tree which inspired Brambly Hedge cottage finally discovered

An ancient tree that inspired the iconic Brambly Hedge cottage in the series of children's books has finally been discovered. The crab apple tree, which is more than 300 years old, was found in Epping Forest, Essex, with its exact location near Barn Hoppitt and Warren pond known to have been a favourite walking and sketching spot for illustrator and author of the books, Jill Barklem. Ms Barklem’s children visited the tree and confirmed its shape, setting, and surroundings aligned with their late mother’s inspiration for Crabapple Cottage.