The Duke of Rutland is spearheading a goodwill initiative which could see some of the UK's most famous estates contribute trees towards the rebuilding of fire-damaged Notre Dame cathedral.

Belvoir Castle is one of more than one hundred UK estates to volunteer trees - planted for timber centuries ago - as a gift from the UK to France for the restoration of the iconic Paris landmark's roof.

All the estates are members of Historic Houses, the association for independently-owned historic homes and gardens.

Given that the construction of the original roof in the 12th century is estimated to have required 1,300 mature oaks, the donors are well aware that their contribution could only provide a fraction of what's needed, but they hope the gesture will inspire others.

The Duke of Rutland, who first suggested the idea to his fellow members, says: "Anyone who lives in an old building knows there's something special about the way it was built and the materials used.

"The trees in the original roof at Notre Dame probably started growing over a thousand years ago.

"We're able to donate replacements because my great-great-grandfather had the foresight to plant trees that would only be valuable long after he died.

"And in turn we'll replant every tree we fell – someone will need them for something in another few hundred years.

"It's a reminder of how important it is to both look after and renew our heritage resources. In our business you have to plan in centuries, not years."

The trees, from sustainable forestry and already destined for use as commercial timber, are estimated to have a combined market value of well over £100,000.

But the donors are keen to emphasise that the timbers used in buildings like Notre Dame are about something that money alone can't buy.

It's not the first time Britain's great houses have rallied round to help with a major heritage restoration project. After the devastating York Minster fire in 1984 more than forty Historic Houses member places pledged eighty oak trees for the reconstruction efforts, joining donations from the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

Photo credit: Nick Fry