French experts are combing the country’s forests for centuries-old oaks to rebuild the Notre Dame spire that was destroyed by fire. The ferocious blaze in April 2019 brought the cathedral’s 96-metre lead and wood spire crashing on to the stone roof-vaults. Emmanuel Macron… last July,  announced the spire would be reconstructed exactly as it was. This is expected to require up to 1,000 oaks aged between 150 and 200 years old. …They must be chopped down by the end of March before the sap rises, otherwise the wood will be too humid. Before being cut into beams, the trunks will be allowed to dry for up to 18 months. Dominique de Villebonne, the deputy director of the National Forests Office: “This is about ancient forestry heritage, including plantations ordered by former kings to build ships and ensure the grandeur of the French fleet.” …Work to restore the cathedral is not expected to begin until the beginning of 2022.