The Major Oak

About

Visit England's Tree of the Year 2014... The Major Oak

Sherwood Forest, a 450-acre nature reserve, is home to the well-loved veteran oak tree the Major Oak, which is known throughout the world for its connection to Nottinghamshire’s legendary hero Robin Hood.

Sherwood Forest is located near the village of Edwinstowe in north Nottinghamshire, and the large English oak is thought to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. Legend has it that the ancient oak not only provided Robin Hood with shelter, it was also the place where he and his Merry Men slept.

You can see the oak whenever the nearby Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is open. The Major Oak is a 10 – 15 minute walk through the woods from the Visitor Centre, and you will be guided by a signed surfaced path making the walk so much easier.

Today, there is a fence around the famous tree in order to prevent visitors’ feet from compressing the ground over the tree’s roots. This will ensure that the tree stays healthy for many years to come, and visitors worldwide can enjoy the legend of Robin Hood.

Major facts:

• The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has been crowned England’s Tree of the Year in a public vote run by the Woodland Trust.
•  The major Oak is a Quercus Robur, the English or pendunculate oak.
•  The world famous tree weighs an estimated 23 tonnes, has a girth of 10 metres (33ft) and a spread of 28 metres (92ft) making it the biggest oak tree in Britain.
•  The earliest recorded name for the Oak was the Cockpen Tree, dating back to the mid 18th century. The tree became better known as The Major Oak after it was described in 1790 by local historian, Major Hayman Rooke.
•  The tree is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old.

For details about visiting the Major Oak, including parking and opening times, please visit the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre page.