The Major Oak
Sightseeing attraction | Mansfield | England | United Kingdom
Largest tree in Nottinghamshire
The Major Oak is one of the most well-known and impressive attractions near Mansfield in England, located in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. This huge English oak tree is considered the largest and probably oldest tree of its kind in Britain, estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. Its massive trunk has a circumference of about 11 meters, the crown spans over 28 meters, and the total weight of the tree is estimated to be over 23 tons. These enormous dimensions and its gnarled, twisted appearance make it a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world.
Attractions in Sherwood Forest
The tree is inseparably linked to the legend of Robin Hood, the famous English folk hero who allegedly lived and fought in Sherwood Forest. According to tradition, Robin Hood used the hollow trunk of the Major Oak as a hideout and sleeping place for himself and his "Merry Men". Although there is no historical evidence for this story, it gives the tree a mystical aura that enhances its popularity. In fact, the hollow in the trunk is not artificial, but the result of a fungus infection that has hollowed out the tree over the centuries – a sign of its natural aging.
Robin Hood legend and Major Oak
The Major Oak stands in Sherwood Forest, a former royal hunting ground that once encompassed over 100,000 acres and is now managed as a nature reserve by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The forest now stretches over about 450 acres of public land and is home to 997 more ancient oaks, making Sherwood one of the most important sites for old trees in Europe. However, the name "Major Oak" does not come from its size, but from Major Hayman Rooke, an antiquarian and soldier who published a book about the oaks of the region in 1790. The tree was named in his honor.
Nature reserves in Nottinghamshire
The physical appearance of the Major Oak is as remarkable as its history. Its sprawling branches have had to be supported over time to bear the weight and prevent breakage. Chains were already installed in the crown area in 1908, and in the 1970s, wooden supports were added, which were later replaced by modern metal structures. Since the 1970s, the tree has also been fenced off to protect the roots from soil compaction caused by countless visitor feet. These measures have helped the Major Oak to thrive despite its advanced age, although it no longer possesses the vital strength of its youth.
Ancient oaks in Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest, where the Major Oak stands, is easily accessible and offers well-marked hiking trails that lead visitors to the tree. The Major Oak Trail, about a 15-minute walk from the visitor center, is particularly popular and also suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, depending on weather conditions. Along the way, you will encounter more ancient oaks and a rich wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and a variety of insects that enliven the forest ecosystem. The area around the tree is intentionally left natural to promote root health by allowing nutrients and rainwater to penetrate freely.
Over the years, the Major Oak has received numerous awards, underscoring its status as a natural monument. In 2014, it was voted the "Favorite Oak of Britain" and later awarded "England's Tree of the Year". It is also considered one of the "Seven Natural Wonders" of the Midlands. In 2022, it was included in the "Queen's Green Canopy" program for the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, honoring 70 significant old trees in the country. These recognitions demonstrate how much the Major Oak is valued as part of Britain's cultural heritage.
For visitors, the Major Oak is not just a natural experience, but also a journey into the past. Its connection to the Robin Hood legend makes it particularly appealing to history and literature enthusiasts, while nature lovers marvel at the sheer size and age of the tree. Sherwood Forest itself offers a peaceful atmosphere that invites relaxation and exploration, in contrast to the urban hustle and bustle of nearby Nottingham, which is about 40 minutes away. Although the Major Oak is now protected by fences and no one can climb into its trunk anymore – as was possible in the past – it remains a powerful symbol of steadfastness and the wild beauty of the English landscape.
