The Major Oak
Taken in 1908. The Major Oak, a legendary tree in Sherwood Forest, is often linked to the tales of Robin Hood. According to legend, the outlaw hid within its hollow trunk to evade the Sheriff of Nottingham's men. While this story is captivating, the tree would have been just an acorn during Robin Hood's time. However, he might have concealed himself in a similarly impressive tree of that era. The hollow within the Major Oak was created by fungi, and the tree's statistics are remarkable. Weighing approximately 23 tons, it boasts a girth of 10 meters (33 feet) and a spread of 28 meters (92 feet), making it the largest oak in Britain. In a good year, it can yield up to 150,000 acorns, although such bountiful harvests, known as "mast years," typically occur every 3-4 years depending on seasonal conditions. A local collector is permitted to harvest some acorns to grow saplings, ensuring the tree's legacy continues. The Major Oak is a Quercus robur, or English oa...