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 oak, and its age remains a subject of debate, with estimates ranging from 800 to over 1,000 years.

Recognised as one of Britain's top 50 trees by The National Tree Council, it has a rich history of names.

Originally called the Cockpen Tree—due to its use in cockfighting—it was renamed "The Major’s Oak" after local historian Major Hayman Rooke described it in 1790. During the 19th century, it was also referred to as the Queen or Queen’s Oak.

Today, the tree's sprawling branches are supported by modern posts, replacing earlier structures, and the ground beneath it is protected by a perimeter fence to prevent soil compaction and preserve its health.

Situated in the heart of Sherwood Forest Country Park, the Major Oak is the centerpiece of a 450-acre site managed by Nottinghamshire County Council, serving as both a tourist attraction and an educational resource.