Major oak

Major Oak in Sherwood Forest was a world-famous English oak (Quercusrobur) and one of Britain’s most celebrated ancient trees. Estimated to be800 to 1,000 years old, it was confirmed dead in 2026 after failing to comeinto leaf that spring. At its peak it had a girth of 10m, a canopy reaching 28min height and was believed to weigh a whopping 23 tonnes, making it Britain’ssecond largest oak.

The origins of Major Oak’s distinctively strange shape areunknown. It may be a fusion of multiple saplings or a result of pollarding. Itsmighty girth is likely due to growing in a clearing without competition; growthwould have been slow, however, due to acidic, low-quality soil.

This iconic tree was fenced off in the 1970s due to damage fromsoil compaction caused by visitors. Bough supports were installed soon afterand superseded by metal ones in the 2000s.

Major Oak’s history is inextricably linked to the legend of RobinHood while in reality it is a popular attraction that remains home to hundredsof diverse species of wildlife.

Cover photo: John W Schulze / Treeographer

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According to legend, Major Oak served as a shelter for Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a group of outlaws famous for stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

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Major Oak is thought to be the second largest oak in Britain. The largest is Majesty, a pedunculate oak in Fredville Park, Nonington, Kent.

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The name Major Oak honours Major Hayman Rooke (1723-1806), a soldier, antiquarian and tree enthusiast whose books included one about local oaks.

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