Major Oak, Ancient oak tree in Sherwood Forest, England.
Major Oak is an old English oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, estimated to be between 800 and 1000 years old. The trunk has split over the centuries and divides into several branches supported by metal props.
The tree was recorded in 1790 by Major Hayman Rooke in a book about old trees in the region, and later took on its current name. The metal supports were added in the 20th century to prevent the trunk and branches from collapsing.
The tree takes its name from the historian who recorded it, though many visitors associate it with stories of the outlaw in the forest. The hollow interior is often mentioned as a shelter in old tales, even though no proven link exists today.
A short walk from the visitor center leads to the tree, with a fence keeping visitors at a distance to avoid damaging the roots. The paths are wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though the forest floor can be uneven in places.
The hollow interior is not accessible to visitors, but conservationists have recorded several bat species using the tree as a roost. The bark also supports rare beetle species that depend on very old deadwood.
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