The Major Oak

Probably the most famous resident of Sherwood Forest (after Robin Hood, of course), the iconic Major Oak is an ancient giant.

The Major Oak today: Information, questions and answers

Just a 15-minute walk from our Visitor Centre along the Major Oak Trail this mighty English Oak has attracted visitors from all over the world for decades.

They have stood and admired its vast form and wondered whether Robin Hood and his outlaws did hide within the trunk to escape the clutches of the Sheriff of Nottingham, as the legends suggest.

It is arguably the best known and certainly one of the biggest oak trees in Britain, with a canopy spread of 28 metres at its’ peak vitality, a trunk circumference of 11 metres and an estimated weight of 23 tonnes.

The tree is not just a focal point for the forest and an inspiration for legends, it is also the source of so many fond memories that visitors have of Sherwood.

Over recent years however, the Major Oak has been struggling due to poor health. In 2025, its crown produced fewer leaves than at any time in recent memory. In 2026, the tree failed to produce any leaves and after careful examinations by leading tree and soil experts, is thought to have come to the end of its life. But the story is far from over. The tree still stands at Sherwood Forest and will continue to delight visitors and support a vast array of wildlife, above and below the ground.

For several years, the RSPB has been leading efforts to tackle the complex causes of its current condition and gather learning to help manage other ancient oaks

You can read more about that by downloading our update here:

The Major Oak today: Information, questions and answers

You can also get more detailed information by clicking on the red feature block below.