Pioneering Soil Station technology monitors Sherwood’s iconic oak
Estonian precision agriculture company Paul-Tech has installed a piece of innovative new technology to help keep a close eye on the Major Oak.
This advanced soil station enables real-time monitoring of soil conditions, offering valuable insights to better understand and care for the health of this iconic tree.
The Major Oak – one of Britain’s largest and oldest oaks – is said to have been the hiding place of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws in Medieval times. The legend attracts around 350,000 people from across the globe to visit Sherwood Forest each year, most hoping to see the 1,200-year-old native English oak (Quercus robur).
Over the years, numerous measures have been implemented to protect The Major, including support structures and fencing to safeguard its soil and roots. Previously, the soil surrounding the tree was periodically tested to assess its quality and identify potential risks to the tree’s health.
Now, with the real-time data provided by Paul-Tech’s soil station, experts can continuously monitor key soil parameters, such as moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. This data allows for more precise evaluations of the tree’s condition and the ability to adjust maintenance measures as needed.
The project is a collaboration between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which manages Sherwood Forest, SoilBioLab, the UK’s leading soil health agency. Also involved are partners from academia, woodland and conservation organisations, and independent experts in tree health and hydrology, all carrying out vital work to support the oak throughout the year.
Simon Parfey, Managing Director of SoilBioLab, explained, “We have been analysing the soil around The Major Oak for years, studying its microbiology, including the fungi and bacteria it hosts. Paul-Tech’s soil station offers us the opportunity to better understand the hydrology – from water requirements to movement and absorption. Nutrient availability is also a major focus, and the ability to access this data in real time is a significant advantage.”
“The Major Oak is a symbol of Britain’s natural and cultural heritage, and it is a great honour to be part of its preservation,” said Mikk Plakk, Chief Executive Officer of Paul-Tech. “Our soil stations are primarily used in agriculture to help farmers make data-driven decisions. This project, however, allows us to apply our technology in an entirely new way – protecting a historically and ecologically significant tree. We are excited to see how the data we collect will enhance our understanding of heritage conservation.”
Chloe Ryder, the RSPB Estate Operations Manager for Sherwood Forest, said: “Sherwood’s ancient oak trees make it one of Europe’s rarest habitats and it is our privilege to have the responsibility for maintaining the delicate eco-system which has shaped the character of the woodland over thousands of years.
“Supporting the health of the Major Oak requires partnership and expertise. We are working alongside those who understand best how we can create the optimum conditions for the Major Oak to continue its already incredible lifespan.
“The RSPB is a science and evidence-led organisation, so harnessing technology like the Paul-Tech soil station to obtain vital real-time data is essential not just to learn how we can support this tree but other ancient oak trees throughout Sherwood Forest and elsewhere in the future. We’re all really excited to be able to share more clearly and accurately what is happening to the Major Oak and how the work we’re carrying out is benefitting it.”
You can find out more about the work that the RSPB has been carrying out to support the Major Oak here.