Wednesday Walk: Exploring the Major Oak: Robin Hood’s Legendary Hideaway

We've walked around Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, UK, many times over the years, but our latest visit felt a bit different. On the news recently, the famous Major Oak, the ancient tree where Robin Hood allegedly hid from the Sheriff of Nottingham, has finally died.

Honestly, I suppose it was only ever a matter of time. The tree has been held up by metal stanchions and wooden supports for decades just to keep its heavy branches from collapsing under their own weight. Still, actually standing there and seeing it without any leaves is quite sad. It’s a massive piece of local history, and it's strange to think its living days are over. That said, the tree isn’t going anywhere. The plan is to leave it standing as a monument and a natural habitat for wildlife.

​While the Major Oak was the main reason for the trip, walking the wider loop through the forest was as enjoyable as ever. Sherwood is full of other ancient, gnarled trees that have survived for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other giant, twisted oaks scattered along the paths if you take the time to look around.

​A lot of these old trees are full of hollows and deadwood, making them ideal habitats for birds and insects. Offshoots and saplings grown from the Major Oak’s acorns have been planted all over the place, so the line continues but it's still well worth a visit for a decent walk. The Major Oak might have reached the end of its life, but the woodland itself is still a great place to wander around.

#wednesdaywalk initiated by @tattoodjay.