Latest news with #MajorOak
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Action to help 'Robin Hood' tree in Sherwood Forest in heatwave
An ancient oak tree associated with the legend of Robin Hood is feeling the strain in the current heatwave, experts have Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire, is thought to be between 800 and 1,100 years old and has survived fires, winds and snowstorms during its long now conservationists have taken action to protect it from the latest threat - the soaring RSPB, which runs the nature reserve, said it had delivered 3,000 litres (660 gallons) of water to the tree's thirsty roots using special irrigation equipment. In a social media post, the charity said: "As the heatwave continues, the legendary Major Oak is feeling the strain and we're taking action."Thanks to the tech we've installed, we've been alerted that the ancient tree needs extra support."This is just one part of our ongoing efforts to care for this iconic natural treasure as it faces even more challenges." Visitors to the site have expressed concern about the impact of the heat on the tree, which, as legend has it, once gave shelter to the outlaw Robin Hudson said he had never seen so few leaves on the tree in the summer time."It shocked us," he added."The higher section has no smaller branches [or] twigs to produce leaves on and there's hardly any on the extremity."And Tracy Hall said she thought the tree was looking "particularly poor"."The signs that it is struggling have been there a couple of years now," she said. Last year the RSPB dispelled rumours the tree was to recent concerns about the tree's health, it said: "This watering system is just the latest development in a whole range of activity we've undertaken."We have been working with leading arborists and soil health specialists for several years, specifically focusing on the health of the Major Oak and possible solutions to the issue of soil compaction around its roots, in particular."On their advice, the vegetation around the tree is left to grow through its full cycle so its roots fully develop and help to break up the compacted soil, to retain moisture and nutrients and to enhance the biodiversity of its enclosure by attracting pollinating insects and other wildlife."The charity said it was into the third year of a root restoration programme overseen by one of the UK's leading soil microbiology specialists.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scan of ancient 'Robin Hood' tree used for artwork
A university-led project to 3D scan an ancient tree in Nottinghamshire has been used to help create artwork as part of a new exhibition. University of Nottingham academics scanned the Major Oak, in Sherwood Forest, using lasers to produce a model of the local landmark. The Major Oak is said to be associated with the Robin Hood legend and is about 1,000 years old. The scan could enable further research to work out necessary safety measures to protect the oak, the university said. According to the university, the 3D scan could be used to measure the deformation of the tree and assess how it is changing with time. This comes after the RSPB dispelled online speculation in July 2024 that the Major Oak's roots have "all but rotted away and won't be alive this winter". In response to the rumours, the RSPB previously said: "While all trees do eventually reach the end of their life, the Major Oak will still continue to live and be in leaf for many years to come." Caroline Locke, a Nottingham-based artist, benefitted from the project to commission new work which will be shown at Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery. The artist works with natural frequencies of ancient trees, using recording equipment to capture data that is made into hand-bells and tuning forks. Aside from the new commission by Ms Locke, the exhibition - titled FOREST - will show how artists have reflected on personal connections to the Major Oak. Ms Locke said she was "excited" to be part of a project which explores how technology can help people connect with the natural world. As part of her contribution towards the project Ms Locke measured the 1,000-year-old Major Oak, which is supported by metal poles and tension wires. The artist added: "Collaborating with academics from Nottingham University has been a rewarding experience, especially in using data and new technologies in creative ways." The exhibition will be open at Nottingham Castle from 24 May until 2 November. Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Rumours 'Robin Hood' oak is dying dispelled by RSPB Podcast project captures sound of famous Major Oak University of Nottingham
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Scan of Sherwood Forest's 'Robin Hood' tree used for artwork
A university-led project to 3D scan an ancient tree in Nottinghamshire has been used to help create artwork as part of a new of Nottingham academics scanned the Major Oak, in Sherwood Forest, using lasers to produce a model of the local Major Oak is said to be associated with the Robin Hood legend and is about 1,000 years scan could enable further research to work out necessary safety measures to protect the oak, the university said. According to the university, the 3D scan could be used to measure the deformation of the tree and assess how it is changing with comes after the RSPB dispelled online speculation in July 2024 that the Major Oak's roots have "all but rotted away and won't be alive this winter". In response to the rumours, the RSPB previously said: "While all trees do eventually reach the end of their life, the Major Oak will still continue to live and be in leaf for many years to come."Caroline Locke, a Nottingham-based artist, benefitted from the project to commission new work which will be shown at Nottingham Castle Museum and Art artist works with natural frequencies of ancient trees, using recording equipment to capture data that is made into hand-bells and tuning forks. Aside from the new commission by Ms Locke, the exhibition - titled FOREST - will show how artists have reflected on personal connections to the Major Locke said she was "excited" to be part of a project which explores how technology can help people connect with the natural part of her contribution towards the project Ms Locke measured the 1,000-year-old Major Oak, which is supported by metal poles and tension artist added: "Collaborating with academics from Nottingham University has been a rewarding experience, especially in using data and new technologies in creative ways."The exhibition will be open at Nottingham Castle from 24 May until 2 November.
