At between 800-1000 years old, it is now held up by supports, but this is only to help it live longer! On our visit there, we learnt about oak trees, how they take 300 years to grow, live for about 300 years and then die over 300 years, the supports on the Major Oak help this process and mean the tree stays here for people to enjoy for much longer.
Oak trees are beautiful, the shapes they form and their leaves are unmistakeable, some of the older trees in this forest have bands on them to help them stay alive.
We looked at the tree stumps to see if we could figure out how old the trees had been when they fell, there were lots of information points, to help us learn about the wildlife and we saw lots of fungi.
Some of the stumps had been made into fairy houses, we loved this sign that told you not to poke things into the trees trunk as it is a home to many little creatures.
On a few of the trees there were these fab faces made from clay, feathers, twigs and leaves, we are definitely going to give these a try!
Onto the major oak itself, you can't really tell from the pictures the size of the tree, but believe me, it is big.
The trunks on oak trees are hollow yet the outside keeps on growing, the hole in the trunk here an adult could get through standing up, the reason for the fibre glass on part of the trunk was due to some ignorant person trying to burn it down and this will stop any mold setting in.
This weekend there was an archer talking about the bow and arrows that Robin Hood and the knights of the crusades would have used, he gave an awesome display of archery.
He then went on to tell us about the different arrows, allowed the children to try holding the sword and went on to tell us about the battle of Agincourt. It was really interesting and gave an insight into the world of Robin Hood.
Linking up to Magic Moments on The Oliver's Madhouse
Gosh that's a big tree! Looks like a fun day out
ReplyDeleteIt is so big but very beautiful!
DeleteI love the fairy houses. I've not made it to the Major Oak in years. Such a shame when it's so close. Lovely pictures Ellie #magicmoments
ReplyDeleteThank you, it really is a lovely place to take the kids. Allows your imagination to run wild.
DeleteOoooo my boys would like it here
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of places to hide, it's great.
DeleteSounds a great place to visit. Have to admit I didn't know that about Oaks. I can't believe someone would try to burn it - how sad (and stupid).
ReplyDeleteYes very sad and extremely stupid, they are such a wonderful tree and so beautiful.
DeleteThis place looks cool, my girls would love it :-) #magicmoments
ReplyDeleteSo much to see and explore, such a great forest.
DeleteWow even with the support it looks really quite regal and majestic for a tree doesn't it? It looks like a great place to visit :)
ReplyDeleteIt is such an important part of local history for us and such a great place to imagine the days long gone.
DeleteLooks like you've had such a great time! The kids would love to go there!
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds completely amazing!! I would love to go there! What a wonderful way to spend the day :) x
ReplyDeleteWow! What a fantastic place to visit and explore! And so many interesting little bits to learn and do (archery is quite genius!) #magicmoments
ReplyDeleteMaria
Awww this tree is massive and so beautiful! I got the scale when you show the man in the fence. I wish I can see this tree. Just amazing. #magicmoments
ReplyDeletewo love the major oak, my great great grandad helped put those supports up! .. i spent all my childhood in those woods
ReplyDelete