Work continuing to protect the Major Oak
The spring has seen more essential work to protect the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest.
New soil stations have been installed to monitor soil temperature, moisture content and the availability of nutrients for the tree.
These show how root restoration work being carried out by the RSPB is improving the flow of rainwater into the soil.
Dendrometer devices which record growth and contraction linked to water uptake were first installed on the oak in 2024, and more have been added this year.
And arborists are scheduled to carry out an annual examination of the leaves high up in the canopy this summer.
The data from these surveys and monitoring efforts is being collated and interpreted by Dr Andy Hirons, Senior Lecturer in Arboriculture at University Centre, Myerscough, as part of a project involving the RSPB and the Woodland Trust to possibly see how the improved soils link to water uptake by the tree, and how well it can use the nutrients available to it to continue to grow.
Vegetation around the tree will be left to grow wild once again, in line with advice from leading tree and soil specialists.
This approach will help with manual efforts to de-compact the soil, by allowing the roots of surrounding plants to develop under the surface, breaking up the solidified soils.
It is also enabling wildflower species such as Selfheal, Coltsfoot, Queen Anne’s Lace, Wild Raspberry and orchids to become established around the tree.
This benefits insects and enhances the overall biodiversity and health of the habitat within the enclosure.
To find out more about the RSPB’s root restoration project at the Major Oak, watch the video via the button below.
