5 of the UK’s most Famous Oak Trees

Oak trees have been present across the UK for over 12,000 years. In fact, they were one of the first trees to colonise the landscape after the last Ice Age. Over time their familiarity and endurance has bestowed them with a deep respect within British culture. Many have come to be associated with historic events, myths and legends. Here are 5 of the most famous oak trees that be found across the UK:

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The Bowthorpe Oak (Lincolnshire, England)

Believed to be over 1,000 years old, The Bowthorpe Oak is widely regarded as one of the UK’s oldest oak trees. With such a vast lifespan, it is no surprise that the tree has an array of stories to accompany it. One of its most interesting tales is that it used to hold tea parties inside its hollowed out trunk. Nowadays the tree is privately looked after by Bowthorpe Farm and welcomes visitors throughout the year.
‍Buy a Bowthorpe Oak.

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The Major Oak (Nottinghamshire, England)

This ancient oak is an icon of Sherwood Forest. Set amongst ancient woodland, the Major Oak stands apart from its neighbours with its enormous size. Its canopy is spread over 30 metres and its trunk is over 11 metres in diameter. However it is probably the oak's association with the legend of Robin Hood that gives it the most recognition. Robin and his band of merry men were said to use the forest as shelter and a hiding spot. No doubt the Major Oaks grand size therefore made it an ideal location for the group of outlaws.
‍Buy a Sherwood Oak.

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The Birnam Oak (Perthshire, Scotland)

Located in the outskirts of its namesake village, the Birnam Oak is one of Scotland’s most famous trees. It is one of the last remaining trees of Birnam wood, which was famously celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the play, the witches said "Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him." The reference was said to have come about after Shakespeare visited the local area in 1599.

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The Pontfadog Oak (Wrexham County Borough, Wales)

Known as ‘Wale’s National Tree’, this famous oak was said to be one of the biggest and oldest in the world. Unfortunately, it succumbed to a storm in 2013 when it was blown over in the strong winds. Luckily however, the Pontfadog Oak’s legacy continues to the present day, as The Crown Estate successfully cultivated saplings from the tree. These commemorative oaks were replanted; one in its original location and another in Great Windsor Park.

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Old Knobbley (Essex, England)

Old Knobbley is a much loved 800 year old oak from Mistley, Essex. Like the name suggests, it is recognised through its gnarled and scarred trunk. However, underneath its haggard appearance lies an even more eerie story. In the 17th century a self appointed witch hunter named Matthew Hopkins was notorious across East Anglia. It was said that local women would flock to the woods to avoid accusation and capture by him. It is here that the famous oak provided a safe sanctuary and protection to this band of outcast ‘witches.’

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