Sherwood Forest – Steel City Snapper photography

I’ve never visited Sherwood Forest before, despite it being only half-an-hour’s drive from where I live. I’ve visited Clumber Park and it’s surrounding woodland on many occasions though, and I guess that’s all part of the original much larger area of forest.

The trip I took last month was mostly intended to photograph the Major Oak but, if I’m honest, it’s not all that photogenic and, due to the fences that surround it, the compositions are a bit limited. I’m sure that, under good conditions, there are many good photographs to be had, but I feel that the other trees (including many other ancient oaks) withing the forest are perhaps better subjects.

Today I’ve posted a few other pictures from the trip. I think I might try to return in a few weeks when tthe autumn colour is in full effect.

Bronica ETRSi, Zenzanon 75mm f/2.8 PE, & Kodak Ektar. Lab developed, home scanned, and converted with Negative Lab Pro.

Taken 23 September 2023.

The Major Oak is a large and ancient oak tree which resides in Sherwood Forest. It is thought to be in the region of eight-hundred to eleven-hundred years old. It’s trunk is eleven metres in circumference, and it is estimated to weigh twenty-three tonnes. It is named after Major Hayman Rooke (1723-1806), who carried out a survey of trees in the area in 1790.

The tree is perhaps most famous due to its association with Robin Hood who, along with his band of Merry Men, was said to shelter beneath the tree and occasionally hide inside its trunk.

In its old age, not that differently to people, the tree requires some additional support to keep it from taking a fall, and the boughs are supported in multiple places by supports that were first installed in the 1970s, and with chains at the crown of the tree that were placed in the early 20th century.

The tree is quite a tourist attraction and is around fifteen minute’s walk from the Sherwood Forest visitor centre. While the tree itself is fenced off to prevent damage, there are tables and benches in an adjacent clearing where people can sit and admire it. I was there quite early in the day and didn’t see many people apart for the odd dog walker and jogger, but I was quietly amused whe and ice cream van pulled up from one of the service tracks. I guess the tree is a good place to do business even if you’re not an outlaw!

Bronica ETRSi, Zenzanon 75mm f/2.8 PE and Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°.

Taken 23 September 2023.

Tag: Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest Scenes

The Major Oak