In the heart of Sherwood Forest, a pioneering technology is now safeguarding one of Britain’s most iconic trees. The Major Oak, a colossal and ancient oak tree, has been a symbol of the legend of Robin Hood for centuries. This tree, estimated to be around 1,200 years old, attracts approximately 350,000 visitors annually. To ensure its continued health and preservation, Estonian precision agriculture company Paul-Tech has installed an advanced soil station at the base of the tree.
This innovative technology enables real-time monitoring of soil conditions, providing valuable insights into the tree’s health. The soil station continuously measures key parameters such as moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, which were previously assessed through periodic testing. This real-time data allows experts to better understand and address the specific needs of the tree, ensuring its long-term survival.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which manages Sherwood Forest, and SoilBioLab. Additional support comes from academic institutions, woodland and conservation organizations, and independent experts in tree health and hydrology. Together, these partners are dedicated to supporting the oak throughout the year.
Simon Parfey, managing director of SoilBioLab, highlighted the significance of the soil station. “We have been analysing the soil around The Major Oak for years, studying its microbiology, including the fungi and bacteria it hosts. Paul-Tech’s soil station offers us the opportunity to better understand the hydrology – from water requirements to movement and absorption. Nutrient availability is also a major focus, and the ability to access this data in real time is a significant advantage.”
Mikk Plakk, chief executive officer of Paul-Tech, expressed his excitement about the project. “The Major Oak is a symbol of Britain’s natural and cultural heritage, and it is a great honour to be part of its preservation. Our soil stations are primarily used in agriculture to help farmers make data-driven decisions. This project, however, allows us to apply our technology in an entirely new way – protecting a historically and ecologically significant tree. We are excited to see how the data we collect will enhance our understanding of heritage conservation.”
Chloe Ryder, the RSPB Estate Operations Manager for Sherwood Forest, emphasized the importance of this technology in maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the forest. “Sherwood’s ancient oak trees make it one of Europe’s rarest habitats and it is our privilege to have the responsibility for maintaining the delicate eco-system which has shaped the character of the woodland over thousands of years. Supporting the health of the Major Oak requires partnership and expertise. We are working alongside those who understand best how we can create the optimum conditions for the Major Oak to continue its already incredible lifespan. The RSPB is a science and evidence-led organisation, so harnessing technology like the Paul-Tech soil station to obtain vital real-time data is essential not just to learn how we can support this tree but other ancient oak trees throughout Sherwood Forest and elsewhere in the future. We’re all really excited to be able to share more clearly and accurately what is happening to the Major Oak and how the work we’re carrying out is benefitting it.”
