Sherwood with Hayley and Izobelle

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We had visited the Sherwood Pine cabins before, and enjoyed ourselves greatly. So this time we asked Hayley and Izobelle to share a cabin with us and it proved a good choice - enjoyed by all! This site is just a mile or so from the real Sherwood forest which was a place to visit during the week.


This was our cabin set among the pines.


To keep Izobelle amused, we had a choice of onsite activities. `Let's try archery` we thought. Obviously the smaller archers` had to use a smaller bow etc, but Izobelle quickly showed us all up with her accuracy, seeming not to be daunted by the whole process.


Putting the bow back on the rack. The bow being nearly as big she is!


Sculpture of Robin Hood and Little John fighting at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre


The Major Oak. 

Whilst no one knows an exact age, we do know it’s been standing for anywhere between 800 – 1100 years. If we go by the earliest estimate, it has stood through the Vikings, the Battle of Hastings, Agincourt, Waterloo, the births and deaths of Shakespeare, Henry VII, Dickens, Darwin, Newton, Chaucer, Cromwell, the two world wars, over 50 monarchs… it’s seen a lot! 
During that time, it’s survived fire, raging winds, heavy snowstorms and hundreds of years of deforestation. It has watched as millions of people from all over the world have gathered around it to stare up at its branches. The Major Oak is the biggest oak tree in Britain, with a canopy spread of 28 metres, a trunk circumference of 11 metres and an estimated weight of 23 tonnes. It’s not clear whether the Major Oak is one tree or multiple saplings that have fused together. The soil below is also relatively poor and acidic, meaning the oak has had to take things steady, slowly growing over a long time to reach this size. It seems to have grown up in a clearing for most of its life, being able to grow outwards without having to compete against other trees. This is what allowed the Major Oak to spread its great boughs and fill as much space as possible. 
Although it’s undeniably big, it’s not called the Major Oak because of its size. In 1790, the Major Heyman Rooke wrote a book detailing the oak trees of the area and people began to refer to it as the Major Oak in his honour. 



While Rosey and I went for a walk, Izobelle went to the visitor Center at the site to do some painting. She seemed to be enjoying it, along with her marshmallows.


Hayley and Izobelle having a pose for the camera.


Mum and daughter having a pamper.


Izobelle carving her pumpkin, which turned out rather well.


Queen Rosey on her throne.


Shaggy Scalycap seen on a forest walk.


There were less fungi about than we hoped, but nonetheless, we manage a few photos.



Location: Sherwood Pines, Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL

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