Robin Hood's Major Oak of Sherwood Forest bids for European Tree of the Year

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

The Major Oak of Robin Hood fame is taking on the best of Europe for the European Tree of the Year title

The major oak of Sherwood Forest has stood in silent witness to a slow passing of history that may or may not have included a visit by Robin Hood, but the legendary outlaw of British folklore his giving his backing to the mighty oak’s latest tilt at its place in antiquity.   

Nottinghamshire County Council have put the tree, which dates to between 800 and 1,000 years old, forward for the title of European Tree of the Year, which is subject to a public vote throughout February and Robin Hood has been called in to support it.

Steve Warrington, who as Robin Hood has exciting duels with the Sheriff of Nottingham under the bows of the venerable oak at the annual Robin Hood Festival said the merest mention of the Major Oak makes “people instantly think of Robin Hood”.

“I don't know of another tree that is celebrated like it,” he added. “There is so much history connected to the tree and Sherwood Forest and I hope everyone can get behind the campaign."

The tree at the heart of Sherwood Forest National Nature reserve has already scooped the Woodland Trust’s England Tree of the Year title in December 2014 and was visited by the Olympic Flame as part of the run-up to London 2012.

But despite its fame in England, the old oak faces stiff competition with Estonia's entry from Orissaare already leading the way with several thousand votes in the first three days of voting.

Now the County Council is hoping the Major Oak, which already has around 2,000 votes, can get the whole country behind its bid.

As well as fighting off continental competition the tree is up against trees from Scotland, Wales and another 11 countries for the title of European Tree of the Year, which is managed by the Environmental Partnership Organisation.

The tree with the most public votes at the end of February will win.

To place your vote in the competition visit www.treeoftheyear.org and cast your vote before February 28.

Stay up to date on the competition: www.facebook.com/visitsherwood and on Twitter @NottsCC #TOTY and #VoteMajorOak

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/art516064-robin-hoods-major-oak-of-sherwood-forest-bids-for-european-tree-of-the-year