Notts: Last chance to vote for Major Oak for European Tree of the Year

One of the highlights of The Major Oak Woodland Festival was the opportunity for visitors to climb aboard an aerial work platform, or 'cherry picker' for a ride above the tree canopy.

England is being represented by the Major Oak, which is within Sherwood Forest Country Park, and was the legendary hideout of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The Major Oak is visited each year by hundreds of thousands of visitors and the country park is managed by Notts County Council.

Robin Hood fans in Sherwood Oregon and the New York Renaissance Faire in America have links to the annual Robin Hood Festival which takes place every year at Sherwood Forest, and are also getting behind the European bid.

Spokesman Susan Danz, from the Robin Hood Festival in Oregon, America, said: “We are delighted to be backing this campaign. We enjoy close links with our friends in Sherwood Forest in the UK through our respective annual festivals which celebrate the life and times of Robin Hood and it would be great if the Major Oak can win.”

And Phil Rose, who played Friar Tuck in the 1984-1986 television series Robin of Sherwood has also backed the campaign.

Phil said: “The Major Oak, in Sherwood Forest, has to be the most iconic tree within the Robin Hood story. If we consider the tree as an actor, its story presents a backdrop of what we wanted to achieve on the Robin of Sherwood series, the immersion and home in Nottingham woods.”

This year’s winner will be announced on 5th March with the awards ceremony taking place on 22nd April at the EU Parliament in Brussels.

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture, at Notts County Council, said: “The Major Oak touches people’s hearts and their imagination. It is one of the most iconic and best known trees in the world and it would be a fitting tribute if it could win this European award. We hope everyone can get behind the campaign.”