Posted on 24th Feb
Innovative new technology has been installed in Sherwood Forest by Estonian precision agriculture company Paul-Tech to help keep a close eye on the Major Oak.
The advanced soil station enables real-time monitoring of soil conditions, offering insights to better understand and care for the health of the iconic 1,200 year-old tree, which together with the legend of Robin Hood attracts around 350,000 people from across the globe to visit Sherwood Forest each year.
Mikk Plakk, chief executive of Paul-Tech, said: “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.”
Numerous measures have already been implemented to protect the tree, including support structures and fencing to safeguard its soil and roots. Previously, the soil surrounding the tree was periodically tested to assess its quality and identify potential risks to the tree’s health.
Now, with the real-time data provided by Paul-Tech’s soil station, experts can continuously monitor key soil parameters, such as moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. This data allows for more precise evaluations of the tree’s condition and the ability to adjust maintenance measures as needed.
The project is a collaboration between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which manages Sherwood Forest, and soil health company SoilBioLab.
Also involved are partners from academia, woodland, and conservation organisations, and independent experts in tree health and hydrology, all carrying out vital work to support the oak throughout the year.
Simon Parfey, managing director of SoilBioLab, said: “We have been analysing 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.”
Chloe Ryder, RSPB estate operations manager for Sherwood Forest, added: “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.”
You can find out more about the work that the RSPB has been carrying out to support the Major Oak here.
