Photographer Page

Mark Frith

Great Oak, Nibley Green, Gloucestershire. The tree that started it all for artist Mark Frith's project, this oak is said to have 'seen' a battle fought here between two private feudal armies in 1470. The tree was used as cover for a surprise attack. Mark Frith remembers playing inside the tree's hollowed-out trunk as a child.

The Marton Oak, Marton, Cheshire. Ravaged by time, this tree is a contender for the largest oak in Britain. It has been used as an enclosure for animals, a makeshift tool shed and even a Wendy house.

The Old Man of Calke, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. This tree is still producing acorns after an estimated life in excess of 1,000 years. It gained its name after a competition run in 2006 to coincide with the establishment of the Calke National Nature Reserve.

Major Oak, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. This famous oak is indelibly associated with Robin Hood, given its presence in Sherwood Forest. The name 'Major' doesn't derive from its great size, despite it being 10.5 metres in girth. It was named after Major Hayman Rooke, an archaeologist who conducted a survey of the ancient oaks of Sherwood for a book published in the 18th century. Today the tree is supported by wires and scaffold, which Mark Frith omitted from his drawing.

Queen Elizabeth I Oak, Lodsworth, Sussex. One of the largest oaks to be recorded in Britain, the connection of this particular tree to its namesake is that the famous queen once hunted from beneath it whilst on a deer hunt.

The King John Oak, Shute, Devon. Legend says that this tree grew from an acorn planted by King John himself, who reigned from 1199 to 1216.

The Bowthorpe Oak, Manthorpe, Lincolnshire. This tree has a 12-metre girth, and despite the confirmation of wider trees is often claimed to be the oldest oak in Britain. It's hollowed trunk is said to have once held dinner parties.