The Knightwood Oak
New Forest
The Knightwood Oak
The huge Knightwood Oak is unquestionably the New Forest’s most famous tree and is thought to be one of the oldest, with age estimates ranging from 450 to 600 years old. The girth of the trunk close to ground level is just over seven metres, indeed a size only achieved after several centuries of growth!
What also makes the Knightwood Oak different to most other oaks in the New Forest is that it is a pollarded oak.
Pollarding, a method of tree management, was used throughout the New Forest in ancient times. A pollarded tree has been cut a couple of meters above ground level, promoting outward growth of fresh branches rather than the single main trunk continuing upwards. This forced growth of numerous new branches greatly increases the yield of timber from the tree.
The pollarding of oak trees in the New Forest was stopped when the Royal Navy started using the oak timber for shipbuilding at Bucklers Hard; pollarding prohibited the growth of tall, solid trunks ideal for cutting into long planks that were required for the ships of Nelson’s fleet.
Today, the Knightwood Oak is a very pleasant spot to go and relax with a picnic, while soaking up some of the unique New Forest atmosphere.
There are a couple of short walks from the Knightwood Oak car park, and the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary isn’t too far away.
Where to find the Knightwood Oak
The giant tree is located at the southern end of Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, very close to the A35 road approximately 2 miles west of Lyndhurst. The car park is on the opposite side of the Drive to the tree, the oak is only a couple of minutes walk away.
Related pages & resources
Important update: Regrettably the OS map excerpt previously shown for this walk can no longer be used on this website. The walk is doable without it, by following the directions and photos outlined below, but please take extra care. If you don’t feel confident about trying the walk without the map excerpt, please don’t!
You can buy our offline map by clicking here or the Pocket Guide Image.
I put together a handy downloadable pocket guide ebook containing all of the walks from this website plus many pages of fascinating facts, essential local tips and useful information regarding the New Forest. All of which is available for download in a completely ad free, mobile friendly format. Suitable for use in all smartphones, tablets and kindles etc. Save some ink and the hassle of printing by downloading the New Forest National Park Pocket Guide right here, the only one of it’s kind and found no where else!
All-Weather Exploration in New Forest
Adventure often means contending with unpredictable weather, from sudden rain showers to chilly, foggy mornings. The weather can change quickly, creating challenges for your outdoor plans and vehicle. Therefore, how should you prepare for an
Discover Hidden Trails for a Memorable Hiking Adventure
Want to discover hidden trails for a memorable hiking adventure? Explore the secluded paths of New Forest National Park for an unforgettable hiking experience. Navigate through ancient woodlands and open heathlands to uncover the park’s
A Guide to Camping, Fishing, and Embracing Nature
Venturing into untamed landscapes offers a rare sense of freedom, detaching you from daily routines. Imagine greeting the dawn surrounded by nature’s chorus, enveloped by foliage and open skies, with endless possibilities awaiting your discovery.
Cycling Through National Parks
Love cycling through national parks? Imagine the soft hum of bike tires on a winding path under blue skies, with the scent of pine needles in the air and a deer glimpsed in the distance!
Forest Camping Adventures with Your Dog
Picture taking a spontaneous walk through the wild New Forest with your pet, where every sniff and paw print tells a unique story in nature’s vast manuscript. The New Forest offers beautiful scenery and friendly
Charity Events to Take Part in
Charity Events to Take Part in Around the New Forest If you are ready to do something good and make a difference in the world, you will be pleased to hear that there are