Experts from the University of Nottingham have led on a new project that scans and models the Major Oak tree in Sherwood Forest, which could be used to inform how to make large trees in public spaces safer.
The project, which has helped inform the creation of a new contemporary artwork by Nottingham-based Caroline Locke, is an interdisciplinary project from the University of Nottingham's Faculty of Engineering, with support from the Schools of Biosciences, Music and Geography.
The new exhibition, entitled 'FOREST' at Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery, delves into the myth and magic of arboreal art, exploring how this timeless and powerful totem can shape artistic thought and creative practices. As well as a new commission by Caroline Locke, the group exhibition shows how artists have reflected on deeply personal connections to Sherwood Forest or the Major Oak, while others take a broader perspective, exploring the essence of woodlands or their relationship with a greenwood canopy.
Caroline Locke is an artist who works with natural frequencies of 'significant' ancient and trees, using recording equipment to capture data that is made into hand-bells and tuning forks. As part of her contribution towards the project, she needed to measure the 1,000 year old Major Oak, which is supported by metal poles and tension wires to its size and age, weighing an estimated 23 tons, with branches spanning an impressive 92 feet.
To get accurate and scientific data of the tree, academics from the University of Nottingham supported the artist by scanning the tree using lasers to produce a 3D scan and model of the famous tree and local landmark. It is this data that has assisted Locke in the creation of a brand-new artwork which will showcased for the first time at Nottingham Castle.
The Nottingham experts involved, including Sean Ince, Dr John Owen and Dr Amanda Rasmussen, were also interested in looking at the structure of the tree from a safety perspective, and how engineering could be used to manage and mitigate the risks of large trees in public spaces and monitor tree health.
The scan of the tree could also be used to measure the deformation of the tree and assess how it is changing with time. The 3D scans could enable future research to see what safety measures need to be taken to protect the tree and preserve it safely.
It's been exciting to be involved with this project and to see how so many different strands of engineering can work together with Caroline to bring her ideas to fruition. I've enjoyed learning from such a fun experience and can see so many ways that we can use these techniques in other applications.
Artist Caroline Locke said of the project: "I'm excited to be part of artistic projects that explore how instruments, data, and new technologies can help us connect more deeply with the natural world. Collaborating with academics from Nottingham University has been a rewarding experience, especially in using data and new technologies in creative ways.
"The tools we used at Sherwood Forest sparked public curiosity, inspiring conversations and stories about trees and climate change. These interactions with the public not only expand our understanding of how people connect with nature but also encourage a collective sense of responsibility to care for our environment."
The project has also been recorded in a film by local documentary maker Georgianna Scurfield, which will be as part of the upcoming exhibition and showcased in a special screen at Lakeside Arts Centre on the University Campus in June.
This exhibition has been curated by Nottingham City Museums & Galleries, funded by Nottingham City Council, and kindly supported by the Institute for Policy and Engagement at the University of Nottingham.
FOREST will open at Nottingham Castle on 24 May until 2 November 2025, with tickets available here.
