A newly upgraded and accessible trail is now open at the site of the Knightwood Oak, one of the New Forest’s oldest and most famous trees.

The Knightwood Oak is the largest oak tree in the national park – with a girth of 7.4m. It is also one of the oldest – thought to be more than 500 years of age.

Given the title Queen of the Forest, it first became well known in Victorian times and has featured on maps ever since.

Forestry England said the beauty spot has been upgraded with accessibility in mind. The car park and previous trail have been resurfaced to ensure a flat and even surface suitable for mobility vehicles and pushchairs.

Two fully accessible parking spaces are available in the car park and new picnic benches have been placed on the trail.   

The team has also been working around the boundary of the tree itself, removing overgrown and encroaching vegetation and adding new signage and information explaining the history of this mighty oak.

The work was funded by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) through a £50,000 grant from Defra’s Access for All fund as part of the NPA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the National Park is accessible to all.

Richard Burke, Recreation Manager for Forestry England, said the Knightwood Oak was “one the New Forest’s most famous and much-loved trees”.

“This additional funding has allowed us to ensure that everyone can access this special place and learn more about the history of the Forest. We are grateful to the New Forest National Park Authority for its financial support and commitment on this project.”

The new Knightwood Oak trail can be enjoyed as part of our Eagle Oak – Knightwood Oak walk, a 4 or 2-mile route linking the Knightwood Oak with another of the New Forest’s magnificent ancient trees, the nearby Eagle Oak.