A newly upgraded and accessible trail has opened at the site of the Knightwood Oak.

The Knightwood Oak, located between Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, is the largest oak tree in the New Forest, with a girth of 7.4 metres, and is more than 500 years old.

The beauty spot has been upgraded with accessibility in mind.

Forestry England’s team has resurfaced the car park and previous trail 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 this very special tree removing overgrown and encroaching vegetation and adding new signage and information explaining the history of this mighty tree.

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 is one of 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."