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Major Oak: Ancient 'Robin Hood' tree is dead, experts say
Experts said soil compaction, heatwaves and long-term interventions contributed to the ancient oak’s decline, but its acorns have already grown into saplings worldwide.
- The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has died after failing to produce leaves this spring, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds confirmed. The iconic tree, linked to the Robin Hood legend, will remain standing as a natural monument.
- Centuries of tourist footfall compacted the soil around the tree, leaving it vulnerable to extreme weather; Reg Harris, director of Urban Forestry, said the most recent decline corresponded with five hot, droughty summers, notably July 2022 when temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius.
- Soil specialist Simon Parfey, managing director of SoilBioLab, revealed the root system had been 'quietly struggling for a long time' due to heavy ground compaction. Dr. Ed Pyne of the Woodland Trust noted 'well-intentioned' structural interventions, such as braces fitted since 1904, likely contributed to the tree's demise.
- Even in death, the tree provides vital deadwood habitat for rare invertebrates and hundreds of threatened species. RSPB estate operations manager Chloe Ryder said the knowledge gained from monitoring will help protect other ancient oaks across Britain and beyond.
- Saplings grown from the oak's acorns have been planted globally, including at the U.S. ambassador's London residence, to ensure its genetic lineage survives. Experts emphasize the tree's death serves as a warning about protecting ancient woodlands for future generations.
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Supports and ropes have been holding the oak for decades. Now this also did not help any more: The world-famous tree ("Major Oak"), under which Robin Hood was probably already looking for protection, has died.
·Dortmund, Germany
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Huge Robin Hood tree confirmed dead after 1,000 years 'because of tourists'
The major Oak in Sherwood Forest — famed as Robin Hood's legendary hideout in Nottinghamshire — has been confirmed dead by experts from the RSPB and Woodland Trust after an estimated 1,000 years of life
·Birmingham, United Kingdom
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In England, an oak, over a thousand years old, has died, which plays a role in the Robin Hood legend. The many visitors are said to be responsible for this.
·Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources92
Leaning Left15Leaning Right7Center49Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Center
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
69% Center
L 21%
C 69%
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