End of an era for Robin Hood's world-famous Major Oak tree as experts confirm it has died
It is one of the UK’s best loved trees and stories of the tree sheltering legendary outlaw Robin Hood have made it famous around the world
The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees due to its links to the legend of Robin Hood has died after failing to produce any leaves this year.
The iconic tree which stands at the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is estimated to be up to 1,200 years old, but has been in decline for some time. This is despite tireless efforts by the RSPB, which manages the forest, and leading tree and soil health experts, to improve its health and prolong its life.
It is one of the UK’s best loved trees and stories of the tree sheltering legendary outlaw Robin Hood have made it famous around the world. It has had many names but the Major stuck after the tree was mentioned in a book by Major Hayman Rooke in 1790, which began the first proper waves of tourism to the forest.
The tree will still stand at Sherwood Forest as a ‘natural monument’ for visitors and wildlife to enjoy for years to come.
Experts say it is impossible to determine one exact cause of the oak’s demise. A complex combination of issues including more than a hundred years of well-intentioned structural intervention and huge amounts of human activity around the tree for more than 200 years are thought to be major contributors. Other factors such as climate change including recent heat waves and droughts have compounded the challenges it would naturally be facing at its great age.
The Major Oak has helped to attract millions of visitors to experience a place where history, nature and legend meet, and will continue to do so for more generations to come.
Hollie Drake, Senior Site Manager at RSPB Sherwood Forest, said: “Whilst the tree’s failure to produce leaves this year is heart-breaking for everyone – from the many people over the years who have looked after this magnificent tree to the millions who have travelled here to see it – we know the Major Oak will have a lasting legacy, first and foremost because it is so inextricably linked to Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. But beyond its cultural heritage, the Major Oak will continue to provide important habitat for wildlife, reminding us why these remarkable trees are so important and why protecting them for the future matters.
“The invaluable knowledge gleaned from taking care of this beloved tree will inform best practises in how we look after ancient oak trees going forwards, not just here but around the world.
“The Major Oak will continue to stand at the heart of Sherwood as a natural monument for visitors to come and see, living on in the legend of Robin Hood and continuing to provide as much support to the forest’s ecosystem in death as in life.”
