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Ancient Sherwood Forest oak tree reputed to have sheltered Robin Hood has died
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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Thousand-year-old ancient oak tree tied to 'Robin Hood' legend has died, wildlife charity says
Major Oak, RSPB Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire, May 2026 (Ben Andrew/RSPB) (LONDON) — A giant, ancient oak tree located in the the Sherwood Forest — the iconic setting of the “Robin Hood” legend — has died, one of the U.K.’s top bird and wildlife conservation charities said. Famous for its enormous trunk — about 36 feet in circumference — and gnarled branches, the Major Oak was believed to be about 1,200 years old, according to …
·Baltimore, United States
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The over 1,200-year-old Major Oak, which has been considered one of the most well-known symbols of the Robin Hood legend for centuries, has died.
·Budapest, Hungary
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Total News Sources222
Leaning Left34Leaning Right20Center108Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 21%
C 67%
12%
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