Robin Hood’s Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has died, experts say

A vast ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood is thought to have died after its first spring with no leaves, experts have said.

The Major Oak in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is thought to be up to 1,200 years old, but has been in decline for some years, according to the RSPB, which manages the woodland.

The conservation charity said the tree had been affected by factors including a century of “well-intentioned” structural intervention, huge numbers of historical visitors around the tree, and recent climate change-driven heatwaves and droughts.

The soil around the tree has become heavily compacted from the footfall of millions of visitors in the past, making it harder for rain to penetrate the soil and for the root system to take in the nutrients it needs, with recent testing showing the soil to be as solid as concrete in some spots.

These factors have compounded the challenges it would be naturally facing at its age, said scientists who have concluded it has died after it failed to produce any leaves this spring.

The tree, which is famous around the world for stories of it sheltering legendary outlaw Robin Hood, will remain standing in the forest as a monument for people and wildlife, the RSPB said.

Hollie Drake, senior site manager at RSPB Sherwood Forest, said the tree’s failure to produce leaves this year was “heartbreaking for everyone”.

Published: 18/06/2026 by Radio NewsHub