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.
128 Articles
128 Articles
An ancient oak from the Sherwood forest in northern England seems to be dead, announced Thursday the body that is in charge of it.
Major Oak, the 1,200-Year-Old Tree with Ties to the Robin Hood Legend, Is Presumed Dead After Failing to Produce Leaves
The legendary bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor is said to have used the massive tree as a hideout while running from the sheriff of Nottingham
Robin Hood’s tree is the latest iconic site to fall victim to tourists
First, it was Molly Malone. Then it was the gravesite of Dobby, the house elf from “Harry Potter.” And now a tree integral to the story of Robin Hood — the latest iconic site that’s been damaged or permanently altered by tourists. Whether intentional or not, human beings’ interest in visiting these sites could be causing irreparable harm, and we’re seeing it, as recently as this week. The death of Robin Hood’s tree On Thursday, officials announ…
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