The Major oak, a legendary 1,000-year-old tree in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, has died after showing no signs of life this year. Long celebrated as a natural and cultural icon tied to the Robin Hood myth, the tree failed to produce leaves in 2026, confirming its death. Experts attribute its decline to a combination of climate change, soil compaction from visitors, and historical conservation efforts that inadvertently caused harm.

Managed by the RSPB since 2018, the tree had been under emergency care for years. Studies revealed a strangled root system, nutrient-poor soil, and structural strain from century-old supports. Attempts to revive the soil ecosystem showed some progress, but extreme summer heat and drought, especially during the 2022 heatwave, overwhelmed the aging oak. The tree’s girth measured 11 meters and its canopy spanned 28 meters, drawing around 350,000 visitors annually.

Though dead, the Major oak will remain standing. Its deadwood provides crucial habitat for a quarter of forest species, underscoring its ongoing ecological value. Conservationists warn that without legal protection, other ancient oaks across the UK are at risk. The Woodland Trust calls for national safeguards, as trees like this die unnoticed each year.