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Centuries-Old Sherwood “Major Oak” Dies Amid Tourism, Climate Stress

6/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds announced that the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, England has died.
Conservationists say the tree’s death reflects pressures from tourism and climate change on historic natural landmarks.
The oak, estimated to be 800–1,200 years old, measured a 36-foot circumference.
Dendrometer monitors installed in 2025 recorded only faint activity and no buds or leaves this spring.

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Story summary

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds announced that the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, England has died.
Conservationists say the tree’s death reflects pressures from tourism and climate change on historic natural landmarks.
The oak, estimated to be 800–1,200 years old, measured a 36-foot circumference.
Dendrometer monitors installed in 2025 recorded only faint activity and no buds or leaves this spring.