Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Declared Dead

The 36-foot-circumference English oak known as the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, was announced dead by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on 18 June 2026. Dendrometer readings in 2025 showed minimal activity and the tree failed to leaf in spring, confirming its demise.

One of England’s oldest trees – which loomed over the Sherwood Forest for over 1,000 years – has died. Here’s why

First recorded by Major Hayman Rooke in 1790, the oak is linked to Robin Hood legend, its hollow trunk imagined as outlaw’s hideout. It has drawn millions of visitors and inspired art.

TravelMole

The RSPB runs reserve, using metal bracing, concrete supports, and a 3,000-litre water injection in 2025. Dame Judi Dench, patron of Woodland Trust, urges stronger legal protection for ancient trees. Local groups such as Annesley Archers club, chaired by Guy Birkin, monitor the site.

TravelMole

From 2022-2024 heatwaves reduced leafing each year. In 2025 dendrometer readings showed only faint activity and the RSPB applied 3,000 litres of water. By spring 2026 no buds appeared, prompting the RSPB to declare the tree dead.

One of England’s oldest trees – which loomed over the Sherwood Forest for over 1,000 years – has died. Here’s why

• Age estimate: 800-1,200 years.

The Guardian

• Trunk circumference: 36 ft (? 11 m).

New York Times

• 2025 water supply: 3,000 L; visitor-induced soil compaction limited root oxygen.

TravelMole

The death shows how climate-driven drought, overtourism, and conservation methods together threaten heritage trees. It serves as a case study for managing ancient woodlands under changing conditions and underscores the need for sustainable visitor practices.

TravelMole

The RSPB said the tree’s demise stemmed from a “web of factors” – climate change, visitor-induced soil compaction and past supports that may have hindered aging; it noted standing trunk will provide wildlife habitat and that lessons will guide protection of other ancient oaks.

TravelMole

Local observers urged stronger protection of woodland heritage. Guy Birkin, chair of Annesley Archers club, called the loss “very sad” and urged greater care for older trees lacking the Major Oak’s publicity. Readers recalled school visits and highlighted the tree’s community role.

The Guardian

Sources give the tree’s age as a range of 800 to 1,200 years. While the RSPB cites multiple stressors, no single cause has been quantified, leaving uncertainty about the relative impact of each factor.

New York Times

• “One of my fondest memories as a child was a school visit to see the Major oak,” — Ian, student

The Guardian

• “Very sad to hear about the death of this iconic tree, so much a part of Nottinghamshire history and legend,” — Guy Birkin, chair

The Guardian

• “I have loved this tree since I was a child,” — Pat Hutton, resident

The Guardian

Saplings cloned from the Major Oak have been planted internationally to preserve its genetics. The RSPB will improve soil management and visitor routing in Sherwood Forest to protect remaining ancient trees.

TravelMole